Ezra Williams’ journey on The Voice Australia was an emotional rollercoaster, but throughout the ups and downs, the Kiwi songbird managed to maintain a sense of calm and clarity that kept her going right through to the final, where she came in second place to winner Tarryn Stokes.
Speaking to Woman’s Day, the 28-year-old Aucklander says she only got through the “intense, hectic time” because of her supportive whānau, including her singing siblings Lavina, Emily and Joshua Williams.
Ezra recalls, “The whole time I had my family telling me, ‘Don’t forget to have fun and live in the moment. ‘Thank God I had them! It’s so easy to get stuck in your head and spend the time striving to be perfect.”
Ezra and Voice pal Nyree at Christmas in the Park.
Behind the scenes, one of Ezra’s most memorable moments was when she accidentally spilled a drop of lemon-honey water onto her dress right before going on stage.
“It became a stain and the whole wardrobe team got involved. They had to soak the entire dress and dry it before I went out there, so there were heaters and blow-dryers – they were absolute machines! It just finished drying as I walked on stage, and I had to remain composed and calm. That was a challenge!”
A highlight was representing the Pacific Island community on screens and she’s thankful for the “massive exposure” The Voice has given her.
“I’ve networked and had people reach out from all over,” she enthuses. “I’ve got to meet all these amazing singers.”
After performing at Auckland’s Christmas in the Park, Ezra’s summer is jam-packed with gigs and she’ll open for her Voice coach Jessica Mauboy when she tours Australia next year. She smiles, “This show is such a big springboard for people like me who want to do this as a career.”
