# I'm a fighter #
Two Aussies. Two internationals.
# Take me higher #
It is a healthy rivalry going on.
It's fun.
# It's in my blood #
The Aussie side, they play this nice guy game, but in reality...
# It's in my head #
..they're the most cutthroat.
They see me as a threat.
It's passion. Sometimes you just have to get in there,
you know, physical.
At the end of the day, what's more important?
Love or winning? Love? Winning?
Winning.
The rivalry is real. Grab the popcorn.
# It's in my blood #
Team Jason is looking strong. I've got nine artists.
I can't believe we're so close to closing out my team.
Just three spots left to fill.
If you want to win, you've got to be a part of my team.
I mean, it's just that simple.
GUY: I have seven artists which means I've got five spots left to fill.
I feel like this is the strongest team I've ever had so far.
RITA: I've got eight on my team and that means I only have
four spots left. I'm running out of space, guys.
I'm feeling good, though. I'm feeling confident.
JESS: I have seven artists on my team right now.
I feel good. I'm coming for the next artist.
(FUNKY MUSIC)
Hello, my name is Marley. I'm on the Voice
and I'm ready to have some fun. Let's go!
# ..got to make it right... #
I'm actually named after Bob Marley. Boom.
My mum had already previously named me,
but then my dad came and he said, "I want to name him after Bob Marley."
So Marley is my name. It's stuck and it feels good.
# I don't know how you stand in those shoes #
I've been singing for a little while now
that I've sort of gotten comfortable. So auditioning for The Voice
is pushing myself to the limit. What am I capable of?
And go for it, eh?
# And I know I'll be here someday #
The song that I'm singing for my blind audition
is Ribbon in the Sky by Stevie Wonder.
Guy sang it on Idol for his audition,
and I guess it does sort of have a lot of pressure.
# Guess I'm gonna take a while to find a... #
I feel like I would be pretty sad if no chairs turned.
I would love if Guy turned his chair and anyone else.
So we'll see what happens.
WOMAN: Artist walking.
# Oh, so long
(AUDIENCE CHEERS)
# For this night I prayed
# That a star
# Would guide you my way
# To share with
# Me this special day
# Where are ribbons in the sky for our love
Get Out!
# If allowed
# May I touch your hand
Go, babe!
# And if pleased
# May I once again
# So that you
# Too will understand
(AUDIENCE CHEERS) Woo!
RITA: Oh, my god!
# That there's a ribbon in the sky
# A ribbon in the sky
# There's a ribbon in the sky
# For our love... #
Whoo!
Yeah!
Oh, my god!
What?
Wow. What on earth just happened to my ears?
That was unbelievable.
What is your name?
My name is Marley Sola.
I'm 27 and I come from Otautahi, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Hey!
Wow, what a voice.
Thanks, man. I appreciate it.
That song to me changed my life.
I auditioned on Idol with that song and to hear you sing it
and just give it this whole other Marley thing.
I mean, I'm listening to a singer that's just... You're not thinking.
You're feeling, like it's just, for me, Marley,
you are why I did this show this year.
It's that pure voice that makes this worthwhile as a coach.
So, wow. Thank you for appearing in my team...
for The Voice 2023.
We are going to have so much fun.
We can sing Ribbon In The Sky together.
We can... No, but for real. For real.
I'm not going to assume anything because I know how these guys pitch.
Especially you, Rita.
I'm pretty good, but I do feel there's a connection.
I'm not done yet! Marley...
I just kind of feel like there's a lot of, like, lying going on.
Like...
You know, there's that same person just a while ago was like,
"You have the best voice I ever heard."
And now it's like, "Yeah..." I mean, I don't know.
I came from this... In that area. Oh!
It was the Australian side.
The Australian side! Right here.
There's a side? Yes.
Maybe it's come from that side for sure.
Is there no level you won't stoop to?
I mean, I'm floored, man.
I had an incredible time hearing your gift.
This was really, truly, truly a pleasure.
What's your singing background? I grew up singing in church,
in a Seventh Adventist Samoan church. I'm part Samoan, so let's go.
(CHEERING)
I got some Samoan... Come on.
My little brother. One of my security guards is Samoan as well.
Oh, there it is. So we're kind of like family.
I got, like, three Samoan tattoos, but I mean...
Come on! You know.
I'm married to a Samoan man, so.
(CHEERING)
I am just enamoured. I'm blown away. Thank you so much.
Your vocal range is incredible. Your technique is through the roof.
Like out of here, brother.
I would love to have you as a part of my team.
Thank you.
Yeah, it was so like, angelic.
I remember being, like, 13 years old when I saw
Guy perform the crap out of that song.
And that moment for me was like, "Oh, my gosh!"
That song has made him a big star.
Like, I was just like lifted.
And honestly, that song has made you a big star, my friend.
Thank you so much.
Look, I know we're all going to start fighting over you in a moment.
Start? I thought it started ages ago.
Oh, well, it has. It has started, but it's going to get ugly.
I'm sure. But, yeah, I mean, there is nobody like you on team Jess.
You literally blew me away with that performance,
and I'm really grateful for that. Thank you. I appreciate it.
Thank you.
I was going to ask why now? The Voice.
I feel like, you know, you're such a seasoned vocalist
and you've probably seen the show a million times.
Why did you choose now to come?
To be honest, I've sort of got a little bit comfortable,
and I just I want to push myself because this made me so nervous.
What were you afraid of?
I don't think it was afraid.
I think, to be honest, bro, it was probably 20 years ago
that I was watching your audition in my lounge.
Yeah. Almost 20.
And in my heart of hearts,
I've always known I wanted to sing the song to you.
This song specifically to you. Wow.
Yeah.
OK, well, then why don't you guys sing it together?
Come on. My goodness!
I'll sing it with you Go o, Gut. I think you should.
Oh.
Wow.
Is that OK? Of course, bro.
Can I get a microphone? You can have mine.
No, I'll do... You're singing it with me.
I hope I remember this. It's been...
While you're waiting, should I just quickly pitch or there's no point?
What do you think? No point.
Do you want to start? No, you start.
# Oh, so long
Oh!
# For this night I prayed
# That a star Yeah, boy, sing.
# Would guide you my way
# To share with
# Me this special day
# There's a ribbon in the sky
# For our love
Whoo! Hey!
# If allowed
# Oh, may I touch your hand
Hey!
# And may we
# May I once again
# So that you too
# Will understand
# To wear a ribbon in the sky
# For our love #
Marley, my gosh.
What a moment. Thank you so much, bro.
Can we do that more? Come on, let's do.
Can we do it more? Am I your coach?
Let me...
Can I just try? Yeah. Go on, Rita.
Rita.
I'm just going to... I'm just going to try and I'll keep it short.
Everyone here really wants you to go with me, OK?
And that is just the honest truth.
No, I genuinely, I genuinely just want to say, like, whatever happens,
obviously, I'd love to have you on...
I feel stupid even trying. I'd love to have you on my team.
You are a blessing. I would love to work with you, but it's up to you.
Yeah. I'm gonna go with the brother Guy.
Thank you.
Oh, man, this is going to be fun.
So much fun.
Brother.
Thank you, dude. Thank you so much.
I'm so glad. I'm so glad I did it.
I can't wait.
Congratulations, Guy. Thank you, Rita.
Welcome. I'm happy for you.
I gave him to you. You're welcome!
I mean, I did put myself in it when I said
you guys should sing together, didn't I?
Yeah, that was your suggestion. I don't know why I did that.
Because I felt like it was... It just had to be done.
He just looked like he watched your whole career, you know?
And you just made his dream come true.
He sang with you, which is amazing. It was really fun, too.
I was determined to do the same runs that I did 20 years ago.
How old were you? I was 20, I think.
I was 13. 20 I think.
I wasn't even born.
Yes you damn well were.
I was. I was.
How did I become the old guy?
VOICEOVER: NEXT... Peacock kind of goes, "Arrgghh."
..can this songbird turn a chair?
So I learnt to sing by mimicking birds.
What exactly does that mean?
Then a blast from the past.
We are the bushwhackers.
I'm not sure how often Jess Mauboy tells people,
but basically she owes it all to us.
And later...
Jeez, Louise!
..the coaches battle for artists.
We can't have another year where an international wins.
..ends in an international incident.
# This is The Voice #
# It's you, it's you I'm here to think about #
One thing I enjoy doing with my time is I love to go out birdwatching.
It's kind of a fun game where you stand there and like,
just listen for ages and then you go, "There's something over there."
# I'm like a song you can get out of your head #
You might run over, find it in your binoculars or in your camera.
It's like, yes. And then you get to tick it off. It's very satisfying.
# I never go less than 100% #
My name is Jade. I'm 25 and I'm from Melbourne.
I can make some bird noises.
(IMITATES BIRD)
Does that sound like a cockatoo?
Currawongs.
My magpie is not bad.
So I learnt to sing by mimicking birds.
And famous artists.
# Don't take me to church #
I just had this habit of wanting to sing the song
so perfectly that I would sound like that singer.
# God never done nothing for me #
It is really exposing when you start to sing with your own voice,
it's different to mimicking because you've got that shield up of like,
"Oh, well, this isn't me, it's Britney Spears."
# I was never one to truly believe #
And then when you actually have to be you,
you're suddenly so vulnerable and open
to people's criticisms and opinions.
I think that's the scary bit.
# I want to be buried at sea #
So I'm going to be singing a Celine Dion song.
She is just one of the most iconic vocalists and artists out there.
I'm taking a big risk by singing something like this,
so I just hope that I don't end up sounding just like her.
WOMAN: Artist walking.
# There were nights when the wind was so cold
# That my body froze in bed if I just listened to it... #
Big song! Yeah, huge song.
# Well, I finished crying in the instant that you left
# And I banished every memory you and I had ever made
# But when you touch me like this
# And you hold me like that
# I just have to admit
# That it's all coming back to me
# It's all coming back, it's all coming back to me now
# There were moments of gold
# And there were flashes of light
# There were nights of endless pleasure
# It was more than all your laws allow
# Baby, baby
# If I kiss you like this
# And if you whisper like that
# I can barely recall
# But it's all coming back to me now... #
(AUDIENCE CHEERING WILDLY)
Oh, my god. Oh, my goodness.
What's your name? My name is Jade Talbot.
I'm 25 and I'm from Melbourne.
Wow.
You have a very, very beautiful, beautiful instrument there.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
So tell me a bit about yourself. What's your musical background?
My musical background? I guess I've been singing my whole life.
One thing that's kind of interesting about it
is I learnt to sing through, like, learning bird songs.
Er... Yeah! (LAUGHS)
What exactly does that mean?
So I enjoy just going out into nature and bird watching and stuff,
and I got quite good at recognising the bird calls and mimicking them.
Like a 'cookabarrow'? What did you say?
Like a cookabarrow.
A kookaburra.
Kookaburra.
(ALL REPEATING)
Do you know what sort of sound a kookaburra makes?
I don't. I can do it for you if you want.
Yes, please. Really?
Oh, my God.
(IMITATES KOOKABURRA)
Yeah!
So that's how you learn to sing? Yes.
That and like and mimicking other great artists.
Incredible. So I find that really interesting because a lot about
being a singer is training your ear, right. Yes.
And mimicking things back because, you know, with music, you know,
you play somebody's singing and there's a run that you can't do.
You play it over and over and over again.
I guess it's the same thing with a bird.
You hear a bird and you're like... Ca-caw! Ca-caw!
I feel like there is some really cool things that we can do together
because I feel like there's some room to grow.
So we'll play around with all sorts of things.
You can sing like songs from like the Counting Crows or the Eagles.
Sam Sparrow.
You can call Sheryl Crow. Yes!
I'm sorry. That was... No, no, I get it.
Terrible bird puns. You can even ask Russell Crowe.
I got to tell you, I mean, so late in the competition, you know,
for you to come here and get a chair turn is saying a lot.
Thank you for turning. Yeah, of course.
Amazing. I love this. This is like a layup.
Amazing.
I think you're incredible. Thank you so much.
You're such an awesome talent. Thank you.
This is for you.
Oh, my god!
Little gift for you.
All right. Fantastic.
Hello, dad. Very nice to meet you. Thank you.
Are you kidding? Of course. Yeah, absolutely.
We're going to have a lot of fun. Can I do your thing?
Yeah, please. # Jason Derulo #
Hey, guys. We're gonna get along well.
We going get along so well!
..just a sexy trait, all of a sudden. I mean, I don't know why.
It's a very sexy trait.
It's just so cool. Like, a 25-year-old is just, like,
doing something, it's a cool hobby.
I might do that. Bird watching.
You might see me in the bush-backs. Is that what it's called?
Bush-back! The outback!
Oh, the outback!
I don't have an off button.
Wow.
I won't stop talking. I'll just...
My mind will jump to 25 different things per second.
It's quite nuts. It's like a dog on the zoomies.
I'm Gabby Asta. I'm 22 and I'm from Victoria.
I'm an accountant and that doesn't seem like
that's the industry that I would be in because
I'm very 'hooray - here we go'.
And accountants are very not.
As much as I love accounting, my ultimate dream is rock star.
# Saviour
# Come out and play in the moonlight #
Touring the world. Stepdad shredding guitar next to me.
Selling out arenas. That is the ultimate dream.
And I'm gonna do everything I can to get there.
# I'm calling out I wanna feel alive #
The song that I'm going to sing for my blind audition
is extremely dynamic and it's super, super fast
and I want to show that I have more skill
than just singing fast.
So I want to try and be really, really calm and quiet in the start.
But then I have this big note in the middle, which is huge,
and then I have to go very soft after that,
and then I got to bring it back up.
So it's very up, down, up, down, which is hard to nail.
That is a huge risk for me.
And I just really have to nail the balance and I hope I get it right.
WOMAN: Artist walking.
# This is The Voice #
WOMAN: Artist walking.
(MUSIC STARTS)
# You want the girl with the small waist
# And the perfect smile
# Someone who's out every weekday
# In her dad's new car
# If you say she's nothing to worry about
# Then why'd you close your eyes when you said it out loud?
# Stupid boy making me so sad
# Didn't think you could change this fast
# She's got everything that I don't have
# How could I ever compete with that?
# I know you'll go and change your mind
# One day wake up and be bored with mine
# She's got everything that I don't have
# And she's all I wanna be, all I wanna be so bad
# So bad
# Oooh...
# Stupid boy making me so sad
# Didn't think you could hurt this bad
# She's got everything that I don't have
# How could I ever compete with that?
# I know you'll go and change your mind
# One day wake up and be bored with mine
# She's got everything that I don't have
# She's all I wanna be
# So bad #
(WILD CHEERING)
Yeah!
Hi!
Well done. What's your name?
I'm Gabby. I'm 22 and I'm from Melbourne, Victoria.
Yeah. Gabby.
All right. Oh, it's me versus Rita.
I mean, it's just gonna have to happen.
This is just all life, isn't it, Guy?
You're my arch-nemesis today!
I know. But I kind of love it.
Well, look, I've got soul singers. I've got pop singers.
I've got a country singer, I've even got a boy band.
What I don't have is a really great rock-chick voice.
And I love the grunge and the attitude in your voice.
It was so spot on. Really, really great feeling.
Aah! Thanks!
That just got better and better and better.
Yeah. Am I correct in saying
that once you knew you had some chairs turn,
you just let go a little bit?
Yeah. We heard that.
I heard that for sure. Yeah, I heard it first.
No, I heard it first. I heard it first.
But I really loved that you just kind of let it rip
right at the end and it just went to another level.
So thank you. You just have this kind of real sort of...
Yeah, of course it's rock and roll,
but it's kind of like super fresh too.
It's not what you think rock and roll is because you've got
that sort of innocence and you're almost kind of flirty with it.
That's what I loved about that. You were really playing
tongue in cheek with that record and it felt great.
Yeah. Did you feel great? Yes!
So great! Oh, my God, it's unreal.
I love that song. And I don't have anyone sort of as sparky as you.
Do you know what I mean? You're super unpredictable,
which I kind of think is like your, your key.
I like that about you because it's almost mysterious,
but then you're still very, very strong.
And I love seeing that in such a young individual.
Also, like, it kind of makes me feel like you've been here before.
You've got like an old soul, which I really admire.
I don't know if that's got to do with your grits or your husk.
I loved it. I loved the tongue in cheek.
I turned first...
I'm just sort of like really ready to win.
And I really want it to be with you. Like, I love your energy.
Yeah. Thank you.
You can't go wrong. Here we go.
(MOUTHING)
Thank you so much. This has been amazing.
Erm...
Think I'm going with Rita.
Thank you so much.
I love you. Don't worry at all.
Bring it in, sister.
Wow. Thank you so much for picking me.
She seems really cool, though. Yeah. Yeah, I like her.
Well done, Rita.
On the last hurdle. I know.
I'm happy for you. It's because we have the same taste. Kind of.
Yeah. Don't you think?
That's true. Yeah, but it's fun.
It makes it fun. It's been good doing battle with you.
I know, right?
Wow. I'm happy about that.
Oh, my gosh. Just when I thought I saw it all.
I just love her attitude.
Like any time I see a strong female with that sort of like,
attitude, I really respect it. She's my rock chick.
I don't have a rock chick. So yeah, it's nice.
It's really coming together, my team,
and it's super unpredictable and I really like that.
VOICEOVER: Next, which of these amazing artists...
has Jess in tears?
I love it!
# This is The Voice #
I feel like the internationals have come in and they're like,
"Oh, we're from like somewhere else.
"We're so good, we're going to win." I'm not up for that energy.
Don't take that. Not down for that.
We can't have another year where an international wins.
Rita won last year.
We need to bring the crown back to home turf.
Absolutely. It's like The Ashes, doesn't belong in England.
It belongs here. Right here.
Guys, no offence, but you know half of the artists.
You're like, "Hey, John."
Yeah. "Hey, Tom."
"Hey, Susan."
Aussies are just like that. We have connection, we have a good vibe.
You know, we just... We're just like that.
We're just chill. (CHEERING)
That's messed up.
Did she just get the crowd involved, right?
That's crazy. That was low.
When somebody has home court advantage,
a lot of times they get comfortable.
That's the perfect time to come in there and swoop the win.
Swoop! You know what I'm saying?
My name's Dobe Newton. I'm 74 years old.
And I'm Roger Corbett. And I'm 70 years old.
And we are the Bushwhackers!
Would you like my pension number as well?
We've been around a very long time and the music
that we play is Australian folk music.
If you went to primary school,
you would have done the heel and toe polka.
Oh, is that the Bushwhackers? Yes, it is.
One of the main reasons for us coming on The Voice
is that we're hoping that a whole new generation
of young Australians will hear our music.
I mean, frankly, what else are we going to do at our advanced age?
Too late to get an apprenticeship.
Back, I can't even remember when,
it was the Road to Tamworth competition,
and one of the contestants was a sweet young girl
from the Northern Territory called Jessica Mauboy.
And it was like, "Oh, my gosh, she's fantastic."
And she went on subsequently to win that competition.
I think we all knew she would be some kind of major star
in the future.
I'm not sure how often Jess Mauboy tells people,
but basically she owes it all to us.
The song that we're going to be singing
in our blind audition is something
that's become incredibly well known over the last few decades.
A surprise alternative anthem.
How many times have we played this song?
It never fails to resonate with the people in the audience,
and hopefully the coaches will feel the same way.
A couple of cool dudes.
I don't know about that.
(MUSIC STARTS)
# I came upon a prison ship
# Bound down by iron chains
# I cleared the land Endured the lash
# And waited for the rains
# I'm a settler, I'm a farmers wife
# On a dry and barren run
# I'm a convict, I'm a free man
# I am Australian
Oh, my god!
# I come from the dreaming
# From the dusty red soil plain
# I am the ancient heart
# The keeper of the flame
# I stood upon the rocky shore
# I watched the tall ships come
# For 80,000 years I've been the first Australian
# For we are one
# But we are many
# And from all the lands on Earth we come
And Rita!
# We share a dream and sing with one voice
# I am, you are
# We are Australian #
Let's hear you.
# For we are one
# But we are many
# And from all the lands on Earth we come
# We share a dream and sing with one voice
# I am, you are
# We are Australian #
(CHEERING)
Oh, my god!
Hello!
How are you? It's been too long.
My goodness. Oh. Wow.
OK. Oh, my God. I got to put myself together.
Um... Wow. OK. Woohoo!
All right.
Sorry.
Can't believe this is happening.
This is like full circle of my life.
first of all, incredible. Obviously iconic.
Please introduce yourself. Tell us who you are.
I'm Roger, from the Hunter Valley.
And we're in the Bushwhackers.
Woo!
And I'm Dobe. And thanks for singing along, folks.
That was fantastic.
I'm glad we got to enjoy it before we drop off the perch.
Drop off the perch!
I have a connection with these two.
It goes way back to when I was about 14 years old
and I won a country music competition when I was 14
and I didn't think I would make it really.
And I'll never, ever forget that. So thank you so much. Erm...
Yeah. Yeah.
And I think you've done all right.
Done all right. Yeah.
And I don't know if many people know this,
but Dobe is the co-writer on that song.
So all those beautiful words.
Everybody's been waiting since 1987 to see if I can write another song.
The answer is no.
Can we not just gloss over the fact that
you've pretty much written our anthem?
(CHEERING)
Thank you, Guy.
So I came to Australia in 1988,
a year after you wrote that song. I had a Malaysian accent,
and my culture was pretty different.
And I grew up, I'm an Aussie, you know, like, it's my childhood.
And whenever I feel like I don't fit in or whatever, as a kid,
I would sing that song and I was like, I am Australian.
We are, we are Australian. And we are multicultural here.
There are so many different types of Aussies
beyond the stereotypical type.
And there's not a worse feeling than feeling like
you're Aussie and someone tells you you're not.
And so thank you for that song.
Thanks, Guy. They're lovely words.
I don't know if going with a non-Australian coach...
Is that all right? No, no, no I'm kidding.
But I, as a newbie, obviously I've heard
the song over the years of coming here
and I come back because I feel so welcomed here
and I feel so comfortable and safe here.
And I think that's probably why this moment is so special.
And I'm just really honoured to be part of this special moment.
And, you know, what can I give you now?
Now, that's the question.
I think I guess we can have a lot of chats and I'll bring a lot of wine.
That sounds really good. Now you're talking.
Also, I think I could learn a lot from you all,
and we'd probably have an incredible catalogue of amazing covers to do.
So I think, if anything, we would have a good time.
Thank you for that.
Thank you, Rita.
Yeah. I mean, I just want to thank you guys for coming
and bringing that wonderful energy. I turned my chair because I thought,
"Wow, what a brilliant storyteller."
You know, that person believes those words.
And now I can see why. Because you wrote the words!
What you've created is Australia in a nutshell.
It is the epitome of family and togetherness and love.
So thank you for that song and thank you for bringing your energy.
And I would also really, really love to have you on my team.
Thank you.
It's time to make a decision.
(AUDIENCE SHOUTING OUT)
Well, look, we...
We would be absolutely honoured to work with any of you.
But Roger and I had a chat
and as Jess said,
we go back all of those years
to when she was this high
and her future was very bright.
And of course, is.
But we would love to join your coaching.
Amazing. Yeah.
RITA: It's honestly, such an honour to meet you.
Thank you so much for that. That was amazing.
So awesome, man. It's so nice to meet you.
All respect, my brother. Thank you.
So when I was 14, my parents hired a car.
We drove from Darwin all the way to Tamworth.
That's a long drive. That's like three, four, five days.
The competition, rocked up there and they asked us,
"OK, so what are you going to play?"
And I was like, "Oh, well, I want to sing this song."
And they're like, "OK, so where's your band?"
I was like, "I don't have one."
They were literally in the background because they were about
to get up and perform some songs, They played for me.
I'm not even kidding you, like it was insane.
Literally, they helped me win.
Like I won the whole competition.
You can't even write this. This is incredible.
That's so cool. It was insane.
It shows what kind of person, like what kind of people they are.
You see that. Yeah.
She just went back to being 14. She just went...
VOICEOVER: Still to come...
our coaches are blown way by one incredible voice.
That is my favourite voice that I've heard on The Voice 2023 so far.
..before one coach gets blocked.
No, no, no!
# This is The Voice #
# Huh, product of hustling, grinding with purpose #
I don't know if you've heard.
# Nobody handed me nothing # I won last year.
She will not let us forget it.
Gloating all the time.
# When I look in the mirror, I'm who they should be in fear of #
You've seen her pitch. she's a beast.
I hate pitching against Rita.
# The trophy is mine That's where I'm at #
She just has a lot of spunk and spark.
You know, power-boss lady going on.
# Here to witness a legend Legend, legend... #
# We can take it outside Settle this
# See it in your face, you want none of this #
I like to come in full force.
# It's grant time That's how it works #
And, you know, that's just the way I'm going to do it.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
# Turning me up to a level 10... #
She's very compelling.
She just feels like she can't miss.
Her confidence is through the roof.
# ..would not be easy #
She's fire. She says it how it is.
Makes me very uncomfortable that an international has the crown.
I think we need to return it to Aussie soil.
I'm coming for you, Rita.
Was I looking at the wrong camera then?
(UPBEAT MUSIC)
How's this work?
Oh!
Too soon. Too soon. Apologies. Apologies.
This is my Voice interview. Let's go.
# Go, go. #
I'm Elsa. I'm 17 and I'm from the Northern Beaches, Sydney.
My mum is my best mate.
She's always been there since I was little, obviously,
because I came out of her.
# ..hold your ground #
In 2019, my mum suffered a couple strokes.
She had an aneurysm in her brain.
# But you don't even heed another #
It was heartbreaking. I'm getting sad.
It was heartbreaking to kind of realise that someone
who I'm so close to can be taken away in just a moment.
So I really value the time with my mum that I have.
# You are stronger than you know #
My mum is really my lucky charm.
When I discovered my love for music,
we really kind of shared that passion.
She's just the biggest support.
I think it would be impossible to not be a little bit nervous.
I'm trying to channel the nerves.
I definitely don't want to let Mum down, so I really hope someone turns.
WOMAN: Artist walking.
# They paved paradise # I love this song.
# And put up a parking lot
# With a pink hotel
# A boutique and a swingin' hot spot
# Don't it always seem to go
# That you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone
# They paved paradise
# And put up a parking lot
# They took all the trees and put them in a tree museum
# Then they charge all the people a dime and a half just to see it
# Don't it always seem to go
# That you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone
# They paved paradise, put up a parking lot
# Hey, farmer, farmer put away that DDT now
# Give me spots on my apples, but leave me the birds and the bees
# Please
# Don't it always seem to go
# That you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone
# They paved paradise, put up a parking lot
# They paved paradise
# Put up a parking
# Lot #
Hi. Wow.
Jeez, Louise.
You are the coolest cucumber in town, sister.
What is your name?
I'm Elsa Marilyn. And I'm from the Northern Beaches.
Yeah!
Elsa Marilyn. Outrageous!
That was fantastic. Thank you so much.
Oh, my gosh. I mean, that was for me was a perfect audition.
You know, it just, there was not one flaw.
The innocence, the strength, the beauty.
You had it all. It was just unbelievable, the trills.
You were doing these little things. Little trills.
(SINGS)
It was just giving me like, oh, it was like little gold treasures.
I kind of just... I've just fallen in love.
You know? I'm already love all of you, so.
I can't tell you how much it would mean to me
to have you on my on my team. Please come to Team Rita.
I would love to have you.
Thank you for existing.
Thank you. Gosh.
That was incredible.
The fact that you are truly and authentically yourself.
It was the most appealing to me.
And that to me is what makes a true artist.
Because we were invited into your world.
And when I decided to turn, I was like,
I've never heard anything like this.
I would love to have you as a part of my team as well.
I think you're fantastic.
I can't believe this!
You are super special. Thank you.
I want to say this because, I've been doing this show for what,
three years, and I've never heard a voice like yours.
And I've... Thank you.
And I've also never had the opportunity
to work with a voice like yours.
I think you have something special and it's already there.
It's just about enhancing that and giving you what you need.
Jess's team would love to do that for you.
Thank you. You guys aren't making this easy.
Hey, Elsa. Hi.
How you doing?
Wow. I have to say that is my favourite voice
that I've heard on the Voice 2023 so far.
I never thought you were going to hit a bad note.
You never looked like you were going to hit a bad note
because you were singing it like, you know.
(HIGH NOTES) # On and on, I seen a girl
# And I don't know what it's got till it's gone
# I'll go up there Now and then I'll come back down #
Like, you were just playing. Yeah.
And you've got all the skills to play.
And it made me just get so excited.
I want you on my team.
Oh, my gosh.
I don't know what to do with myself. This is not easy.
This is the part where I pick, yeah?
Yeah, this is good. It's time.
(AUDIENCE ALL SHOUTING OUT)
I think the coach I'm going to go with tonight
is Rita.
Oh, yes. Thank you.
You cool cat.
That is amazing. That really made my day.
Thank you. I didn't think you were going to pick me.
(UNCLEAR) I turned first.
I know! You heard it here first.
You are amazing. Gosh. Try not to fall down the steps!
Yay!
How amazing. I mean, wasn't that fun?
Wasn't that something? I mean, I got her. This is cool.
I'm so lucky.
I should have blocked Rita. Should have used the block.
Should have blocked her.
VOICEOVER: Next, a performance like no other.
I realised what I'm doing has never been done before on The Voice stage,
and I've accepted that it is potentially a risk.
RITA: That was one of the most enlightening,
encouraging auditions I've ever been a part of.
# This is The Voice #
My name is Ali Skiba.
I'm 33 and I'm originally from California, but I live in Manly.
# I was swimming in these spreadsheets
# Just to make sure all my deadlines get me... #
I used to work in San Francisco at a very big tech company.
The work culture is just work harder, work longer, do more.
I didn't want my boss's job and I want my boss's bosses job.
So what the heck was I doing?
# I wish I had a chance to chill #
I made it my mission to find what lights my soul on fire
and to follow it.
I found sound healing when I was travelling through India.
I started studying with the Himalayan singing bowls,
using them on our bodies and figuring out
how different sounds correspond to different frequencies.
And for me, being able to heal people with sound has been
the source of meaning that I've been searching for.
I realise what I'm doing has never been done before
on The Voice stage. I don't know what's
going to come out when I get up there.
It is pure in the moment, channelling what wants to come out.
But I do know that as soon as I sit down, I take a breath into
my heart and receive whatever vibrations want to work through me,
there's no wrong that can take place.
(GENTLE SOUNDS START)
What's that?
Is this sound bath? A sound healing.
(ETHEREAL SINGING)
Two different people? Two voices?
(CHEERING)
Wow.
Hello. Hi.
I feel so peaceful right now.
I feel amazing. What's your name?
Hi, I'm Ali. Hey, Ali.
That was so beautiful. Really beautiful. Thank you.
We obviously were only going on the audible nature
of that performance. Can you talk us through what you were doing?
Yeah. So that was completely intuitive channelling on the spot.
So there was no rehearsing, no preparing,
other than breathing and really feeling
into the energy of the room being present
and allowing whatever sounds want to come through me
to come through me and... Wow.
I love when a performance can completely alter your mood.
And you felt it in the room.
It was really beautiful and really interesting...
and the scales were really nice.
I feel like that performance just didn't show me another angle
to what you do except for that ethereal thing.
Do you know what I mean? That's the only reason I didn't turn.
But honestly, it was beautiful.
Can I possibly have a look at what you were doing?
Yeah. So you were playing those bowls, is that right?
Yes. So we have bowls in the note of C, D, E,
F and G corresponding with the different energy centres
in the body. Yeah.
So predominantly working with the bowls of C and E...
(ETHEREAL SINGING)
And then I've got my koshi chimes.
Standing closer to it, I can really feel it
ripple through, lots of vibrations. It's awesome. Yes.
I'm coming. I love it.
Yeah, come and have a feel.
You know, I am... I'm really a fan of sound healing.
I do it every year. My sister and I go away
and we just, like, lie next to these vibrations.
I'm not even joking. And it changes your whole body.
Oh, wow.
There you go. I'll be back later.
Wow.
So I work as a sound healer, and I use multiple instruments.
I also have Native American drone flutes,
and I use the different instruments to help us change our state
so that we can calm the mind and allow the innate
healing wisdom of our bodies to take over
and heal ourselves. Hi, lovely.
I literally had goosebumps the whole time.
Like... Oh, are you guys still here?
It's...
I mean, look at the impact you've had on Rita. She's...
Oh, God.
Er, I know no one turned, but personally,
that was one of the most enlightening,
encouraging auditions I've ever been a part of.
Thank you.
So beautiful. Really, really.
Thank you so much. I feel so calm.
I know. I almost feel like my legs are tingling.
Yeah.
VOICEOVER: Next...
The song that I'm singing for my blind audition
is A Million Reasons by Lady Gaga.
It's 100% terrifying singing this song
because it's like a juggling act.
You've got the emotion and the dynamics and is it enough?
Am I doing enough or am I doing too much?
I just really hope I don't mess up my performance because
the last thing I want in my life is to become a meme on the internet.
# This is The Voice #
(UPBEAT MUSIC)
To be quite honest, once upon a time,
my vocal warm up probably would have been a glass of port
and maybe a couple of cigarettes, but not anymore.
# Speak my mind and I don't care
# Express myself with a devil stare #
Hi, I'm Elly Poletti.
I'm 32 years old, and I'm from Phillip Island, Victoria.
My nonna was definitely my biggest fan, I think my harshest critic.
# All of these things make me reflect #
She did a lot of tough love,
especially when it came to performing.
You know, if she didn't like the outfit that I was wearing,
she told me off of that.
# ..the darkness, beauty surround... #
If I did, you know, riffs in songs and things like that,
she'd always say you need to make it more simple.
But then she'd go off and she'd tell everyone
in the neighbourhood how wonderful I was.
Did she know that you were going to audition for The Voice?
I did tell her I'm right before she passed away.
Yeah. So she knew?
She did know, yeah. She was...
She was a bit cooked, but she did say to me,
she said, "I hope you know what you're doing."
And I have a feeling Nonna might be watching you, so you better do well.
That's right.
Otherwise she would have something to say about it.
That's right. I know.
# I wanted more than this life #
Definitely feeling a little bit nauseous.
I can feel my head racing and just going over things like a mad woman.
# ..and you prey the days are gonna turn to black #
But I have to remember what my nonna told me,
and that is my voice is my greatest weapon.
So hopefully it will be enough.
# 'Cause I'm not giving up #
# You're giving me a million reasons to let you go
# Giving me a million reasons to quit the show
# You're giving me a million Give me a million reasons
# I bow down to pray
# I try to make the worst seem better
# I got a hundred million reasons to walk away
# But, baby, I just need one good one to stay...
# Can't you give me what I'm needing, needing
# Every heartbreak makes it hard to keep the faith
# But, baby, I just need one good one, good one
# Oooh
# When I bow down to pray
# I try to make the worst seem better
Lord, show me the way
# To cut through all his worn out leather
# I've got a hundred million reasons to walk away
# But, baby, I just need one good one, good one
# Baby, I just need one good one to
# Stay #
(WILD CHEERING)
Unbelievable! Unbelievable!
Wow. What is your name?
Hi, I'm Elly Poletti. I'm 32, and I'm from Phillip Island. Victoria.
W-W-W-W-What was that?
Elly, you started... kind of down here.
And by the end, I was struggling to contain my emotions.
It was so powerful and turning around and seeing you perform,
it made all the difference, if I'm being honest,
because I could tell that song meant a lot to you.
Yeah, that was definitely a dedication to my Nonna
that passed away last year. So yeah.
I'm so sorry. I could tell
that there was a deeper reason behind it.
Being vulnerable as an artist, it sort of goes hand in hand.
I'm not very good at being vulnerable.
Why is that? I think it's the country girl in me.
Yeah? We don't really open our doors up.
It's really difficult to not be a giving person as an artist.
You give so much of yourself away,
but it's so rewarding and the rewards come
when you actually hear because people will be talking about this
at work tomorrow. They will be.
They'll be saying, "Oh, did you see that Elly girl?"
I'm so glad that you were vulnerable.
Is this the first kind of thing that you've done like this?
I do a lot of performing in Melbourne.
In Melbourne? Yeah.
Lots of gigging? Yeah, lots. Lots of gigging.
Look, I love that you've given this a go.
I thought, you know what? I'm getting to that age
where I'm really figuring out that I love performing
and it's something that I want to do for the rest of my life.
So I was like, "Well, this is a good stepping stone."
You are incredibly gifted and hopefully, if you are on my team,
I will make it worthwhile, that risk that you took.
I'm so glad that you're here, because I'm a true believer
in when something's on your heart,
when something's on your mind and you wake up in the morning
and you're thinking about it
and you go to sleep and you're thinking about it
and it's something that you live, it's there for a reason.
You know? It's there because that's supposed to be what you're doing.
And a lot of times people shun their dreams away
because of what somebody has said or the fear of failure.
And I'm so glad that you told yourself to walk up here
and come on that stage and kill it the way that you did,
because you did an amazing job, amazing.
Thank you so much.
You have one of those voices that when you say something,
people listen but not only listen, but they can relate to the story.
You can really speak to people's hearts.
(CHEERING) Thank you.
GUY: Preach it, Jason.
So with that being said, I would love to be a part of your journey.
Er, it is a very bright one, so I would love to tag on.
Thank you.
Hi. Oh, my goodness. First of all,
it's so true what you're saying. We are our biggest critics.
There have been so many times where I felt that about myself,
particularly failing in music.
I've always, you know, had bad dreams waking up and going,
"Ooh!" That's tough, you know, and then taking that through the day.
But that's given me such a challenge and fire to get back up and face it.
And you, my friend, have done that today.
Thank you.
I turned because I felt your story, and I felt you.
And just watching you just kill it up there, you know,
with such passion was really exciting to me.
I would love to have you on Team Jess.
Thank you.
You have this incredible vulnerability to your voice,
the light and the shade and the darkness and the happiness.
Amongst that sort of emotion,
I did feel a sense of joy of you being on that stage.
No, no, no, no, no, no!
I have been waiting for a voice like that.
I don't have anyone like you on my team at all.
I kind of feel like I know exactly what to do with you.
Wow. Oh, Rita.
# This is The Voice #
I have been waiting for a voice like that.
I don't have anyone like you on my team at all.
No, no, no, no. No, no.
I kind of feel like I know exactly what to do with you.
Wow. Oh, Rita.
Oh, he blocked Rita.
I'm sorry.
You know that I kind of felt like it was coming my way
because of the gesture. Yeah. It was going up...
And there's only one other person that did that to me,
and that was Jason.
That's the Rita point. That is so mean.
I was so inspired by the Jason gesture.
No! I have been blocked, Elly, so much so far
during these blinds and it's been killing me.
And I knew I had to hold my last block for someone special.
And you are that special person. Thank you. I hope it pays off.
I'm so angry that I can't even look that direction
and I'm not even going to.
I was just thinking, like, what am I going to say?
How am I going to say it? What am I going to do?
And, you know, I don't need to say it because I think
they already knew that we would have made an amazing team.
Um, duh! But I want you to know that I'm a huge fan.
I'm very, very, very honoured that you chose to bless us
with your vocal ability, because that, for me, was outstanding.
It was perfection. Thank you.
You just got four chair-turns, honey, that is outrageous.
Thank you.
Well, unfortunately for us, you can't choose me.
So I guess you've got three left.
(AUDIENCE SHOUTING OUT)
This is quite scary.
I think...
I'm going to have to go with...
Guy.
(POP MUSIC PLAYING)
Thank you for trusting me. That was so beautiful, man. Wow.
Thank you. It was really amazing. Thank you.
I'm gonna have to hug you. I'm your fan. I'm your biggest fan.
Oh, thank you. That was... Sorry you got blocked.
I know. But you're worth it. I would have done the same thing.
Hello, family. How are you doing? Lovely to meet you.
What an amazing talent. Amazing talent.
(AUDIENCE SHOUTING)
We love you, Rita! At least they love me.
We love you! None of you love me.
Yes. You got so much love.
I'm sorry. I am so sorry.
I love you. Yeah, it's fine. It was worth it.
Yeah. She's special.
And she chose me. Yeah, it was because you're so good.
You're literally so good at it. Get out of here!
You are. And you really touched the spots
that I do believe that they need, you know?
Well... That's the first time I've heard that in my life.
Oh, my God!
I mean, you don't get those compliments every day.
I know. You did.
And I'll tell you, Guy is very happy that you're on his team.
He's like, yeah, the winner.
The block worked. That was worth holding on to.
Elly is incredible.
Just when I thought we had huge voices, Elly comes along.
I mean, the power behind her voice is so moving.
Team Guy's a vocal powerhouse.
I mean, I got blocked.
Oh, I knew it was coming, but I would have done the same.
I mean, listen, Guy, I love you, but you know what?
I've got one block left. I may be smarter than I look.
# This is The Voice #
Captioned by Ai-Media ai-media.tv