From a shy child hidden behind a curtain to shield her voice to standing centre stage at The Voice.
On Monday night, Kaitlyn Martin’s once-concealed talent will be showcased nationally during her blind audition for season 13 of Channel Seven’s biggest entertainment program.
The 17-year-old student from Goulburn Valley Grammar School in Shepparton had applied on a whim but was resolute at her audition, prepared to sing the notes that could determine her future.
“It was nerve-wracking,” she said.
“I’m used to recognising a lot of faces when I’m performing a set, and so to be in a different state, in a completely different area with different people.
“And the stakes were a little bit higher.”
Part of the stakes she is referring to are sitting with their backs turned on four red chairs lined up like a picket fence.
This year’s judges, Guy Sebastian, Kate Miller-Heidke, Adam Lambert and LeAnn Rimes, will have their ears pricked during the blind auditions to discover the rising stars who will join their ranks.
Will Kaitlyn and her impressive pipes be one of them?
Alluding to her song choice, she’s given herself the best chance to score a buzzer and a swivel.
“It’s a song that I’ve sung my whole life, and it resonates with me,” she said.
“It’s a genre I usually sing, and I feel like it shows off my voice very well.”
Whether those mechanical chairs turn or not, Kaitlyn has already personally triumphed.
The young vocalist said that The Voice experience had allowed her to find her artistic footing and gain newfound confidence.
“I’ve never really had much faith in myself as a singer, and I never really believed that I was a good singer – I thought I could hold a tune, but nothing special,” Kaitlyn said.
“Now I know this is my calling.”
To watch Kaitlyn Martin’s audition for The Voice, tune in to episode eight, airing at 7.30pm on Monday, September 2, on Channel 7 and 7plus.