Delta Goodrem has the music in her. On the day of our exclusive photo shoot with the ethereal Australian performer, she effortlessly glides – almost levitates – across the studio to the sound of tunes blasting through a stereo.
This organic connection with music has been obvious ever since she was a teenager, when Goodrem was launched to the world with hit singles, ‘Lost Without You’ and ‘Born to Try’ from her ridiculously successful 2003 debut album, Innocent Eyes.
Now, the 35-year-old is back for Season 9 of The Voice (which starts May 24, 7pm on Nine Network) – she’s the longest-serving coach on the hit reality TV show – alongside Guy Sebastian, Kelly Rowland and Boy George. Darren McMullen returns after four years’ absence as co-host with Goodrem’s close friend, Renee Bargh.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Goodrem has been isolating with her musician boyfriend of two years, Matthew Copley, and the pair have been playing weekly concerts – Goodrem at the piano and Copley on guitar.
Here, the superstar – who’s just released a new song, ‘Keep Climbing’ – opens up about what those shows mean to her and tells us why she’ll always be “grateful” to the Australian public.
Delta, would it be fair to say you’re happiest when you’re behind the piano performing?
It’s an extension of who I am. The new music that I am going to share with everyone is exactly that – back to basics at my piano.
You’ve grown up in front of Australia. What’s it like knowing you have so many people who have followed your career?
I feel continually grateful and I never take it for granted. I love all the different eras we have shared. We have just walked into a new one with new music in ‘Keep Climbing’ and it has felt so nice to just share the music straight from my home to people who follow me.
Lockdown has been tough on everyone, and your Bunkerdown Sessions with your partner Matt have been great for fans. How have you enjoyed them?
The Bunkerdown Sessions every Thursday night have been a highlight of lockdown – to continue to connect with people. While performing in isolation is a new thing, there is also incredible unity from coming together and having one-on-one interaction despite not being able to be in the same room or country as them.
I am loving having people tune in from around the world – the UK, US, Mexico, Asia. It’s a great way for me to stay connected, to have a sing, and it’s something to look forward to each week.
This is your eighth year as a coach on The Voice. Why do you keep returning to the show?
I have been thankful to have been a part of the show since its inception which means I’m also a part of its evolution. I take great pride in the incredible show we make and the phenomenon it continues to be. The amount of magical moments that I have been a part of and that have happened over the years will always stay with me.
As a performer, what do you get out of being a coach on The Voice?
As a performer, each season I continue to be inspired, learn and grow right along with the artists. Also, the incredible different coaches that have sat next to me have shared such pearls of wisdom.
What’s it like watching these raw artists perform?
Watching The Voice artists perform is very inspiring. What they are doing takes an immense amount of courage and determination. There is a palpable energy when they walk out onto The Voice stage and sing their heart out in front of a studio audience, the coaches, and viewers at home in pursuit of their dreams.
You were there way back at the start – can you take us through how you felt on your very first day on The Voice, sitting in the chair, waiting for the very first singer to perform?
Oh my gosh! On the very first day of The Voice taping, there was an immense amount of excitement. I was, of course, nervous and excited. I also was the youngest there and I still am. Ha! It was the start of something new and fresh; a huge TV show that felt like it had a sport element to it in “coaching a team”. I loved that concept.
What’s a valuable piece of advice you have passed on to The Voice artists?
Firstly, that I want them to have fun and to be present; to truly enjoy the moment that is happening to them, from the first discovery of them when we turn, and to just be their authentic self with me. I give everything I’ve got, so I ask that in return from them.
You do truly bond with the artists on your team. Who have you grown closest to over the seasons?
You have different connections in different ways with the artists – the same way you do when you meet people. I take my mentorship seriously and continue to communicate regularly and offer any advice that I can. I have some lifelong friendships with my artists that I truly love and adore.
How do you feel when you have to say goodbye to them on the show?
Saying goodbye to artists on the show is never easy, but luckily The Voice is just the beginning of the journey for them. Hopefully, they have grown and learnt while on the show and will take those new experiences and skills with them as they continue chasing their dreams.
You’ve known Guy for years now. What’s it like having him sit next to you in the red chairs?
Guy and I have been good mates for a long time and having him on the show is a lot of fun.
This year, your friend Renee is co-hosting The Voice! Have you been hanging out between recording episodes?
It’s felt like she was always a part of the show as I have shared all the seasons with her over the years. And yes, it’s a complete girl power world backstage with having Kelly and now Renee there! It’s the best! Having Renee Bargh has made this year all that more special and extra fun.
And, of course, you’ve had the chance to get to know Kelly and George even more this year – what do you love about them?
Kelly and George are two of the most incredible people. I am so fortunate and grateful to have got to know each of them. Kelly has become like a sister and George like an older brother to me. I love them!
There can be friction, at times, when you’re in the chairs. How does it feel when one of the coaches takes a contestant you really wanted on your team?
We’re all very competitive, so when a coach gets a contestant that another wanted, there’s always a bit of a letdown. We all want to win! But that’s also what makes The Voice format so dynamic and entertaining to watch.
You have achieved so much, but what are you most proud of in your life?
What I’m about to do next.
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