One of the most interesting parts about the singing competition series The Voice is that the judges can’t see the performers while they are auditioning. The idea is that the singers can then be judged solely based upon their voice and nothing else. It helps eliminate of any potential biases that could arise due to a person’s appearance.
However, some auditions are certainly more blind than others.
For example, Rachael Leahcar, a contestant on The Voice Australia, took the term “blind audition” to a whole new level.
Not only were the judges unable to see Rachael while she was performing, but she was completely unable to see them as well. The reason being?
Rachael Leahcar is in fact legally blind, although, no one knew it at first.
Rachael was helped onto the stage by one of the employees of the show as her parents looked on from backstage and judges waited patiently in anticipation. “That it is the longest walk,” judge Seal can be heard saying as Rachael slowly worked her way into position.
However, when it comes to singing talent, sight has nothing to do with it.
The song Rachael chose to perform was the 1947 classic, “La Vie En Rose”, written by French singer Edith Piaf. And as soon as she started to sing, everyone was instantly blown away.
Not only was her performance totally flawless, but her French was perfect as well.
“La Vie En Rose” translated to English literally means “life in pink”, however, the metaphoric translation is something more like “viewing life with rose-colored glasses”. Although, that doesn’t mean you literally have to be able to “see” anything to appreciate the meaning fully. It is more of a feeling.
The song itself tells a beautiful story that revolves around approaching love and life optimistically.
Rachel totally gets it, and the passion in her voice as she smoothly belted out the lyrics is undeniable. It didn’t take long for the judges to realize the same either.
About halfway through the performance, both Delta Goodrem and Joel Madden hit their buttons. Seal and Kieth Urban followed closely behind.
However, Rachael herself wasn’t even entirely sure that the judges liked her performance at all. She couldn’t see!
“I just have to say before we go on, I don’t actually know if anyone turned around,” said Rachael.
The judges were noticeably shocked and Joel informed her that all four of them wanted her on their teams.
“I was listening to you and watching everyone, and I’ll tell you one thing — you don’t need to see, you touched everyone in this room tonight,” said Joel.
Delta was in complete agreement as well.
“You know what’s so special to me? It was really all about your voice and when we turned around, I just couldn’t believe that you were standing there with such a massive voice,” said Delta.
After they found out that Rachael was only 18 years old, everyone was even more impressed.
We have to say, it’s so amazing that Rachael has been able to excel so much in life despite her disability.
Even though Rachael did not ultimately win that year’s season of The Voice Australia, it’s safe to say that the amount she has already been able to accomplish is nothing short of incredible.
We’re sure her parents watching on from backstage were so proud.
Watch the full video of Rachael Leahcar performing “La Vie En Rose” on The Voice Australia below.
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