Melbourne’s vocal dynamo, Tarryn Stokes, has clinched the title of The Voice Australia 2023 champion.
The former backup singer and devoted mother of two emerged as the nation’s favourite after a series of electrifying performances.
The moment Sonia Kruger, the show’s host, revealed the outcome, a visibly stunned Stokes shared her heartfelt sentiments. “It feels amazing, going from The Blinds to being in the Grand Finale and somehow believing that I can do this, it’s just thanks to Rita for believing in me,” she articulated.
Rita Ora, her jubilant coach, responded emphatically, “Are you kidding me? You did this. You did this!” Rita went on to add, “It’s just incredible, you’re incredible, please answer my phone calls once in a while and just remember this is just the start. I’m so happy for you, well done Australia; thank you so much.”
In addition to the prestigious title, Stokes secured a hefty $100,000 prize and an esteemed recording contract with Universal Music Australia. Her first endeavour under this banner was the unveiling of her single, ‘Nobody’, which she performed as her elated family, including husband Paul and children Archie and Quinn, watched with pride.
Stokes opened up about the challenges of being away from her family during the competition, remarking, “My kids are everything to me, being away from them for so long has been the hardest thing.” She also spoke candidly about her previous reservations and self-doubt, pondering,
“Maybe I’m starting to see what people have always seen.”
From her debut on the show, Stokes left an indelible mark. Jason Derulo, Guy Sebastian, and Jessica Mauboy, alongside Rita, were utterly impressed. In fact, during her Blind Audition, Rita was quick to note that she had secured one of the competition’s most outstanding talents.
The culmination of Stokes’ journey on the show was a mesmerising rendition of Celine Dion’s ‘All By Myself’. Guy, unable to contain his admiration, labelled her voice as “just perfection.” Rita echoed the sentiment, declaring,
“That is hands down one of the best vocals ever to happen on this show ever, ever, ever!”
One of the highlights of the night was a historic duet where Rita accompanied Stokes on stage to deliver Tina Turner’s ‘Simply The Best’.
Describing her single, Stokes mentioned,
“Nobody is more than just a breakup song, to me it is about breaking up with the things or people in your life that are no longer good for you.
Listening to your inner voice and being confident when speaking out, singing out. I hope it resonates and encourages everyone who listens.”
The Grand Finale also witnessed compelling performances from fellow finalists Charlie Pittman, Ezra Williams, and Ethan Beckton, who have subsequently launched their own musical collections.
Here today gone tomorrow