A member of the evangelical megachurch Hillsong has won this year’s edition of the singing competition ‘The Voice Australia’.
Bella Taylor Smith, 23, became the competition’s winner after a powerful duet performance of Andrea Bocelli’s “The prayer” with her coach Guy Sebastian, also a devout Christian.
“I really can’t believe it. I’m so thankful,” Smith said. “I can’t wait to see what incredible things are ahead for me. I’m really grateful for you [Sebastian], for everyone who voted and for my beautiful family, who I love.”
Her prize includes a recording contract with EMI Music and $100,000 (£72,000).
Guy Sebastian, who also has links with Hillsong, said: “I’m so proud.”
“There are so many deserving people up there, but you are special, Bella,” Sebastian said. “Go out there and kill it. I know you will.”
Bella is an active member of the worship team at Hillsong Sydney and can often be seen leading worship on Sunday services, such as in the videos below:
The finale has been heavily criticised on social media for its religious overtones.
“So disappointed with the choices for The Voice. I mean Bella’s lovely, but the Hillsong connection just makes it a bit suss [suspicious] for me, “one critic tweeted.
Another said: “If #TheVoiceAU is rigged to promote and propel their church goers…does anyone really take them seriously, come on @Channel7. Are you this lame? Shame on you.”
But many others have come out in her defence.
“That’s absolutely absurd! She has an amazing voice and I really appreciate how open she is about her faith. A winner in every sense,” supporter Karen Huntly wrote on Facebook.
“OMG. Doesn’t matter what religion she is. Bella was amazing. She deserved to win. She was the best talent,” another supporter wrote on Facebook.
After winning, Smith performed her new single, Higher.
SOURCE: PREMIER CHRISTIAN NEWS