Following a breathtaking, technically flawless performance of Leonard Cohen's ‘Hallelujah' last week, Greek Australian Diana Rouvas soared into the Grand Final of The Voice Australia.
Known for her unfaltering grace, professionalism, humility and a vocal range akin to the greatest female singers of all time, Rouvas is the only female in the top 4 going into tomorrow night's Grand Final.
Her captivating beauty and innate ability to evoke emotion with every note has won the hearts of millions of Australians who have been fervently voting to ensure she is awarded the much-deserved title of winner of The Voice, having been nicknamed ‘the voice of Australia' by the judges, including coach Boy George, throughout the competition.
Her somewhat reserved demeanour and elegance have only served to keep audiences craving to know more about her, and the mentoring by Boy George has gradually allowed the public to get to know more, something which has taken her by surprise. “George is very authentic and really gets behind what he believes,” Diana says. “He teaches to allow yourself to be free, let yourself be who you really are, and celebrate that. I think he really sees me and can use the strengths of what he sees.”
*Listen to Diana's voice here-
“I want to respect the relationships in my life with my family and friends and he's good at enabling me to achieve that balance. I have a lot of respect for him. On a personal level, he is one of the kindest people you will ever meet.”
“This experience has taught me to celebrate myself more. I have not done that in the past, and it's an important energy to have. If we can do that for ourselves, we give permission for others to do the same. As a perfectionist, I can get very serious, but in performing ‘Hallelujah' I felt more relaxed, I took it in a lot more.”
Coaches Kelly Rowland, Guy Sebastian and Delta Goodrem have frequently been shown with mouths agape while watching Diana's subliminal performances, which have included the smash hit “Never Be Enough" from the movie The Greatest Showman, expressing their awe at her perfect delivery and expertise, and it’s no wonder why. Delving into Diana's past, it seems music has been woven into her DNA. With family hailing from Samos on her father's side, her great grandmother was an opera singer who would play for the family even at the age of 90 years old, her great grandfather and grandfather were both pianists, her grandmother, who was raised and educated in Egypt was also a singer and both her parents are music educators. In addition to singing, Diana plays the piano and writes songs.
Her professionalism and perfectionism can be traced to an early start in singing at the age of 4 years old. A testament to the years mastering her craft, including touring with Tina Arena in France and China at the age of 17 years old, it’s no surprise Diana has a reverence for her craft. “If I can't deliver on the spot the way I have trained to, then I shouldn't be there. I'm really passionate about the craft.”
In her downtime, Diana loves to listen to a vast array of music, including Donny Hathaway, Joni Mitchell, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Alicia Keys. “I also love Aretha Franklin. She was of the era when auto-tune didn't exist. That's what I respect, that's what I work for. You won't find any auto-tune on my record.”
The false starts and record deals that fell through in the past have not broken her tenacious spirit. It's the same resilience that saw her through those tough times which now inspires millions watching her pursue her dreams on The Voice. Asked how it would feel to win she smiles, “that would be a win for many losses.”
Diamond Diana, as she has lovingly come to be known, has a treasure trove of her own material that she can't wait to share with her fans and plans to go on tour, irrespective of tomorrow night's outcome.
Voting is still open and free of charge. To vote for Diana go to this link - 9now.nine