Before Kaitlyn Martin decided to audition for The Voice, Shepparton knew, and now the nation knows it too.
This is only the start of the pop star’s meteoric rise.
The day of her blind audition for season 13 of Channel Seven’s biggest entertainment program, Kaitlyn introduced herself as a 17-year-old born in Shepparton with osteogenesis, a condition characterised by fragile bones that break easily.
“I’m tired of being worried, of getting hurt, and I hope tonight going out on that stage will help me gain the confidence to be stronger and take risks,” she said.
Inwardly, Kaitlyn may have had butterflies, brittle bones, and large pipes.
Outwardly, there were no signs of nerves other than a flutter of her eyelashes, an uneasy glance to the audience, and a slight sway in her legs.
She got behind the microphone, and the magic started.
Performing Ariana Grande’s modern twist on Judy Garland’s 1939 hit Over the Rainbow, Kaitlyn unleashed.
The gifted singer filled its empty spaces with high runs and adventurous melodies, soaring her vocals to further showcase her impressive range.
It was more than enough to be part of this year’s choir of contestants.
“I was hoping, but I was not expecting to get three chairs,” Kaitlyn said.
“(Choosing Adam Lambert as my coach) just felt right.
“He took me under his wing, made sure I was comfortable, and I think all musos have a bit in common with having creative minds ... I could already tell I had made the right choice.”
The next stage was a battle, literally.
Adam assigned Kaitlyn and 18-year-old Siena Fodera to go head-to-head, singing the emotional ballad drivers licence by Olivia Rodrigo.
Neither of the vocal virtuosos has a driver’s licence, which was irrelevant since it was the audience that needed to be buckled up for a show.
As Siena belted out her first run, Kaitlyn didn’t just follow, but overtook with notes that her competitor could only gaze at like a distant star.
“It didn't matter whether I would win the battle or not, I felt good and like I was doing the song justice,” Kaitlyn said.
Kaitlyn lost the battle, but she won the war against self-consciousness and hesitance.
“Growing up, I’ve always thought that there was something wrong with me, and from that, I've stood in the corner,” she said.
“On The Voice, I found my people.
“For the first time, I felt like there was a place for me in this world, and people wanted me to be there.”
No amount of prize money can compare to what Kaitlyn gained from her experience: confidence, self-acceptance, motivation, and gratitude for The Voice’s impact on her life after the curtains closed.
“(Coming back to Shepparton), I’ve been putting a lot of hard work into my music, creating some original music that I hope to get out at some point,” she said.
“Everyone’s been so supportive – my family are amazing, I’ve had so much support from teachers and students, and even people who have seen me on TV I’ve talked to and bonded with.
“It’s amazing. People now see me as a singer.”
There’s no question that Kaitlyn Martin is a singer.
And a crystal ball isn’t necessary to see that her future lies on the stage.
Yet, one question remains.
Now that her star power shines brighter than ever, how will she use its light?
To stay updated on Kaitlyn Martin’s singing career, follow her on Instagram @kaitlyn_martinn_