EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: The Voice winner, Richard Stirton

With his bad-boy looks, charming smile and a voice to die for, its no wonder 23-year-old Richard Stirton went home, the winner of The Voice SA in 2016.

Born Richard James Nicoll Stirton, this talented young musician took the country by storm when he auditioned for the hit reality show last year. Week after week, South Africans saw him gain momentum on stage until finally, he was crowned the winner of the first season.

After performing at the Vesco Newcastle Winter Festival on March 26, Richard sat down to talk to the Newcastle Advertiser about his incredible journey.

Richard was born in Cape Town as one of three brothers. his family is close-knit and have always supported him and his passion for music.

“Growing up, I was more focused on sport rather than music,” he admitted.

At the age of 12, his passion for music really developed, and by the age of 17, he performed his very first solo stage performance, and he has never looked back.

When asked about his unique voice and amazing skills, he admitted plenty of practice in the shower had played a role in discovering his vocal talent.

“The acoustics are amazing if you close all the windows,” he laughed.

Before entering The Voice SA, Richard was a full time student.

“My girlfriend phoned me while I was studying for an economics test at varsity. She told me The Voice was coming to South Africa and convinced me to enter.”

When asked how he handled the competition and critique, Richard admitted that he had to learn the ropes very quickly.

“There is constant scrutiny and everyone is watching what you’re doing. The pressure of live TV is unreal in a competition like The Voice. There were so many phenomenal artists in a lot of different genres and with different skills, so everyone was competition.”

Since winning The Voice, Richard has been focused on his career, and often travels across the country to perform.

“I was a student and I did not have a professional career before the show. It has now allowed me to focus on my career full-time. I can practice, perform shows and write my own music now.”

When he is not travelling and performing, Richard enjoys playing golf, spending time at the gym and relaxing by watching sport.

If given the opportunity to perform on stage with his biggest role model, he would want to sing alongside world famous Ed Sheeran.

“I think Ed Sheeran is genuine. He writes all his own music and he is ridiculously talented.”

Richard admitted he was enjoying the fame and limelight, and loved that people appreciated his music.

When asked if he would ever consider a different career, Richard simply said he believed singing was what he was meant to do.

“I would never change my experience on The Voice for anything else. I gained a lot from the entire process.”

Richard’s advice to all young, aspiring musicians is to always remain humble.

“Stay true to who you are, believe in your skills, but never think you have made it. There is ALWAYS someone better than you. You must always keep practicing and continually try to better yourself.”

Also read: Newcastilians flock to the 2017 Newcastle Vesco Winter Festival

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