The Voice semi-final result has caused quite the divide amongst fans, with many viewers left fuming over the finalist selections.
The four contestants that made it through to the Grand Finale are Team Melanie C’s Yung Milla (NT), Team Kate’s Daisha Auda (QLD), Team Richard’s Tommy Novak (NSW), and Team Ronan’s The 60Four (SA).
Despite a mix of emotional and talented performances, a lot of viewers were shocked by some of the coaches’ final decisions, with one of the main gripes being Ronan Keating’s choice of The 60Four over now 13-year-old Leyla Sabo.
However, as viewers have debated the result online, many have started to rally behind the Irish singer-songwriter, pointing out a crucial detail about the industry that many have overlooked.
Leyla Sabo spoke to WHO and revealed what it was like to miss out on the Grand Finale, while teasing her plans for the future.
“Of course I was disappointed,” she said. “I worked so hard to be there.”
“I really wanted to make the Grand Finale. But I’m also incredibly proud of how far I made it.”
Fans point out key detail behind Ronan’s decision
While there was certainly disappointment over Ronan’s decision, as Leyla was beloved, others pointed to a detail that divided audiences at the start of the season: Leyla’s age.
“I agree with Ronan I believe 12 is too young,” one fan wrote online. “Leyla’s voice is amazing, and she is so confident, but how can she handle some of the negative things thrown her way?”
“Ronan understands the pitfalls of being a teenager when trying to navigate stardom. Look at the list of even recent young singers who have had problems and some very dangerous problems. I think The Voice needs to make the age 18 upwards.”
“12 years of age. Absolutely outstanding voice, but would she handle the pressure and expectation?” another agreed. “Let her grow, but I reckon a producer or manager out there will grab hold of her anyway. Ronan did the right thing.”
“We all know of young women thrust into the spotlight at a very young age and then spent years trying to overcome it,” a third added. “I’m sure none of us want that for her.”
Putting Leyla’s age and experience aside, viewers also pointed out that disagreement was inevitable for a show like The Voice, and that given the talent this late in the competition, Ronan “had a very hard choice to make”.
Leyla was proud to make The Voice history
Despite the disappointing result, Leyla was “incredibly proud” of how far she got in the competition.
“After making it through the Knockouts and Quarterfinals on Ronan’s team, I was confirmed as the youngest artist in the world to reach the semi-finals of any flagship adult edition of The Voice globally,” she said. “I was only 12 when I achieved it, so that’s something I still find really hard to believe.
“When I think about the little girl who started singing because she just loved it, I don’t think she ever imagined she’d end up on The Voice, let alone make history.”
She also revealed how “crazy” it has been to receive so much support from fans online.
“Some of the messages I’ve received from people I’ve never even met have made me cry because they’ve told me that my performances meant something to them,” she revealed. “That’s something I’ll never take for granted.
“It has definitely given me more confidence, but more than anything it’s made me want to keep working and keep proving myself as an artist.”
‘The Voice was a beginning rather than an ending’
Rather than getting lost in her disappointment, Leyla has big plans for the future.
“I feel like The Voice was a beginning rather than an ending,” she said. “I’ve got so much music I want to release and over 40 original songs that I want to get into the studio and bring to life.
“Songwriting is such a huge part of who I am as an artist, so I’m really excited about writing and releasing more new music and letting people hear a different side of me.”
Leyla also has some live shows and more exciting announcements on the horizon that she revealed are still under wraps.
“I’m only 13, and I honestly feel like this is just the beginning,” she said.
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