A YOUNG singer from Alexandria has spoken of his experiences getting through to the next round of The Voice Australia after wowing celebrity judges Boy George and Kelly Rowland.

Charlie McFarlane, a former pupil of Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School, moved to Brisbane after falling in love with his now girlfriend and admits nerves nearly got the better of him as he prepared to sing for the judges.

Charlie told the Reporter: “I was the most nervous I have ever been in my life as I have never done something as exposing as this.

“Before walking out on stage I had done a good job of keeping myself calm, but that all changed when the doors opened, and I saw the back of those four chairs and the audience staring back at me.

“All that was running through my head was ‘I cannot let everyone down who came to support me’”.

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In the end, there was no reason for Charlie to be nervous, as stars Boy George and Kelly Rowland both span their chairs to voice their support.

“Singing on that stage was definitely a high that I never thought I’d get to experience.” Charlie continued.

“Knowing that two huge international stars thought my voice was worth turning for meant the world to me. The comments from Delta and Guy were also extremely flattering.”

Boy George, who became famous with band Culture Club in the 1980s, told Charlie: “I’m getting bored of the ‘over produced’ singing - I really want to hear truth and honesty in people’s voices, and I think I heard that in you.”

It’s been a long time coming for Charlie, 22, who has been singing from a very young age. He said: “I haven’t really had a passion or confidence to put myself out there up until this past year. Thinking back, it’s hard to remember what the first song I ever sang was but I do remember my first performance in front of a crowd was ‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz.

“I was often encouraged by family and friends to pursue music as they felt I could make something out of it and enjoyed hearing me sing, but at the time I didn’t think much of it.”

Charlie’s family also made the trip all the way down under to watch their loved one perform.

Charlie continued: “My family have been so supportive, especially as they made the journey all the way to Australia just for my blind audition.”

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Next up is the battles, where all the artists are put into pairs to sing off against each other to progress further towards the coveted number one place. The Reporter will be sure to keep the updates coming as we follow Charlie on his adventure.

And does Charlie miss the comforts of home?

“I definitely miss my friends and family every day,” he said.

“It’s hard to miss the freezing cold, but sometimes I do miss the fresh air and a wee roll and square sausage from O’Briens every morning.

“They don’t know what square sausage is here. That was hard to come to terms with.

“The messages of support I have received from everyone back home have been overwhelming and I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me by watching the show and posting online about it.”