All four judges on talent show The Voice turned for Hunter Valley singer Lyn Bowtell on Sunday night.
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And the war of words from Seal and Boy George, in particular, as they battled for Bowtell to be on their team was entertaining to say the least. Delta Goodrem and Kelly Rowland also pitched strongly.
Bowtell, 39, performed Fields of Gold by Sting. The song holds a special place in her heart – it was a favourite of her late father, Noel.
She told judges that she often saw her father standing in front of her when she sang the song, and that the last time she performed it live she “burst into tears”.
Bowtell kept her composure this time, however, and her beautiful rendition earned a standing ovation from the crowd.
“That was pretty cool,” Bowtell excitedly told the Herald after her audition aired on Channel 9.
“You know, my mum told me I got a standing ovation but I didn’t even realise at the time. And yes, of course I cried. I’m such a sook.”
Prior to the audition Bowtell had considered choosing Goodrem as a coach, if she turned around, but on the night she “connected with what George said”.
“He told me I was the singer he had been looking for, and when I had to choose he told me to go with my heart. That sealed the deal for me.
“He has always stood up for what he believes in. He’s a very honest person, as well as being cool and charismatic.”
George was the first judge to run, followed by Rowland, Goodrem and Seal.
“I’m really annoyed they all turned,” George told Bowtell after her performance.
“It was beautiful. You are about emotion. Your performance was touching, heartfelt and all-knowing.”
Goodrem told Bowtell she “shifted the energy in the room” and Seal said “I believed you when I listened to you”.
As for Rowland, she described Bowtell’s performance as “vulnerable and beautiful”.
Bowtell is quietly celebrating the occasion with a cup of tea while she prepares for back-to-back media interviews on Monday.
The television juggernaut that is The Voice has left the station and the talented Bowtell, who has six Golden Guitar Awards to her name, is more than happy to hop on board and see where the journey takes her.