CLAIRE’S KNOCKOUT RETURN TO THE VOICE
GOLD Coast make-up artist Claire Howell is enjoying a knockout run on The Voice.
Howell, 19, won her way through to the next round of Channel 9’s reality TV ratings juggernaut last night when she blitzed her ‘knockout’ showdown against fellow Team Delta vocalists Rachael Noakes and Grace Laing.
Howell was an early favourite on the reality series last year when she performed Jessie J’s hit Who You Are during her blind audition but was sent packing during the battle rounds after facing off against Brisbane singer Ellen Reed.
“Literally the minute I was sent home last year, I thought I’m going to try again next year,” Howell said.
Howell secured her spot on Team Delta this year when all four coaches turned their chairs for her blind audition rendition of Seal’s hit Crazy.
Now based in Sydney, Howell has spent the past year gigging and “growing up”.
“I’m way more organised and confident – in a good way – in myself,” she said.
“Moving to Sydney has totally opened up my world and made me more mature and independent.”
New to the show this year, the knockouts continue tonight when Gold Coast stuntman Russel Francis sings off against Team Seal artists Lara Nakhle and Annalise Walker.
Designed to cull the series’ hopefuls to 24 artists for the do-or-die battle rounds, the knockouts feature 48 contestants (from the four coach’s teams of 12) performing themed arrangements with and against fellow team members in groups of three.
Each of the four coaches – Kelly Rowland, Boy George, Delta Goodrem and Seal – is able to make two ‘steals’ from their rivals’ teams ahead of the revamped battle rounds, which will whittle the teams down to just four contenders.
“The next stage is very intimidating for me – I got kicked out at this point last year,” Howell said.
“It’s a really big thing to overcome for me.”
The Voice screens tonight at 7.30pm on Nine.