The Voice is arguably one of Australia’s most loved reality TV shows, boasting a perfect mix of talent, drama and the good old sob story.
Having first hit our screens in 2012, The Voice Australia has undergone a few changes since it began with new judges and a new format. The most notable change, of course, was in 2021, when the hit TV series moved networks from Channel 9 to 7.
While the show’s premise remained the same, a new network meant new judges. Australian Idol alum Guy Sebastian was the only returning panellist. However, he was joined by Aussie darling Jessica Mauboy, international superstar Rita Ora and Australia’s most loved country boy, Keith Urban.
Keith has since been swapped out for Jason Derulo for the 2023 series.
Now in its 11th season, The Voice Australia has blessed us with some incredible talent over the years, and we’re here to remind you of all the past winners whose names you may not have heard for a while.
Lachie Gill – Season 11, 2022
Lachie Gill took home the crown for Team Rita in 2022 and he’s been on the track to success ever since!
During the heated finale, he belted out Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper and sang Lady Gaga‘s Always Remember Us This Way with his superstar coach.
After taking home $100,000 and a life-changing contract with Universal Music Australia, he released Wasted Time in August 2022 and Sad Summer in November 2022.
He’s also released two songs this year: Right People Wrong Time’ featuring Elaskia and Hate That You Hurt.
Bella Taylor Smith – Season 10, 2021
Bella Taylor Smith took out the win in 2021 after her rendition of Andrea Bocelli‘s The Prayer (alongside coach Guy Sebastian) wowed literally everyone.
Upon taking out the trophy, she signed with EMI Australia. Bella soon released two tracks: Nice To Know Ya dropped in January 2022. Meanwhile, Look Me in the Eyes followed two months later in March.
In January 2023, she tied the knot with her partner, Josh Cole.
In March, she released a single titled A Long Time Coming, which the couple wrote and produced together. Aww!
Chris Sebastian – Season Nine, 2020
Dreamboat Chris Sebastian — yep, the brother of Guy — first auditioned for The Voice in Season One but was eliminated just before the finals.
Chris came back for another shot at success and thank god he did!
Kelly Rowland coached Chris to success in the series that was filmed in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning a lot of his live performances were sung in front of no audience while half of the judging panel appeared via Zoom.
His success on the show didn’t come without controversy, with some viewers accusing the show of being rigged in his favour due to being Guy’s brother.
The winner has dropped several songs since 2020 and is very active on TikTok.
He also welcomed a son, Kingston Carter, in March 2022. And we’re sure he’s gonna have the singing gene!
Diana Rouvas – Season Eight, 2019
Season eight winner, Diana Rouvas, claimed victory under judge Boy George. And, like previous winners, went on to release her winner’s single, Wait for No One.
Not long after her win, Diana toured Australia. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit and threw a spanner in the works.
She went MIA from social media at the onset of COVID, reappearing online in March 2022 to announce she would be doing a post-Easter performance in Sydney.
And according to her Instagram, she’s still performing in front of live crowds. And do your thing, girl!
Sam Perry – Season Seven, 2018
Sam Perry was one of the most unique (and controversial) winners of The Voice we’ve seen so far.
The looping artist blew us away week after week with his skills and went on to win under coach Kelly. However, she was criticised by resident judge Boy George for being more of a DJ than a vocal artist.
Perry toured Australia after his win in 2018, and named his tour Not a DJ — shady!
Based on his social media, Sam still tours and shares his music online and in front of live crowds, working the occasional festival or two.
Judah Kelly – Season Six, 2017
Judah “King Judah” Kelly won us over with his cheeky face and delicious voice, and was a Team Delta Goodrem winner, taking the title in 2017.
Judah released his album Count On Me after his win and a second album called Real Good Time 2018.
In 2020, Judah warned other contestants of The Voice not to expect superstardom after the show.
“People aren’t really fans of you, they’re fans of the show,” he told News.com.au.
Judah is still posting angelic singing videos on Instagram and we are here for it. Get it, King!
Alfie Arcuri – Season Five, 2016
Dreamboat architect Alfie Arcuri joined Team Delta in 2016 and won, going on to release his album, Zentih. The record reached number five on the ARIA Album Charts.
In 2017, Alfie released a song called Love is Love in support of Australia’s vote to legalise same-sex marriage, and quite frankly, it’s iconic.
The now 35-year-old still sings and performs. He most recently dropped an EP titled L.D.D. (Love Is A Dangerous Drug).
In 2022, Alfie competed in San Marino’s Eurovision national final with his song Collide.
Ellie Drennan – Season Four, 2015
At just 15 years old, Ellie Drennan became the youngest winner of The Voice Australia. At the time, she snatched the crown on Team Jessie J in Season Four.
After her win, Ellie’s debut album Close Your Eyes reached number fourteen on the ARIA Album Charts, and she spent the next few years releasing music.
These days, Ellie seems to live her best life, performing at gigs and posting pics with her family and friends.
She’s also been jetting around Europe with her boyfriend Jack Channon and we’re a tad jealous…
Anja Nissen – Season Three, 2014
Blonde beauty Anja Nissen took out the title in Season Three on Team will.i.am.
She was signed to Universal Music Group. The Danish-Australian went on to collaborate with will.i.am and Cody Wise and was the support act for Olly Murs on his Australian tour in 2015.
Nissen placed in the top 20 of Eurovision in 2017 when she represented Denmark. Then, in 2020, she released two new singles, If Only We Had Tonight and Can’t Do This.
After her Voice success, Anja lived in Copenhagen however, she currently calls LA home, posting happy snaps that have us totes jelly.
Thankfully, she’s still making music, as in February, she also released an EP called Same Room.
Harrison Craig – Season Two, 2013
Baby-faced Harrison Craig wowed us in season two with his Michael Bublé-esque voice and had us reaching for the tissues when he spoke about how singing helped with his stutter.
Harrison went on to win his season on Team Seal and has since released three studio albums and toured the world with his velvety vocals.
He’s even released a children’s book detailing how he overcame adversity through singing.
Thankfully, the immensely talented Harrison still spends his days singing and has launched a Patreon.
In June 2022, The Australian also reported that he was working on new music, so we’ll be keeping our eyes and ears peeled!
Karise Eden – Season One, 2012
Karise was the first-ever winner of The Voice Australia, captivating us with her raspy voice and all-around niceness.
Karise — who was on Team Seal — went on to sign with Universal Music Australia after her win, with her first studio album, My Journey debuting at number one on the ARIA Album Charts.
The now-31-year-old has two beautiful babies and still blesses the world with her incredible voice, posting frequent videos on her social media of her belting out tunes in the studio or at home.
In January 2022, she also announced that she’d release her first independent album, Into The Black, which she described as her musical “rebirth”.
Want even more goss? Listen to episode 174 of the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto below!
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