INDIGENOUS artist Mitch Tambo will head into the Australia's Got Talent grand final on the heels of another golden buzzer.
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The Gamilaraay and Birri Gubba man impressed the judges with his traditional language rendition of John Farnham's You're The Voice.
Tambo grew up in Tamworth and felt it was time his culture was embraced and shared with the mainstream.
"You don't have to look very far back into our history to gain an understanding of the hardships our ancestors and elders had to come up through," he said.
You don't have to look very far back into our history to gain an understanding of the hardships our ancestors and elders had to come up through.
- Mitch Tambo
"I'm just thankful to them and their resilience that I'm here today able to share our language and show Australia and the world that our culture is alive, well and breathing because of their sacrifices."
In each of his performances, Tambo wears a headpiece made of Dhinawan feathers and the crest of the Murray [white cockatoo], a totem of his people.
He learned his craft with the Gomeroi Dance Company and this Sunday heads into the grand final performance.
Going into it, Tambo feels excited to show Australia and the world the kind of artist he's becoming.
"I worked hard and believed my hard work would pay off, I believed that if I worked hard enough I could make it," he said.
Tambo's music has resonated with Australian's and the charts, breaking number two in the UK and number 1 here at home.
His goal is to see contemporary Aboriginal music on mainstream platforms.
"I think we are faced with challenges at one time or another and for me, knowing my purpose in wanting to share my culture has been the biggest driver getting me through those challenges," Tambo said.
The show is judged by Manu Feildel, Nicole Scherzinger, Shane Jacobson and Lucy Durak.
Tambo's first golden buzzer came from Nicole Scherzinger in his audition, where she was moved to tears by his original song.
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Inspired by his journey, culture and country, Tambo hopes his music has made people feel proud of the history of Indigenous people.
"[I hope they] feel as though they can access it and want to know our history and be part of celebrating the future together, and walking together through love and acceptance," he said.
"The outpour of love I've received from Aunties and Uncles from around Australia has been completely humbling and overwhelming."
The grand final airs 7pm Sunday on Seven for a $100,000 prize.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
