Two more Whittlesea residents have made it through the blind auditions of Channel 7’s reality singing program The Voice.
Tarryn Stokes, 40, was known to coaches Jessica Mauboy and Guy Sebastian having performed with them prior to stepping back from her music career to be a stay-at-home mother.
Ms Stokes has been working on her confidence since stepping back from music.
“Looking back, I was much happier to be a backing vocalist so I didn’t have the pressure. I think it’s the confidence I don’t have,” she said.
“Coming out as the lead this time feels a little different. I feel like it’s time.
“I’ve tried to work on myself so my confidence is built up a little bit. I want to sing. I want to have opportunities and I want my family to have opportunities to enjoy life and experience it.”
Singing ‘She Used to Be Mine’ by Sara Bareilles, Ms Stokes turned all coaches’ chairs in her audition.
Coach Jason Derulo said her voice was ‘a mixture between Mariah Carey and baby Jesus’.
Sebastian recognised his former backing vocalist.
“I am personally not stunned. I was not stunned the minute I turned around and saw that it was Tarryn,” he said.
“Tarryn you can’t lose out of this because the more people hear you sing, the more people know about you. I don’t know where it’s going to go but I know it’s going to be great for you.
“I’m so glad you still believe in how great your voice is.”
Mauboy also recognised Ms Stokes.
“I had the privilege of having this incredible woman teach me so many things on tour,” she said.
“I have always been so inspired by you. I see you doing great performances on the show regardless of [which coach] you pick.”
Coach Rita Ora said she couldn’t believe Ms Stokes’ voice was ‘hidden’.
“Seriously I feel like [as a] woman, we can do it all. You can have kids and be a worldwide superstar because for me I feel like this isn’t just local. I feel like you’re an international star,” she said.
“Your voice is crazy, like next level insane.”
After consideration Ms Stokes joined Team Rita.
Whittlesea’s Michaela Jayde, 35, also made it through the auditions, coming back to the stage after pausing her music career to focus on family.
Growing up in a musical family, Ms Jayde’s brother Ben Abraham is also a singer-songwriter who co-wrote ‘Praying’ with Kesha and has worked with Sara Bareilles and Ben Platt.
“I’ve grown up in a musical family. I’ve been singing all my life, even professionally for over 15 years, but I think I’ve put this ceiling over myself and played it safe,” Ms Jayde said.
“I would really love for my music to just reach as many people as I can. That’s my dream.”
Ms Jayde had all four coaches turn their chairs for her within the opening run of her audition, singing ‘Who’s Loving You’ by the Jackson 5.
Sebastian said it was one of his quickest turns, while Mauboy said Ms Jayde’s voice gave her goosebumps.
Derulo said he was blown away by the performance.
“You have such a beautiful gift. There’s such a great spirit about you as well. You brightened this entire room,” he said.
Joining fellow Whittlesea resident Shanae Watson, Ms Jayde joined Team Guy.
