‘Pavarotti’ of Newport on The Voice

The Voice contestant Burcell Taka with daughter Sophia. Photo: Damjan Janevski

By Goya Dmytryshchak

Newport’s Burcell Taka is hoping to turn heads with his audition for The Voice.

Nine’s reality singing show returns for series eight later this month and Burcell’s audition airs on June 3.

The 47-year-old father of two works at a warehouse packing groceries at night, where his colleagues refer to him as ‘Pavarotti’.

He said it was his young daughter Sophia who signed him up for the show online and shot the video that he sent in.

“I wanted to show my kids what it’s like to never give up and to always keep striving for your dreams,” Burcell said.

“I want to be the kind of dad that practices that, not only talks about it.”

Burcell said the application process was scary.

“Nothing actually can prepare you for the moment,” he said.

“But I think what’s key, especially being an older person now, I’m able to think a little bit more clearly about how important it is to live in the moment and when you’re singing just be in that moment.”

Burcell said he initially wanted Kelly Rowland’s chair to turn but leading up to the audition he kept changing his mind.

“There were strengths and differences that I liked about every judge,” he said.

The Voice premieres on Sunday, May 19 at 7pm on Nine and 9Now.