But Miss Longhurst was thrilled to be part of such an exciting journey which stretched her musically and saw her make lifelong friends.

“Definitely I wouldn’t take any of it back, that’s for sure,” the 20-year-old said last night.

“I’m obviously so disappointed – but so proud to have got this far.”

Last night, the contestants sang the same songs they’d already sung in the blind auditions because there wasn’t enough time to learn new material.

Miss Longhurst, who last night was also up against Sydney singer Lionel Cole, sang Peter Allen’s Don’t Cry Out Loud.

Gracious in defeat, Miss Longhurst said Balmer was a good choice to go through.

She thanked her supporters from our region and in particular from Inverell where she grew up.

“I think most of my support has come from that area,” Miss Longhurst said.

So where to now?

“It’s a bit of a waiting game now. I’m still under a contract, so even if people do come your way you’re under contract,” she said.

She said her contract would expire in August – but others had already made contact with her for potential opportunities.

“I’m sure this isn’t the end for me ...

I don’t want to stop now.  I want to keep riding this wave,” she said.

Miss Longhurst said The Voice experience had really helped her remember her dad, the late Gary Longhurst, who died of motor neurone disease seven years ago.

“This whole experience has helped me open up and remember him for the great man he was,” she said.