Kiwi star Ella reveals ‘THEY SAID I'D NEVER SING'

Back for a second chance at fame, the homegrown contestant is defying the odds – and a doctor’s diagnosis

- Florence Hartigan

When The Voice Australia contestant Ella Monnery’s parents named her after famous jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, they had no idea how fitting the name would turn out to be.

“I was destined to be a singer – I had no choice!” smiles the Kiwi vocalist, whose powerful pipes will be on show this week as the 25-year-old Aucklander competes in front of celebrity coaches Rita Ora, Guy Sebastian, Keith Urban and Jessica Mauboy.

But there was a time when the budding pop star’s family was told that even breathing normally might be unlikely for her – let alone singing.

“I was born six weeks prematurely and because of that, I have underdeveloped lungs,” reveals Ella, who grew up in Waikanae. “The fact that I can sing is a miracle!”

However, a mere lung condition was no match for her passion. “The doctors said I’d have breathing problems and other difficulties for the rest of my life, but ever since I can remember, I would always be singing or screaming along to the music my parents would play around the house. I’m truly defying the odds!”

Triumph over tough times seems to be a trend for this rising star. This Friday’s episode is the second time Ella has faced The Voice’s nerveracking blind auditions.