All four coaches turned their chairs for one of the most unique performances on The Voice this season, and they were left stunned when a 12-year-old girl was standing on the other side.
Sydney’s Gezel Bardossi hit the stage during round two of the blind auditions on Monday night, singing Aretha Franklin’s Chain of Fools.
Young Gezel first scored the attention of international coach Jason Derulo, who pressed his button after a few seconds of hearing her powerful voice.
Derulo was swiftly followed by Jessica Mauboy, Rita Ora and Guy Sebastian – each of them looking as baffled as the next upon realising a young girl was singing.
After finishing on a high note, literally, Gezel received a standing ovation from the coaches and crowd as her parents got emotional backstage.
“People have to drink heaps of whisky to get a voice like that,” Guy mused.
“Do you know how many parents just said to their kids, ‘Come over here and watch this. Do something with your life!’”
Derulo added he “couldn’t believe” how young Gezel was when he turned around.
“Because that voice and the maturity behind it is well beyond your years,” he said. “I am enamoured. There is world class talent right here in Australia.”
Jess declared the youngster had “blown out every performance I’ve seen” so far in the competition.
Meanwhile, Rita said Gezel had the star power to explode in popularity internationally.
“I feel like you’re not [12]. I feel like you’re lying to us right now,” she said.
“I think you’re going to be loved by the whole country … Not only that, the whole world. I would die to have you on my team.”
After consulting with her mum and dad, Gezel opted to choose Team Rita.
“Team Rita is actually really shaping up,” Rita said to her fellow coaches.
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“That for me, is a golden ticket. I’m genuinely shocked she picked me.
“To sound like that at 12, I’ve literally never seen anything like it.”
The Voice continues Tuesday on Channel 7 at 7.30pm
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