Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock you know that 19-year-old Central Coast soul singer Karise Eden has taken out the first season of The Voice.
Like most of the country I was on the edge of my seat watching the show, and while I was firmly on Team Darren I didn’t mind one bit when Karise won. She’s got such a distinct voice, such amazing musical instincts, and such incredible power. And she’s from my neck of the woods! She was definitely a worthy winner.
I’m really impressed with the way Channel Nine’s played with the format. I enjoyed the first American season when it aired last year, but Australia’s version is definitely superior. I was thrilled that they scrapped the confusing elimination round where judges weighted an allocated percentage of their votes towards a chosen competitor. And the decision to showcase original songs at the grand final was inspired. I also appreciated the way the voting was all done by the time the Monday night show aired. There were none of the desperate pleas for last minute votes we usually see on these types of programs, and that allowed us to really celebrate the achievements of all the artists. And of course there was that judging panel, a team of real pros who had such a natural chemistry together and commitment to the show and their stars.
As clichéd as it sounds, there were really no losers on The Voice. I’ll be shocked if the top four, as well as some of the other finalists, don’t take their musical careers to the next level. I’ll miss watching them on TV on Monday nights, but look forward to seeing where they pop up next.
Image source: Eva Rinaldi @ Wikimedia Commons
Missy Higgins has maintained her stranglehold on the ARIA Charts. Her new album The Ol’ Razzle Dazle sits at the top of the albums charts for the second week.
7 June 2012 – Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (Free)
Our own 
With extended time in Brisbane my chart report’s coming a little late this week. But with Keith Urban’s latest greatest hits The Story So Far album debuting at the number one slot, I figured it was better done late than never.
“What has happened to my cousin Dana is beyond words, and never in our lives have we felt stronger about doing a benefit show,” Zoran said. “This will be a most special and important night, and the boys and I are really looking forward to tearing the Rosemount apart on behalf of a brave & amazing girl.”
The band’s vocalist Sid O’Neil is planning to recharge his mind, body, and soul with an extended European vacation, so The Vasco Era are giving him a proper send off. They promise some special guest bands will join them so it should be quite a party.
8 May 2012 – BBC Introducing @ Social, London