They’ve performed to enthusiastic crowds at country music festivals across Queensland, now the O’Donnell family band are ready to shine at the biggest gig of their life on The Voice: Generations stage!
Spanning three generations, John Snr, 59, wife Wendy, 57, their children John, 28, Jacqui, 27, Katelyn, 23, and grandkids Johnny, eight, and three-year-old Amy are the largest group to battle it out in the show’s famous blind auditions.
“One of the good things about being a family band is that we know each other’s strengths and play off one another a little bit,” says Wendy, who grew up surrounded by music – her mother Betty, a trained opera singer, even lent her voice to the Aeroplane Jelly jingle!
The family are hoping their performance will impress!
(Credit: Supplied/Channel 7)“We all do love to perform, and we love to see the smiles on people’s faces when we play.”
Encouraged to audition for the show by past contestant Prinnie Stevens, the Brisbane family jumped at the chance to perform once more after live music ground to a halt during the pandemic.
At local festivals they’ve lent their soulful folk and country sound to pop classics like Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want To Have Fun and Lady Gaga’s The Edge Of Glory, and the close-knit family are hoping to impress superstar coaches Keith Urban, Rita Ora, Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy with their unique sound.
“We’re just hoping to make anyone turn their chair!” John Snr tells Woman’s Day from their home in Brisbane, Queensland. “On such a big stage, it’s terrifying!”
Huge fans of the hit talent show, the clan agree there’s no way they’d have the courage to audition without each other by their side.
“We always enjoy singing together, it’s great fun… every family event there is always some music,” says John Snr.
Amy is making history as the youngest person on The Voice stage – ever!
(Credit: Supplied)“Being on stage together, everybody backs each other up. It’s very special.”
The family’s youngest member, Amy, will be making history of her own as the youngest ever performer on The Voice stage.
“Amy has been singing for ages and she likes the spotlight,” says dad John. “She’s definitely not a backstage person!” he adds with a chuckle.
The Voice: Generations premieres Monday, January 31, 7.30pm, Seven & 7plus
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