The Voice Australia came to a spectacular conclusion on Sunday, October 8 with Tarryn Stokes crowned the winner for 2023.
And while Superstar Coach Rita Ora and fans across the country believed in the 40-year-old mum-of-two, Stokes herself
Speaking to Mediaweek after her win, Stokes admitted she was “feeling really excited and overwhelmed” and had “a lot of emotions” going on, but was prepared for the next chapter of her life to begin.
“I think I had given up on the idea that this was going to happen,” she admitted. “And so it’s just really hilarious that it’s come around again. Finally, it’s like, ‘Okay, this is the missing piece’ that, like a lot of us, would have that dream, but it’s just happened.”
Further to this, Stokes revealed that she felt like it was “crazy” that it was “happening at this age”, but I just feel ready. I feel like I’m more ready than ever!”
Tarryn Stokes. The Voice 2023. Seven
Tarryn Stokes on why she was shocked to win
While fans across the country (and her own Superstar Coach Rita Ora) saw the talent that she possessed, Stokes struggled with the belief in her “own head”.
“I probably get in my own head,” she said. “I know I can sing but I just didn’t know people saw that in me at the same time. I was genuinely shocked and it’s because it’s a competition. So you really felt the competition.”
After her Blind Audition, Stokes admitted that that’s when the competition really began to heat up.
“After doing the blinds, which was kind of like you’re just competing with yourself but after that, you’re in the Callbacks against two other people. And so the competition makes you kind of feel like, ‘Oh, am I going to get through this?’ So, every time they chose me or Rita chose me, I was really shocked and grateful.”
The other aspect of her win was that she realised just how “ready” she was for the opportunity.
“I just feel like I ground myself a lot now,” she said. “So I don’t like to get ahead of myself and just try to be more present, especially after having kids. But I never saw this coming. Ever.”
Rita Ora performs with Tarryn The Voice Australia 2023 Grand Final. Seven
How Tarryn will juggle her new career and being a mum
When told that she will probably be questioned on “how do you do it all?” from now on, Stokes admitted that it was something she and her husband, Paul, were “talking about at the moment.”
“We don’t know. We’re just going to have to go hour by hour, day by day and I think I just want to have conversations with whoever’s looking after me management-wise and make sure that there is a lot of balance.”
As for what’s next, the newly minted winner wants to have a “bag of tricks” up her sleeve, maybe dabbling in musical theatre, writing songs, performing and continuing to leverage her success.
“I’m just going to carve my own path and not look at anyone else,” she said.
The Voice Australia 2023. Seven
The Complete Collection from Tarryn Stokes is out now and available to download/stream here.
Stream all episodes of The Voice Australia 2023 on 7Plus.