Delta Goodrem has become the most scrutinised woman on Australian TV.
When her music career took her overseas, Delta Goodrem momentarily stepped out of the spotlight in Australia. But 2012 has marked her triumphant return to our screens and radios. Yet her role as a coach on The Voice has been polarising. Now, it seems, even a toss of her famous hair can incite debate. Team Delta supporters have proudly spouted their encouragement on social media, but her critics have been just as outspoken. “She seems all style and little substance. She comes across as bland and contrived,” fumed one.
But far from agonising over less-than-kind comments, the 27-year-old singer remains calm about the furore that surrounds her. Spend time with her, and you quickly realise she has a worldly sensibility you’d expect from someone twice her age. “Anybody who has gone through a life-changing experience will tell you there is a different understanding of what is real and what is important, and when you are going through different moments, you can reflect and go, ‘I have been through worse’.”
What do you enjoy most when you come home to Australia?
Seeing my dogs, seeing my mum, obviously getting to spend time with my family and friends. The food, the fresh air, it’s coming back home. It feels great to be back, just being among the Australian people and going and releasing music and the incredible supporters I have. I don’t take anything for granted… coming home has been amazing.
All the coaches have faced criticism, how do you cope with it?
I can’t be all things to everyone. I know who I am and where I’m going, and I’m doing the best I can. I’ve gone through worse and you just have to keep kind of rising above and keep your dignity and grace. You have to take the good and the bad, and I’m very thankful for a show that everybody is enjoying. I’m thankful for my songs being at the top of the charts, but I am human – I think people still have to remember that. I’m still human – I can’t not feel.
Read more of our exclusive interview with Delta in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday May 7, 2012.
