Emotions ran high on The Voice tonight as Rita Ora and Jessica Mauboy’s top six artists hit the Battle ring to vie for a place in the Semi Final, as superstar coach Rita stunned on stage performing her single Praising You.
One artist from each team received a Semi Final Fast Pass, while one more secured their spot after a sing-off in front of their coaches.
Powerhouse performers Nyree Huyser and Tarryn Stokes left Rita with an impossible choice after putting their Heart into the epic ballad Alone. Rita asked for more time, pulling her whole team back on stage to make some tough calls.
Emily Kate was awarded Rita’s Semi Final Fast Pass, commenting it was a “no brainer seeing the growth and taking on board advice and really turning into a superstar”.
Tarryn and Nyree Sang For Their Life, with show-stopping performances of Anyone by Demi Lovato and Alphaville’s Forever Young.
Emotional, Rita said: “Both of you are just ready, but I can only take one…I’m sorry now because you both deserve it,” before awarding Tarryn a Semi Final berth.
Young guns Gezel Bardossi and Elsa Marilyn departed the competition as Rita congratulated her “two little stars” stating “all you need is a bit more experience and growth”.
David Aumua came out of his shell and won his emotional Battle, securing a Fast Pass from coach Jess. Grateful, he said: “I won’t let you down.”
Jess took “soul sister” Ezra Williams to the Semi Final as an “artist that has given their all, risen to the occasion and left nothing behind,” after Ezra’s powerful Sing For Your Life showdown with Shyjana.
Giaan Jordan left The Voice, but the young star was praised for continuing her Battle after momentarily forgetting the words to Justin Bieber’s Hold On. In a poignant goodbye, Giaan told mentor Jess: “I really looked up to you as a little girl. I would see you on my TV, you’d make me feel better about myself. You’ve taught me so much. I’m so grateful to have met you.”
Moved, Jess said: “I want to tell you how powerful you’ve been. For every little girl watching at home struggling with those same feelings, those same insecurities, you challenged that.”
Tonight’s eliminated artists were Gezel Bardossi, Elsa Marilyn, Nyree Huyser and Levi X from Team Rita; and Giaan Jordan, Shyjana, Jade Taunton and Dillon Rhodes from Team Jess.
The Voice 2023 Semi Finalists:
Team Jess – David Aumua and Ezra Williams
Team Rita – Emily Kate and Tarryn Stokes
Team Guy – Bella Mackenzie and Charlie Pittman
Team Jason – Callum Warrender and Ethan Beckton
