On Sunday night, self-taught Logan singer Daisha Auda stood in The Voice Australia grand final — just 15 years old, with no formal vocal training and one of only four artists left standing.
And she finished in style, performing Janet Jackson’s Together Again before joining coach Kate Miller-Heidke for a duet of Sarah McLachlan’s Angel.
Darwin rapper Yung Milla claimed the 2026 title, but Daisha still made history as the first Torres Strait Islander artist to reach The Voice Australia Grand Final and the first contestant approved to perform one of Jackson’s songs.
Speaking the morning after the finale, Daisha said she was still processing just how far the journey had taken her.
“I’m just feeling so grateful and thankful for this experience, to be honest,” she said.
“It’s been a really long journey … but honestly, I’m just very, very grateful that I’ve had this opportunity and chance.”
During the finale, Daisha was shown messages of support from her school, family, Logan icons including Corey Parker and the wider community.
She said the messages provided reassurance and a reminder that the Logan community stood by her side every step of the way.
“Just seeing those videos and seeing that people actually do support me and care for me reassured me a lot,” she said.
“It did reassure me that Logan does have my back and that I do have supporters out there.”
Daisha said the Grand Final felt different from previous rounds because the pressure to survive another elimination had disappeared.
“You’re just performing and having fun,” she said.
“I got to just kind of be free a bit because I’m not worrying if I have to sound really good to make it through.
“Win or lose, you’ve made it this far.”
Daisha said she was particularly proud of her performances after “locking in” during Grand Final week.
Sharing the stage with Miller-Heidke was “insane and so surreal”, while another moment left the young singer almost speechless — learning one of her idols, Janet Jackson, knew who she was.
“Janet Jackson has to be like one of my top five favourite artists,” Daisha said.
“To be singing one of her songs, for her to even know who I am — insane.
“I’m still flabbergasted over that.”
Now the cameras have stopped, Daisha plans to take some time to breathe and focus on her schoolwork.
She wants to release her own music, continue performing and finish high school.
“Like people say, maybe one door closes and others open,” she said.
“I’m very excited to see what happens after.”
Her long-term ambition is equally grounded.
“I genuinely think I want to see myself being an artist based in Brisbane that’s performing and just doing what she loves and just making music,” she said.
After carrying Logan with her to one of Australia’s biggest stages, Daisha had one final message for the community.
“Thank you so much for their support and their love,” she said.
“It is so appreciated and I’m just so grateful for such a supportive community.
“Win or lose, always representing Logan and always representing where I come from, because we do have talent in Logan.”
