The twelfth season of The Voice Australia has crowned its winner, and the title now belongs to the powerhouse vocalist from Melbourne, Tarryn Stokes.
At 40 years old, Tarryn Stokes, a mother of two and a former backing vocalist, has emerged as the victor, claiming a recording contract with Universal Music Australia and $100,000 in prize money—a testament to her extraordinary talent and the support of the Australian public.
Stokes’ journey on The Voice began with a turning point when all four coaches turned their chairs during her blind audition. Ultimately, she chose to be guided by the international pop sensation Rita Ora, a decision that led her to victory for the second consecutive year with Team Rita.
During the electrifying finale, Tarryn Stokes showcased her versatility by delivering captivating performances. She started with a breathtaking rendition of Celine Dion’s ‘All By Myself’ and paid homage to the legendary Tina Turner with a duet alongside her coach, Rita Ora, singing ‘Simply the Best.’ Stokes sealed her victory by performing her winning single, ‘Nobody.’
Rita Ora, effusive in her praise, remarked, “Tarryn is one of the best singers I have ever heard, not only in Australia but the world. It is a dream seeing you flourish after everything you have sacrificed.”
In response to her triumph, Tarryn Stokes shared her feelings, stating, “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.” Rita Ora, in turn, emphasized, “You did this. You did this!”
Tarryn Stokes’ musical journey has deep roots, as she grew up in a family that embraced music from a young age. Her mother, a music teacher, played the piano, while her father possessed an amazing voice. Her uncle’s gift lay in the world of opera, and her siblings were no strangers to music—her sister played drums in a band, and her brother was a member of a choir. Their upbringing was steeped in musical expression.
Interestingly, Tarryn Stokes had a prior connection to two of The Voice coaches, Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy. As a backup singer, she contributed to one of Sebastian’s albums and toured alongside Mauboy.
Tarryn Stokes had been a favorite from her very first audition, where she delivered a soulful rendition of Sara Bareilles’ ‘She Used to be Mine.’ She instantly connected with viewers, embodying the relatable mother figure with an extraordinary vocal prowess, even having to gently admonish her four-year-old son not to pick his nose on national TV.
When asked by Guy Sebastian why she had returned to the stage after a decade, having previously worked with him and Jessica Mauboy, Stokes shared, “After I had kids, I felt I wanted to sing to have opportunities, I was ready to step in and have some confidence in myself.”
Throughout the series, Tarryn Stokes was commended for her openness in sharing her experience with postnatal depression. In interviews, she expressed her desire to inspire other mothers to pursue their dreams, stating, “I think we put ourselves under so much pressure as mums to do it all: career, kids, and be amazing at everything. I spent many years as a new mum saying no to everything because I didn’t want to be spread too thin. It’s only now that I feel like it’s the right time.”
The other three finalists of The Voice season 12, Charlie Pittman, Ezra Williams, and Ethan Beckton, all showcased exceptional talent, making it a remarkable competition. However, it was Tarryn Stokes who emerged victorious, marking her journey from a loving mother with a dream to becoming The Voice Australia’s newest champion.