How Charlie O'Derry made it to The Voice and why he's singing for his dad

And on Sunday night's return of The Voice Australia, singer Charlie O'Derry looks set to capture the nation's heart with a blind auditions performance that wows all four coaches on Seven's shiny talent quest show as it launches its 14th season.

Chart-toppers Kate Miller-Heidke, Spice Girl Melanie C, Ronan Keating and Richard Marx all end up on their feet after Charlie's haunting, emotionally charged rendition of Djo's 2022 hit End of Beginning.

And the humble 17-year-old, who tried out for the singing competition earlier this year, is relieved he can finally talk about the experience - and how he's balancing his Year 12 studies, work and passion for music.

"It's been very difficult not being able to talk about it publicly," Charlie said. "It's all I've really wanted to do since recording the show."

Born in Rockhampton, Charlie spent his early years living in places as far-flung as Madagascar and as familiar as the Central Coast, Old Bar and Grafton, before eventually settling in Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast in 2022.

Although his parents were firm about daily piano practice during his primary school years, Charlie said it was something he "used to hate."

"I grew up playing footy and that was my main focus up until the age of 15, but it wasn't until we moved up to Old Bar when I started Year 7, I found a new piano teacher and he kind of sparked this love for music in me," he said.

While he once dreamed of a footy career - even earning a spot in the Gold Coast Titans Elite Academy Training Program while living in Grafton - a broken ankle and a new passion changed his path.

"I quit footy for music, and I kind of taught myself guitar and singing and all the other musical instruments I play."

Charlie's journey to the spotlight has been shaped by persistence through tough times.

When he was just 10 years old, his dad Jeff - a former prison chaplain and pastor - sustained a serious brain injury in a workplace accident that left him in a wheelchair.

Charlie said his family has "been on a whole new journey" since his dad's injury.

"It was very unexpected... and difficult for us to navigate all the challenges that came with his injury."

However, he said music brought him and his dad closer than ever.

"Dad used to be one of my footy coaches down at the Central Coast, so we used to bond over that quite often," he said.

"We went through a rough patch about three to four years ago where we struggled to find something that we could both participate in together, and music kind of gave us that chance again."

He still remembers his first live performance - opening for indie/folk rock trio Nana's Pie at the Flow Bar, a café and bar in Old Bar known for its relaxed vibe and live music sessions.

Since then, he's gone on to support well-known acts like Boo Seeka, known for his genre-blending electro-pop style, and Thelma Plum, the ARIA-nominated Gamilaraay artist behind the acclaimed album Better in Blak.

He has also released his debut single Calendar this year.

"Thelma Plum kind of popped it all off with playing larger shows," Charlie said.

Charlie's proud parents, sister and girlfriend were all in the audience for his big audition for The Voice Australia, which features in the popular Seven show's August 10 return.

"Just being there was a gift, and it was really special to share that moment with my family," he said.

Charlie opted for a slowed-down, haunting rendition of Djo's 2022 hit End of Beginning - a performance that not only leaves the coaches stunned but also gets the crowd on their feet. One coach even steps up onto the stage to give him a hug.

He said he wanted to present a version that would resonate with the audience and coaches.

"I went into it hoping that I might stand out a bit," he said. "I was just hoping they would be able to see more into what I was trying to achieve with this song choice."

With HSC trials under way, Charlie admits the timing of his audition hasn't been easy - but he's determined to chase his dream regardless.

"The opportunity came up and I wasn't sure about it at the start... [but] I've always dreamed of what it would be like to go on The Voice," he said

"To kind of experience what it would be like having that kind of exposure, being on TV and singing in front of four amazing coaches.

"Juggling it all has been interesting to say the least, but I've got an amazing family and friends, and partner, and an amazing school as well, they are all very supportive."

He said he went into the audition with no expectations.

"No matter what the outcome was going to be, I was just so blessed to be there because you're bound to get feedback, either from the crowd or the coaches.

"To get feedback from people like Richard Marx, Kate [Miller-Heidke], Ronan Keating and Mel C - it's not something that's cheap."

With more original music on the way and hopes that his audition might "solidify a path" in the industry, Charlie is ready for whatever comes next.

"It will be great to see if people follow my social media and want to come to my future shows and to check out my original music," he said. "I am just grateful for whatever opportunity comes my way."