The Voice Australia’s Jess Kelly has opened up about the guidance his uncle, John Farnham, has given him on navigating the music industry.
The 38-year-old auditioned for The Voice on August 18, where he performed a cover of When the War Is Over, a song his uncle is known for.
However, the coaches thought he sounded too similar to the Australian music legend and didn’t turn their chairs.
Speaking exclusively with New Idea, the father of two insists he has no regrets and praises his famous uncle, John, for being “incredibly encouraging”.
“The best advice he’s given me is simply to stay true to who I am, put in the hard work, and never lose the joy of singing,” he tells us.
“He obviously knows this industry inside and out, but more than anything, and has always reminded me to keep my feet firmly on the ground.”
While fans were shocked that none of the coaches turned their chairs, some argued that he shouldn’t have auditioned with a song John is recognised for.
However, he tells us he wouldn’t change a thing because he loves performing the track, originally released by Cold Chisel.
“Being compared to my uncle in any way is the highest compliment I could ever receive; his voice and legacy are unmatched,” he gushes.
“I know I have my own path to walk and my own voice to establish, but who doesn’t love a good cover?”
While he loved being part of the talent show process, he tells us it was a “very emotional week” for his family, who have been his “biggest rocks”.
“Just seeing the outpouring of love and having them by my side to celebrate it has been incredibly special,” the aspiring artist says.
His young daughters in particular have loved seeing their father sing on national television, adding that they were disappointed no chairs turned.
But he’s not letting the setback ruin his ambitions, and he’s already gearing up to release more music, including covers of other famous songs.
When New Idea asked him for more details, he coyly promised that he’ll be sharing more on August 28.
He is keeping the specific tracks a surprise, but tells us that they will be two acoustic piano covers.
“I can tell you they are songs that mean a great deal to me and I am proud to have taken a creative approach to them and to be able to create a legacy for my family during the first steps in my musical journey,” the 38-year-old teases.
While covers have been his main focus, Jess hopes to work alongside a songwriter to pen his first original track.
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