Season 12 of The Voice Australia brought a fresh shake-up to the iconic red chairs, combining returning chart-toppers with an international pop superstar. Broadcast on the Seven Network from August to October 2023, this installment delivered high-stakes blind auditions, fierce tactical blocks, and a historic grand finale.
The judging panel featured a dynamic quartet: returning favorites Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, and Rita Ora, alongside international newcomer Jason Derulo, who stepped in to replace country music icon Keith Urban. Hosted by Sonia Kruger, the season balanced raw vocal power with distinct coaching styles, ultimately culminating in a victory for Team Rita and her powerhouse artist, Tarryn Stokes.
The 2023 Coaching Panel Lineup
Every coach on the Season 12 panel brought a different background to the stage, shaping how they mentored artists through the blind auditions, battle rounds, and Seven Network performances.
Guy Sebastian
As the longest-serving coach on the Australian coaching panel during this season, Guy Sebastian brought tactical experience and deep industry knowledge. Having won previous seasons, Sebastian knows how to spot raw potential and nurture versatile singer-songwriters. His team featured strong contenders like Charlie Pittman, who landed a spot in the grand finale. Sebastian focused heavily on stage presence and emotional delivery, pushing his artists to connect deeply with lyrics rather than just relying on vocal gymnastics.
Jessica Mauboy
Pop and R&B royalty Jessica Mauboy returned for another season, bringing her trademark warmth, empathy, and extensive pop career background. Mauboy excels at mentoring soul, pop, and contemporary vocalists, often sharing vulnerable personal insights to help contestants calm their nerves. Her mentorship style emphasizes individuality and stage confidence. Team Jess featured standout emotive vocalists, including grand finalist Ezra Williams, who captured audiences with powerful, soulful performances.
Jason Derulo
International pop and dance music powerhouse Jason Derulo made his franchise debut in 2023, replacing Keith Urban. Derulo brought a high-energy, international perspective to the panel, often using his extensive dance and performance background to coach contestants on how to command a stage. Though new to the dynamic, he quickly mastered the strategy of the red chairs, using his block button strategically and securing young acoustic talent Ethan Beckton for the grand finale.
Rita Ora
Global pop star Rita Ora returned for her third consecutive season, cementing her reputation as a fierce, deeply committed mentor. Ora is known for forming close personal bonds with her artists, often fighting tooth and nail during the blind auditions. Her tactical prowess paid off spectacularly when her artist, Tarryn Stokes, took out the entire competition. With this win, Ora tied the record for the most coaching wins in the Australian franchise history.
Season Dynamics and Strategic Shifts
The 2023 season introduced several tweaks to the competition format to heighten tension between the coaches. The addition of Jason Derulo shifted the banter and block dynamics, as the veteran coaches tested how the newcomer would react to tactical button-slamming.
Unlike prior seasons featuring original coach line-ups, the 2023 quartet leaned heavily into contemporary pop, R&B, and soul sensibilities. The coaching strategies split down distinct lines: Sebastian favored gritty singer-songwriters, Mauboy leaned toward powerhouse vocalists, Derulo targeted commercial pop crossover appeal, and Ora focused on emotional storytelling and vocal control.
Grand Finale Results and the 2023 Winner
The competition culminated in a fiercely contested grand finale on October 8, 2023. Four artists made it to the final showdown, each representing one of the four coaches:
- Tarryn Stokes (Team Rita)
- Charlie Pittman (Team Guy)
- Ethan Beckton (Team Jason)
- Ezra Williams (Team Jess)
In a stunning conclusion, 40-year-old vocal coach and mother of two Tarryn Stokes was crowned the winner after a breathtaking performance of Eric Carmen's "All By Myself". Stokes' victory made history as she became the oldest winner in the Australian franchise's run, proving that talent transcends age and background. Her journey—transitioning from a backup singer and hesitant contestant to a celebrated champion—remains one of the most memorable arcs in the show's history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won The Voice Australia 2023?
Tarryn Stokes from Team Rita won the 2023 season, performing "All By Myself" in the grand finale to secure the public vote.
Who replaced Keith Urban on the 2023 coaching panel?
International pop star Jason Derulo joined the coaching line-up, taking the fourth red chair previously occupied by Keith Urban.
How many coaches returned for Season 12?
Three coaches returned from the previous season: Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, and Rita Ora. They were joined by first-time coach Jason Derulo.
Where can I watch past episodes of The Voice Australia?
Full episodes, performance clips, and highlights are available to stream on the official 9Now or Seven Network digital catch-up platforms depending on regional broadcasting rights and syndication.
