Tommy Novak steps onto the stage this weekend for the grand finale. Photo: Seven Network.
When Tommy Novak steps onto The Voice Australia grand final stage, he’ll have the South Coast behind him – and his mum Sue and sister Edie closest of all.
Tommy spent his childhood growing up in Malua Bay, south of Batemans Bay, and the coastal community is turning out in force for their homegrown star.
“People who I don’t even know come in and say, ‘Oh, you’re Tommy’s mum’. I don’t even know how they know it, but they do,” Sue said.
“It’s just nice to see the community support for a local boy.”
The support is not surprising, given Tommy has never forgotten his roots.
A former Carroll College student, he went home last week to perform on stage with his Year 12 music teacher and visit disability support service Yumaro, which Edie attends. He also performed for local fans at a small, intimate venue in Batemans Bay.
Sue says music has always brought the Novak family together, especially Edie.
“Even though she’s non-verbal, as soon as she plays music, she’s just completely happy,” she said.
“When she hears her brother sing, she just starts clapping her little hands. It’s just amazing.”
Sue isn’t surprised her “very talented, very modest” son has made it to the grand final of a show that has set a number of Australian musicians on the path to stardom.
She said her son started learning guitar from another school mum, before picking up the piano a few years later.
“He was just one of those kid that could hear a song and then, straight away … translate it to their fingers.
“He always had a very good ear for music … Our house is just full of music, we’re always playing records.”
Sue says Edie loves hearing her brother sing. Photo: Supplied.
Tommy got through the semi-finals with his cover of Robbie Williams’ ‘Angels’ – a special moment in more ways than one.
“The first major concert that I ever went to was a four-hour drive with my family to Sydney, and we went to see none other than Robbie Williams,” Tommy said.
While he tried a corporate gig, Tommy said music was always his first love.
“I haven’t really looked at The Voice as a competition,” he said.
“I’ve just kind of been focused on my own journey of putting myself out there as an artist and wanting to really just embrace the fear.”
Tommy said that while he can’t give away secrets about what grand final night will be like, he promised a “jam-packed show”.
“You think about the calibre of talent at this point … within the community of The Voice and the artists that have made it through.”
Sue will be at the Republic Hotel in Sydney for the official watch party, and countless other well-wishers will tune in to see the local boy steal the limelight.
“I think whatever happens on that night will be the celebration,” she said.
“Whether he wins or loses, it doesn’t really matter. It’s still a celebration because getting to the final is just remarkable, really.”
The Voice Australia is airing on the Seven Network and on the 7plus streaming service, with the grand final airing on Sunday evening (27 September). You can also follow Tommy through his Facebook page.
