Jaydin Shingleton (Ngāi Tahu) has made it through The Voice Australia's blind auditions to land a spot in the battles round.
Shingleton, 25, from Westport first appeared on the series in August where he wowed the judges with his rendition of Chris Stapleton's version of Tennessee Whiskey.
He went into the blind audition hoping to turn at least one chair and was "stoked" to have all four judges - Guy Sebastian, Adam Lambert, Kate Miller-Heidke and LeAnn Rime - "fighting over him."
Shingleton began singing at age four. Photo: Supplied
Shingleton's journey
Shingleton said his dream was always to become a full-time musician performing in front of a crowd of thousands.
"I've been singing since I was about four."
His mother Carol and grandfather Joe, who were also musicians and performers, instilled in him at an early age an aspiration to pursue music.
"Once I could sing, she had me singing, in a good way of course, and from there I started doing competitions."
In 2019, Shingleton was the first person in New Zealand country music history to win the Gold Guitar Award, the Norfolk Island Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year, and New Zealand Entertainer of the Year.
"I was gaining a fair bit of traction; I had written my first song - Damn Love in 2019."
"And then we all got slapped in the face with Covid."
The Kaikoura-born singer said he found a new muse and support system in his fiancée Victoria and son Bowie.
He submitted his application for The Voice the night before Bowie's birth, and said he was proud to celebrate the launch of the 2024 series with his son a year later.
Shingleton with fiancée Victoria and son Bowie. Photo: Supplied
Shingleton's why: his whānau
Getting on The Voice Australia, with his whānau in attendance, was a surreal experience, Shingleton said.
"It was amazing to have them all there, including my mum, who's been like my teacher from the start.
"I was walking out on the stage, and I looked to the left and I could see my family, and I could instantly feel my eyes welling up."
Shingleton hopes that his son will one day find inspiration in his journey.
"I've always wanted to give my son Bowie someone to look up to,"
"One day he can look back on that and be like, hey, that's cool. I want to be like dad, I want to do that. But I mean, if he doesn't, he doesn't, but if he does, then that'd be so cool."
Photo: The Voice Australia
Making Aotearoa proud
Representing his Māori whakapapa has been an important aspect of Shingleton's journey.
"I am definitely proud to be Ngāi Tahu, Māori from New Zealand for sure,"
Shingleton said he made sure his pounamu was out "front and centre" during his blind audition.
"I haven't had a lot to do with my culture, and that's something that I want to do in the future."
In a recent Facebook post, Shingleton said his pounamu had always been his safe place.
"Anytime I'm upset, nervous, or anxious, I will hold it in my hand and feel it's warmth.
"I have worn a green stone every day for 8 years as it truly represents me as a New Zealand Māori."
Jaydin Shingleton on The Voice Australia. Photo: The Voice Australia
The Voice Australia
As Shingleton continues to make waves on The Voice Australia, he said he was driven by his whānau and making a mark on the world stage.
He couldn't speak much about the show, which is still airing, but said he did his "absolute best to make New Zealand proud."
"I give it my absolute all," he said.
Looking ahead, Shingleton was eager to release new music and explore new territories, including a visit to Nashville, USA.
"I want to go there to improve as a country artist and dig into my family history."