ONES TO WATCH

LAU ABEND

The singer was once stranded in the middle of the ocean after her family were left behind on a scuba-diving trip overseas. “I sang to keep the morale up when we were floating. Music definitely gives me hope,” she explains. As the hours ticked by, the then-16-year-old’s thoughts turned dark. She made a promise to herself: “If I’m going to survive today, I’m going to make music my career.” Now 21, Lau Abend is ready to step onto The Voice stage.

MICHAEL HARRINGTON

“The Mower Man” is from country Victoria and works hard to provide for his children and partner Bec. As the owner of a lawn mowing and gardening business, The Voice has the potential to change the rest of Michael Harrington’s life. Inspired to show his girls that there is no limit to what you can achieve, the 32-year-old’s rendition of the classic ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ brings the stage to a standstill.

BELLA TAYLOR SMITH

After a tough upbringing, Bella Taylor Smith started going to church at 15. It was there she discovered her voice, and singing has helped her through the darkest of times. Becoming an unofficial parent to her younger sisters, Smith’s music and her faith have given her strength and she feels it’s her duty to share her gift. Having only performed in church, stepping onto The Voice stage will be a first for the 23-year-old, who will be singing a personal song that has helped her heal.

TANYA GEORGE

She’s a well-known Melbourne busker, famous on the streets for her looping performances. Although Tanya George, 27, isn’t your normal stage performer, she thinks The Voice is perfect for her because her busking is all about her voice. Her grandma, Oma, is her biggest fan and took her in at her lowest point. They now live together with her pet rabbit, Hip Hop. George’s dream is to tour the world supporting mainstream artists, like Ariana Grande, and making her own mark on the music industry.