Joseph Vuicakau flies Fiji flag high on The Voice Australia stage

Fijian soulful singer Joseph Vuicakau’s dream of winning The Voice Australia may have come to an end, but he says it’s just the “beginning of something special”.

The powerhouse vocalist wowed audiences and judges this season with his heartfelt rendition of Sam Cooke’s A Change Is Gonna Come during the blind auditions.

Vuicakau went from strength to strength with each performance singing his way to the semifinals that took place on 17 October.

Although he did not make it to the finals, Vuicakau shared a video of his family and friends gathered for a watch party of his last episode on social media.

The video shows an emotional moment as the room erupts into cheers. Speaking to the crowd, Father Raas shares how proud their community is of Vuicakau.

“I would like to say Vinaka vakalevu to Joseph for flying the Fiji flag way up high,” he says.

“Joseph, you remind me that every gift comes from God and is meant to be shared with everyone. You sang not just with your voice, but with your heart and your faith.”

Raas’ speech ends with words of encouragement to Vuicakau, saying he firmly believes the singer is a “witness of hope to young Fijians everywhere.”

“Showing that even from a small island called Vanua Levu, a village called Koroivonu, big dreams can come true. Joseph, we thank you for your courage, your humility, and your joy…this is only the beginning.”

Vuicakau says that despite being knocked out of the competition, he is grateful for his family and their unwavering support.

“With a family like this, I’ve already won,” he says in a social media post.

“From my wife and boys who remind me why I do this, to my family who waved the Fiji flag with pride, this journey has never been a solo act.

“What you see on stage and on TV is only ever the surface of who I am and where I come from. Behind every performance, there are generations of faith, family, culture and love that [have] crossed time and oceans with mana that carried me here.”

RNZ reports that Vuicakau was born in Sydney, where music was a major part of his upbringing. He was scouted to join The Voice.

This season also showcased Melanesian representation, with fellow competitor Chris Cobb from Papua New Guinea, who was eliminated in the knockouts round.

Cobb hails from Bougainville and Morobe Province and he told RNZ that his journey on the show was one filled with emotional connection, grief, healing, and self-discovery.

Both singers earned the coveted four-chair turn and chose American Grammy award winner Richard Marx as their coach.

In the semifinals, Marx faced the challenge of choosing Vuicakau, who performed George Michael’s hit, Freedom, or his team-mate Bella Parnell, who delivered a stunning rendition of Adele’s Skyfall.

While the song choice was outside of his jazzy-blues style, Vuicakau says that he learned some invaluable lessons from the experience.

“I never imagined I’d be singing a pop anthem,” he says. “It’s not a genre I’d usually step into but it taught me that every song holds a little soul if you have the heart to explore it.

“Here’s to the freedom that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and the power that comes from knowing your people, village, ancestors, and angels walk with you.

Fiji's Joseph Vuicakau and Papua New Guinea's Chris Cobb. Photo/RNZ/The Voice Australia

“I’m grateful for every moment, every challenge & every person who has walked this path with me. From Western Sydney to Fiji and beyond, vinaka vakalevu for all the love and support.”

Vuicakau’s fans also took to social media to express their disappointment. One fan wrote, “Richard made the wrong choice. I hope you go far in the music industry.”

Another fan commended the bold song choice and versatility, “You took a song that wasn’t made to favour you and still turned it into a performance that showed your professionalism, versatility and heart. That’s the mark of a true artist!!!”

Looking ahead, Vuicakau is focused on his music, with original songs in the works and exciting personal news on the horizon, as he and his family await the arrival of a new baby.

Recorded episodes of The Voice Australia air on Sundays on Australia’s Channel 7 and 7plus.