Calling all fans of The Voice … Tune in to this livestream straight from the AIS on Friday 29 October 5-7pm. Witness a state-wide singing competition, with judges ‘70s music legend Leo Sayer and The Voice alum Lucy Sugerman.
From now until 25 October, video auditions are flowing in from Canberrans singing their hearts out to raise donations for the Canberra Hospital Foundation and snag a spot in the finale. The best-of-the-best will perform to win on Can Give Day, as the grand finish to a string of festivities on the day raising funds to thank our healthcare heroes.
The winner receives $2,000, a spot in the line-up of the Foundation summer concert 2022, and a mentoring session with Leo Sayer. And it’s not just performers making an impact – if you decide to donate to support your favourite talent, the donation will be doubled.
Canberra’s own indie darling, Lucy Sugerman, was only too pleased to get the call to raise donations for frontline healthcare workers.
“They’ve been such an important part of getting this beautiful city through a tricky time,” Sugerman said. “Being a part of supporting them is an honour, really. For me it was a no-brainer.
“This will be my first time judging … anyone,” she said on stepping out of the limelight and into the judge’s seat.
“I’m a very excitable person. I’m like ‘Everyone gets five stars!’ It’s going to be a challenge to be a bit more discerning, but I’m excited to try.”
Sugerman knows exactly what it’s like to be on red-hot centre stage. Although there may be some surprises on who will be the nice judge and who will be the tough judge this time around.
“We’ll see how we go,” she laughed. “I just think it’s really cool when people put themselves out there. Opportunities like this are important for feedback. You get that experience, plus helping the community to come together.”
With her honest, dramatic, and personal signature style – “describes both me and my music” – Sugerman has been open about navigating lockdown’s impact on the creative process.
“Oh man, it’s definitely been a lot of time to sit with your own thoughts. I have a lot of thoughts, and feelings. There’s been highs and lows, but what a good time to regroup and figure out what’s important when everything is taken away.
“I still haven’t quite figured it out yet, but we’re getting there, and we’re all in the same boat. It’s been a happy time too, because we’re learning to be adaptable and resilient, focus on ourselves and remember what’s important.”
She noted that her unfiltered style is standard for her generation and is excited to see what Gen Z is bringing to the competition.
“We’re the first generation to grow up in an era when making music and connecting with people is so accessible. Subsequently, we’re exposed to such a diverse range of voices, and I think that really shapes what we’re creating, how we connect, and how we consume as well.
“We’re paving the way for this brand-new era of music.”
Sugerman hopes to see that level of diversity in the competition. “I’m really excited to watch all the entries and uncover Canberra’s best and newest and brightest talent.”
Her love for the bush capital has steadily grown since cutting teeth on its streets at nine years old. Lucky for us, Sugerman said she’s never dreamt of living anywhere else.
“Maturity is realising Canberra is a great place to live.
“The city is developing so quickly and in a fantastic direction. All my Sydney and Melbourne friends say, ‘You should probably move here for your career.’ And I say ‘Nah, I’m good… Do you want to come visit?’ And they say no and I’m like ‘Well, you’re missing out’.”
Keep an eye out after lockdown for her brand-new EP, coming on 18 November.
If you want to get involved on Can Give Day, there are plenty of activities to choose from, including a LEGO building competition, tuning into the live radio broadcast from 10am to 3pm on Mix106.3, and of course, enjoying the music with Sugerman and Sayer.
“Let’s say thanks to our frontline health staff and help affected families share the love and music!” she said.
To find out more, visit canberrahospitalfoundation.org.au
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