THEY both blitzed through their blind auditions, beat their competitors in the battle round, and have now progressed into the live round of Channel Nine’s hit reality show The Voice.Emma Birdsall, 20, of Cronulla, and Brittany Cairns, 19, of Illawong, both impressed judges Seal, Delta Goodrem, Joel Madden and Keith Urban with their soulful sounds.Miss Birdsall had her coach Seal dancing with her cover of Duffy’s Mercy in the audition and then won her duel-style battle round with a cover of Etta James’ classic hit At Last.

Before she entered the competition last year, Miss Birdsall was juggling casual jobs as a nanny and barista and training to be a chef.

“I’ve never been sure about these singing competitions because what I sing isn’t the standard pop and top 40 hit,” said Miss Birdsall, who has been pursuing her singing for two years.

“My style is classic with a bit of old school jazz and soul.”

Miss Cairns almost gave up on a singing career when she missed out on a spot in a music teaching course at UNSW last year.

But her cover of Sara Bareilles’ Gravity caused all four judges to spin around in their chairs in the hope she would join their team.

She ended up choosing country crooner Keith Urban as her coach.

“Keith was always the one that I would have preferred to be with because I knew he would understand my tone and what kind of tracks I would want to sing,” Miss Cairns said.

“He is honest and encouraging and you just know whatever he says, you have to listen.”

Miss Cairns took out her battle round with a cover of Adele’s hit Turning Tables.

“We give them suggestions about what songs we like and they ask us how we’re feeling about,” Miss Cairns said about songs chosen by Keith Urban.

“They’re really supportive about the choice of song that I’ll be doing in the next round.”

Miss Birdsall said she loved how committed her coach was.

“The one thing I’ve noticed is that Seal tries to spend every minute with us,” Miss Birdsall said.

“He is encouraging, supportive and offers his wisdom and experience.”

Contestants in each team will compete against each other in a live broadcast.

Each coach will have one contestant left at the end which will leave four in the grand final.

The winner will receive a recording contract and $100,000.

The Voice is on Channel Nine, 7.30pm, Mondays.

St George and Sutherland Shire Leader.

CLICK FOR PRINT VERSION.