- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
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Gemma welcome to OLC! I just want to say I watched you on the voice and
thought you were such an incredible talent. At just 19, you already sing with a
maturity that captivates audiences. When did you first realize music was your
calling, and what was the song or moment that ignited that passion in you as a
young girl from Melbourne?
Thank you so much! That’s so kind. I think when growing up I always loved to sing.
However, I was very shy and lacked confidence, so no one really heard my voice. I
was heavily involved in sport and kind of put aside the dream of music for a long
time. However I remember one day my twin sister asked me to sing to her, She said
‘just sing I know you do it on your own, so why don’t you show me’. So, I did and
ever since then we have really connected as siblings over it and she really helped
me believe in myself and gain some confidence to show my parents and later on, the
country. I remember my first concert I went to I was about 12 and my mum got me
tickets to go and see Jesscia Mauboy (an Australian Singer). I remember watching
her on stage and thinking wow, that is exactly where I want to be. A fire really started
to ignite in me, and I knew music was my calling however I was still focused on
sport. After a massive sport injury rupturing my ACL and MCL ligaments about 8
years later, music really became the forefront and my drive for this career only grew
and grew as my sporting dreams faded into the background.
Growing up in Melbourne, did your family play a big role in nurturing your
love for music? Were there any family sing-alongs, local gigs, or unsung
heroes in your household who encouraged your vocal talent?
I’m very lucky the house I grew up in was so supportive. My parents played a
massive role in being the ones I could look to for advice or just being there for a hug
at the end of the day. Once they found out I could sing, they did all they could to help
me achieve my dreams and believe in myself just as much as they believed in me.
My siblings were also very supportive however; they aren’t exactly musical like me.
They are both multi-national champions and have both competed on the world stage
with their sport. I’d be lying if I hadn’t felt this weight to achieve a similar standard
growing up. Hence why I was so sporty at a young age rather than fully into my
music. Whilst I reached sport at a high level, I never quite made that standard. I think
that’s why my blind audition on The Voice Australia was quite emotional for my
parents. They finally saw me achieving something amazing in the field I loved and
wanted to pursue. Whilst my siblings are in a different line of talent, we are all very
close and encouraging to each other. It’s almost nicer this way as we have never felt
competitive against one-another because we are all doing such different things.
Before The Voice, what were some key milestones in your music journey—
like your first open mic, a favourite collaboration, or a song you wrote that
changed how you saw yourself as an artist?
First performance was at school, I think it was like a concert for students to get up
and sing a song. Needless to say, I was so nervous!! But it really was the start of
preforming for me. From there, I started doing musical theatre playing lead roles in
school shows and then playing my first show with a company outside of school
where I played the understudy of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. I started writing
music and even released two singles just before The Voice started showing on TV. But to be honest, as a young artist, my biggest milestone has been The Voice. It
really solidified the start of my career.
Your voice has this resonant, emotional depth that feels timeless. Who are
the artists or songs that have shaped your style the most, and how do they
influence the way you approach a performance?
Honestly, I’ve listened to Whitney Houston about 1000 times over and over just
listening to the way she uses her voice and gives such a rich sound. I really take
inspiration from her and Beyoncé who is so incredible the way she can growl into a
note or softly touch our emotions with her voice. I approach performance to be
authentically me on stage whilst also blending my inspirations.
What sparked the idea to audition for The Voice Australia 2025? Was there a
particular moment of doubt or excitement that made you hit “submit” on that
application?
To be really honest, I posted a TikTok about a year ago of me singing Prada by
Raye as a I played the piano along. It went semi viral and from there I was contacted
by a crewmember from The Voice. They sparked the idea of me auditioning for the
show and so I did. I was so excited because I’d dreamed of it since I was a little kid
watching it but never had the guts to actually hit submit!
Choosing Raye’s “Prada” for your Blind Audition was a bold move—it
turned chairs and stole hearts. How did you land on that song, and what did it
mean to you to kick off your Voice journey with such a high-energy, personal
track?
Kicking of my Voice journey with this song was awesome. It was challenging though.
The song and the way I wanted to sing it required so much power, yet emotion and a
bunch of vocal riffs. In hindsight would I have performed it with as much vocal
movement? Probably not. But I think I was just so keen to get out there and do
everything. This performance helped me realise that a singer can do too much and
sometimes, people would rather hear the purity of a voice than a bunch of added
runs and riffs. However, it was so much fun and I was so lucky to have turned 3
chairs. I’m proud of that achievement despite being incredible nervous!
Describe the rush of hearing those chairs spin during your audition. What
was racing through your mind in that split second, and how did it feel to step
into the spotlight as Gemma Hollingsworth, the 19-year-old powerhouse?
Omg. Hearing the chairs spin was a feeling of relief and excitement! I think I forgot I
was still even singing! I just felt so lucky and that my hard work had paid off. It was
weird though to step out as purely myself on stage and be represented as me.
Before that I had been playing a role, so I was stepping into a character like Sophie
in Mamma Mia or Elle in Legally Blonde. So, it was hard to kind of get a grip of how
to get out there and be me. No character. I was ready though. I was ready for the
country to see me and my voice.
Once the coaches turned, what drew you to your team? Was there a
conversation or vibe during the post-audition chat that made you feel, “This is
where I belong”?
I really was drawn to Melanie C, even before having to choose. I liked the pop girl
attitude of her and her pitch really sold it to me. Kate also was someone I liked, I
think she has a wonderfully unique voice and I could see myself working really well
under her guidance. But Melanie C was the best fit for me, and I’m so glad I chose
her. Post audition, I remember seeing my family. There were a lot of emotions especially from my mum and dad who couldn’t have been prouder. I think hugging all of them was when I realised, I want this and that feeling of I belong here. Seeing my siblings proud of me in ways I’ve been proud of them was also really special.
Your duet of “Messy” with Cassie Henderson was electric—raw emotion and
killer harmonies. What was it like preparing for that performance, and how did
bouncing ideas off another contestant push your artistry?
This was so much fun. Meeting Cassie in the workshop for the first time we
immediately kind of had this softness towards each other. It never felt like we were
competing. It was always respectful and kind. As we got closer along the process,
we became great friends and almost forgot at the end of the day we would have to
battle each other. I was very lucky to be paired with her because she is a standout
performer. Prepping for the performance, we practiced and practiced and got to
know each other along the way. We worked hard and gave that performance our
everything. It felt like we were doing a show together, not a competition. Our
friendship came first. She pushed me artistically I think without even knowing and I’m grateful to her guidance and showing me what it takes to be a strong and powerful performer, not just a singer.
The Voice is a whirlwind—what was the most nerve-wracking challenge
you faced on the show, and how did overcoming it change your confidence as
a performer?
The Blind was most challenging. I was the most nervous I had ever been. I know
when this show went to air, thousands of Australians would be watching. I knew it
was kind of my one shot to show my voice and I really didn’t want to stuff it up. It was also really the first time I’d sung in front of people being just me on stage. No one else and no character to step into. Just me. Overcoming this challenge was hard because once your on stage, the only was to get to the other side is to take a deep breath and do it. It fully changed my confidence as a performer as I thought, If I can do this, what can’t I do. The limit was endless and whilst I still have a lot of confidence and growth to gain, it was a massive leap in the right direction.
From Blind Auditions to the later rounds, how did your time on the show
evolve your approach to singing? Did you discover new facets of your wide
vocal range or stage presence along the way?
I was super surprised at how much a grew on the show. From being super nervous
in my blind audition, I gained so much confidence and belief in myself. I also learnt
that sometimes less is more when performing. I think in my blind audition and even
my knockout round I felt I had to include different parts of my range and add riffs and runs to show every inch of what I could do. However, sometimes people just want to hear a voice. Not the fancy additions.
Beyond the stage lights, what was the most memorable off-camera moment
from your Voice experience—like a late-night team bonding session or advice
from a fellow contestant that stuck with you?
I remember after being saved by all 4 coaches in the battle round, a couple of us artist had dinner and chatted all about the day. I remember later in the night sitting out with Cassie on the balcony and just chatting about her experience in the industry and some tips for me to get started. I had some great moments with Milly Monk as well; we went bike riding around Sydney. I also really loved the presence of Clea. Whilst we didn’t have too much to do with each other on the show, I found to have a deep respect for her and she was such a warming presence.
With your leadership qualities and that palpable passion shining through
every note, where do you see your music career heading next? Any dream
collaborations or projects bubbling up now that The Voice has launched you?
Next steps for me are in the works. I’m currently sifting through all opportunities and
working out plans for next year. I hope my career heads into the bright lights and into
bigger and better things. I’m in the studio a lot at the moment so new music is on
the way and following that, hopefully a bunch of shows. In terms of collabs, I reckon
it would only be fair if Cassie and I recorded a cover of ‘Messy’ by Lola Young!
As a young artist who’s already making waves worldwide, what advice
would you give to other 19-year-olds dreaming of the stage—especially on
staying true to your voice amid the industry’s chaos?
I think just believe in yourself. It’s easier said than done, I know! But get out there,
give things a crack and you never know what can happen or whose watching. Things
also take time, so let yourself enjoy the ride, learn to love the ups and the downs and
whilst the industry is chaotic, keep steady goals and a steady mindset.
