CHRIS SEBASTIAN THE COMPLETE COLLECTION

His brother Guy took out the top prize on Australian Idol all the way back in 2003 and now Chris Sebastian can certainly relate. The 31-year-old was crowned the winner of Nine’s The Voice during the show’s Grand Finale on July 19, charming audiences with his amazing solo performance, as well as a stunning duet of ‘Horses’ with Daryl Braithwaite.

Capturing the hearts of the Australian public, with their votes driving him to take out the coveted title, Sebastian has now released his first album – a collection of his performances. Here he chats to WHO about his win and finally finding his place ...

What did winning The Voice mean to you? Winning The Voice was everything. I have been trying and fighting for a place in the music industry for a really long time. At the start of this year I was prepping to move to the US because I just felt it wasn’t possible here. It was heartbreaking because this is my home and I love this country. So to be voted the winner by the Australian public means so, so much to me.

What advice has Guy given you on moving forward from the win?

People have backed you enough to make you the winner, so ignore the noise from people claiming otherwise, and enjoy the win. It’s all about the music now. Go out and write and release great songs – that’s the most important thing right now.

What is your favourite track on the compilation album and why is it especially meaningful to you?

My favourite song on The Complete Collection would be ‘Numb’ by Linkin Park. I was told by my doctor the night before the Grand Finale that my throat was red raw from fatigue and I shouldn’t speak, let alone sing. I had to go into that performance with not much voice, so it had to be all about heart. I put my whole self into that song, and while I didn’t have all of my voice, it definitely had all of me.

(The Complete Collection is available to download or stream now and available to purchase on Fri., Aug. 7)