The Melbourne singer’s The Voice Australia journey ended in the Semi Final when coach Ronan Keating chose The 60Four to represent his team in the final.

Leyla admitted she was disappointed by the result, but her run made her the youngest artist anywhere in the world to reach the adult version of The Voice Semi Finals.

Speaking to New Idea after her elimination, Leyla said the record was still “really hard to believe”. She reflected on starting out as a little girl who simply loved singing, never imagining that she would eventually make history on television.

Leyla Had A Feeling Ronan Would Pick The 60Four

Leyla said she sensed Ronan might choose The 60Four, but that did not change her approach to the Semi Final. She was determined to give the performance everything she had, regardless of the result.

The response away from the stage has been enormous. Leyla said her social media profiles have attracted more than 30 million visits since her time on the show, while messages from people moved by her performances have left her emotional.

She has even caught the attention of artists she admires. Singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer-Smith reached out on social media, which Leyla described as “pretty crazy”.

It adds another chapter to an already impressive young career. Before appearing on the show, Leyla had released original music and performed to crowds of up to 20,000 people.

Mum Annie Is Still Running The Show Behind The Scenes

Leyla’s mum Annie has been with her throughout the entire journey, balancing her role as a parent with the growing demands of managing a young artist.

Leyla called Annie “my biggest supporter from day one”. Annie remains her manager while they also work with another management team in a co-management arrangement.

Behind the scenes, Annie helps keep opportunities, school and everyday life from becoming too much at once.

School Is Back, But So Is The Stage

After the intensity of filming, Leyla has returned to classes and normal school routines. Her friends have been excited and supportive, but she said she is still “one of the girls at school”.

That has created a few surreal moments when classmates suddenly remember she appeared on television the night before. Leyla said staying organised has helped her keep up with school, while her mum makes sure she does not take on more than she can handle.

Music is still firmly at the centre of her plans. Leyla wants to make songs people can genuinely connect with, and live performances around Australia are already being lined up.

For Leyla, the show was “a beginning rather than an ending”. At only 13, there is plenty of time for the next chapter.