Logan teenager Daisha Auda has reached the semi-finals of The Voice Australia after taking on what she described as her biggest step outside her comfort zone yet.
The 15-year-old Mabel Park State High School student performed Janelle Monáe’s Tightrope in the quarterfinals, a song she barely knew.
“It was like a big learning process for me and a big step for me to kind of lock in and learn this new song, but also embody the song and make it my own,” Daisha said.
The fast delivery, unfamiliar melodies and breath control presented new challenges.
“This song I really had to step outside of my comfort zone and learn how to embrace new things,” she said.
“I learned so much new stuff about myself … and my capabilities and what I could do.”
The result continues a rapid rise for the self-taught Logan singer, who grew up surrounded by music but without formal vocal training.
Daisha said music was deeply connected to her Torres Strait Islander culture and family.
“The way we tell stories and pass down cultural practices through generations is through music and through storytelling,” she said.
Her mum Corina Auda said music, dance and storytelling had been part of Daisha’s life from childhood.
“She was always trying to entertain,” Corina said.
“She was one of the kids that would … have my high heels walking down the hallway, using a hairbrush or a deodorant as a microphone.
“She was always performing, so she’s pretty much a natural.”
Corina said the confident performer viewers see on stage was markedly different from her daughter away from it.
“She’s very quiet and humble and likes to be herself and just keep to herself,” she said.
“When she’s performing, it’s like a whole different person.
“It’s like, as they would make me say, ‘diva activated’.”
Daisha’s blind audition of Lizzo’s Cuz I Love You turned all four coaches’ chairs before she joined Ronan Keating’s team.
She later faced elimination during the knockouts before Kate Miller-Heidke saved her and brought her onto her team.
Daisha has since formed close connections with fellow First Nations contestants.
“It’s amazing to see that we have representation on these stages and that we could support our communities and our mob,” she said.
“To show that we’re allowed on these stages … to make that pathway for other people.”
Corina said family members were conscious Daisha was still only 15, with Year 12 still ahead of her next year.
“We just take it day by day,” she said.
“The yes or no really stays with her and we just support her.”
Daisha said reaching the semi-finals had strengthened her confidence, regardless of what happened next.
“I am very proud of myself for making it this far,” she said.
Her message to other young people in Logan remains simple.
“Don’t be afraid to rep where you come from,” Daisha said.
“There’s so much talent within Logan.
“If you ever have a dream … just give it a go.”
