When “The Bodyguard” came out in 1992, Whitney Houston made “I Will Always Love You” her own. Originally written and performed by country legend Dolly Parton, Whitney shaped this song and turned it into the heartfelt pop sensation we’ve all grown to know and love.
This song is heavy. I’d say it’s an advanced song choice vocally as well as emotionally. That’s not to say you can’t sing this song if you haven’t suffered a heartbreaking loss, but it sure does add a whole layer of raw emotion when you can. And when you’re competing on The Voice Australia, it’s that authenticity that really sets you apart from the rest.
Maddison McNamara is 23-years old from Melbourne, and she’s on stage for her blind audition with one chance to blow the minds of the Voice judges. The lights are dim, the backs are turned and there’s no music. Maddison stays true to the original and leans into the song with nothing else to rely on but her voice. She unleashes the first syllables of the song and the crowd is already cheering her on. Boy George has his eyes closed, and he knows where she’s going with this. The young woman keeps going acapella and it’s clear that she’s got a heavy heart.
Her opening lines are unadulterated pure vocal power stemming from a pool of emotion. And it only becomes more obvious as she makes her way through her performance. Not only is she trying to prove herself for a coveted spot on the show, but she’s also doing this for a close friend. Leading up to her audition, Maddison’s best friend, who also played a pivotal role in pushing her to follow her dreams and pursue a musical career, committed s*****e.
“I was in a little hole a while. But music really helped me pick myself up. Pain actually really helps you through music,” she said, during the interview that ran before her audition. It was judge Kelly who first picked up on the young woman’s pain, saying, “So much soul, and pain.” And she was right. The singer continues to take the judges and audience on a beautiful, vulnerable musical journey that starts slow and cautious, but quickly builds and reaches a boiling point of vocal power that’s got everyone covered in goosebumps. This is hands down the best rendition of the song I’ve ever heard.
Click on the video below to watch Maddison use music as her outlet. Her voice is really incredible.
