Trans teen Oliver Cuthbert has wowed audiences with his Blind Audition on The Voice Australia.
Performing 'Firestone' by Kygo and Conrad Sewell, 15-year-old Cuthbert earned a chair-spin from Boy George and Delta Goodrem, each of whom wanted him on their team. It was only once he had cemented his place in the competition that the teenager revealed his nine-month transition journey which, he said, saw his voice change due to testosterone.
"I've heard stories and had friends who just couldn't sing after hormones because it's a major difference."
With his supportive parents watching on proudly from backstage, Cuthbert chose to join Boy George's team, connecting with the judge over the significance of his story.
"People hear about transgender issues, but they don’t see that we're real people," Cuthbert said of the way trans people are depicted in the current media landscape.
"I want people to see that I'm first and foremost a person."
You can watch the full performance below:
