Jess Kelly walked onto The Voice Australia stage this year hoping for a chair turn. But for him, it was also about paying tribute to the uncle who shaped his love of music.
The 38-year-old sang Cold Chisel‘s When the War is Over – a song famously covered by John Farnham – and the resemblance was instant.
All four coaches said how much he sounded like his uncle, not knowing the two were actually related. Richard Marx, who co-wrote several of John’s biggest hits including The Reason Why, called it “uncanny”, while Ronan Keating went further, suggesting Jess was “mimicking” the Age of Reason singer.
Despite the praise, no chairs turned, and Tones and I, who is secretly sitting in as a fifth coach this season, also chose not to save him.
Jess Kelly on The Voice judges’ silence
Jess revealed to Woman’s Day that although the coaches didn’t offer any words of encouragement after his audition, he wasn’t fazed.
“No, I didn’t [have a chance to speak with the coaches after the audition] but I understand that this is part of the new format of the show this year,” he said.
But what did surprise him was the reaction from everyday Australians.
“It has been completely overwhelming in the best way and was of a scale that I never thought possible,” Jess said. “Even though I didn’t get a chair turn, the massive wave of love and support from across the country has made me feel like I won anyway. I’m just incredibly grateful.”
Singing has always been a family affair for Jess, just not a public one – until now.
“My appearance on The Voice was only the second occasion I have sung in public,” he said. “Prior to that I have only sung with family at gatherings and family events. People who have heard me sing do usually say there is a likeness.”
John Farnham’s nephew on his The Voice song choice
Fans have been curious if Jess might be part of the upcoming John Farnham tribute show, The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend, but he says that’s not the plan.
“There are so many incredible artists who I think would rightfully be in line before me to pay tribute to John, so there’s nothing like that planned,” he said. “But if the opportunity ever arose down the track, it would be an absolute privilege. In my own quiet way, I like to think of my audition of When the War is Over as my personal tribute to John.”
Jess isn’t dwelling on the result – he recently recorded two stripped-back acoustic covers and says the songs mean a lot to his family.
“I can’t wait to share them with everyone on August 28,” he said. “I’m hoping to work towards putting together a set and do some live performances moving forward.”
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