When John Farnham’s nephew Jess Kelly auditioned for The Voice this season, viewers were shocked by two things. One: that he sounded uncannily like his famous uncle. And two: that none of the coaches turned their chairs for him.
“While getting a chair turn would have been incredible, just having the opportunity to stand on The Voice stage was a massive win and a dream come true for me,” Jess tells TV WEEK.
“As for my voice, growing up in my family and idolising my uncle, his style organically had a huge influence on me. I’ve always sung from the heart, and naturally, those family tones come through.”
When Jess sang at the auditions, coach Richard Marx, who’s worked with John, looked genuinely startled. Kate Miller-Heidke asked if it was John Farnham singing, and Richard agreed it sounded “just like” him.
“Being compared to him is the ultimate compliment,” Jess says, “but I’m also really excited to continue developing and showcasing what else I can do.”
For viewers who would like to hear what else Jess can do, they won’t have to wait long. Jess will be releasing two “stripped-back raw acoustic cover songs” on August 28.
“It felt like the perfect way to introduce myself as an artist covering two classics that mean a lot to my family,” he explains. “I haven’t written my own songs before, but I would love to work with a songwriter to see what we could do!”
The 38-year-old dad and cabinet maker from Queensland says the response to his audition on The Voice has been “absolutely phenomenal”.
“I am still trying to wrap my head around it!” he adds. “Even though the coaches didn’t turn, the way the Australian public has rallied behind me has made me feel like I won. I’m genuinely grateful for every kind message, comment and share. The outpouring of love and encouragement has given me the biggest confidence boost to keep pursuing my passion.”
Catch The Voice on Monday and Tuesday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 7pm on Channel Seven or 7plus.
Share this post