Born Rachael Bartholomew in Adelaide, South Australia in 1994, Rachael Leahcar (whose stage surname is her first name spelt backwards) is a phenomenal singer whose vocal abilities have featured on many talent shows over the years. One of her most notable appearances was on the very first season of The Voice Australia in 2012, particularly her blind audition where she blew the judges away with her arresting, emotive rendition of Edith Piaf’s French classic from 1947, ‘La Vie En Rose’.
Because she is blind, Rachael was helped onto the stage by an assistant, taking her time to walk up the steps and prepare herself for her performance. “That’s the longest walk,” quipped judge Seal as he waited for the music to begin. When it finally did, it was certainly worth the wait, with Rachael gliding effortlessly into an elegant rendition of Edith Piaf’s classic. “People are crying,” commented judge Joel Madden just seconds into Rachael’s performance, proving the emotiveness of her vocals.
Rachael’s audition was less than two minutes long, but it was enough to capture the hearts of the judges – all four of whom turned their chairs round – and listeners from around the world, one of whom commented that they had stopped watching the show after seeing Rachael’s performance on TV because they didn’t think another audition would ever be better. “Well, that tore me up,” said another viewer, apparently echoing the sentiments of many who have since heard Rachael’s stirring vocals.
Clearly a fan of classic, emotive, jazz-hued songs, later in the competition Rachael opted to sing Nat King Cole’s version of Charlie Chaplin’s beautifully melodic ‘Smile’, and again received a hugely positive reception from the judges and the show’s audience. Grinning proudly as Rachael delivered her heart-wrenching vocal, her coach on the show Delta Goodrem joined in the standing ovation when the performance had finished, looking very impressed by the young woman’s effortless vocal talents.
There’s no doubt about it Music Man readers – Rachael Leahcar is one of the most talented singers to have ever competed in The Voice Australia. The fact she is blind did not hinder her either; rather, it only seemed to increase the levels of emotion she was capable of delivering through her vocals, and subsequently, it’s little wonder that she placed an admirable third on the show and went on to sign an extensive contract with renowned record label Universal Music.
If you would like to hear more from this talented singer, you can subscribe to her YouTube Channel for more incredible music. Follow Rachael Leahcar on Facebook for updates and connect with her on Instagram.