Delta Goodrem showers love on Kiwi contestant

Delta Goodrem and The Voice Caleb Jago-Ward. Photo / Supplied

He's the Kiwi-born singer for whom Delta Goodrem uttered the "L" word.

And Horowhenua-born Caleb Jago-Ward says the feelings on the set of The Voice are mutual, talking about his close bond with the chart-topping sensation as he chases glory on the Australian reality TV talent show.

After wowing the judging panel and the crowd with a rendition of Queen's Somebody to Love, Goodrem proclaimed: "I found somebody to love."

Goodrem has also referred to the 22-year-old Aussie-based New Zealander as a "dark horse" to win the competition, which brings a recording contract with Universal Music Australia, A$100,000 ($110,0000) and a new car.

In the latest instalment of The Voice on TV2 on Friday night, Jago-Ward again wowed the judges to continue his charge to the semifinals.

He opened up to the Herald on Sunday about life on The Voice, including his "magic" bond with Goodrem.

"She sees me in my entirety, as a person, an artist, an entertainer, a perfectionist - all of Caleb," he said.

"And that was partly by listening, but it just so happened our ways of processing matched up.

"Her entire life has been in entertainment so her knowledge is rich. It was a gift being around an artist who is so hardworking and ridiculously strong."

As well as coaching him for onstage performances, Goodrem was also passing on to Jago-Ward important tips on how to survive, and thrive, in the music industry.

Her advice was helping him handle his sudden fame, with episodes of the show attracting more than 1 million viewers in Australia.

"You can't fathom what it's like to be shoved in a tightly scheduled media bubble for weeks on end, to be prodded by make-up artists and hairdressers and voted on by millions of people until it happens to you," he said.

"It's a part of a world I want to live in, and you come out saying 'I can do that'."

Goodrem's singers are taking on teams coached by Ricky Martin, Jessie J and the Madden Brothers.

Goodrem has adopted a "girl next door" persona in the judge's chair. It's a world away from the abrasive nature of British chart-topper Jessie J who pulls no punches with her critiques of contestants.

"The 'J' is an exceptional vocalist," Jago-Ward said. "And because of that we all respect her. She's on an endeavour of tough love at the moment, which generally I agree with, but I think it's working out to be more destructive than anything. Which is sad, because she means well."

Jago-Ward lived in Melbourne for 18 months before trying out on The Voice. He is no stranger to reality TV fans on this side of the Tasman, having appeared in season one of New Zealand's Got Talent in 2008.

"I was doing this as a hobby when I was a little guy, and NZGT allowed me to see a hallway of my world in a small way through TV," he said.

"Now I'm older and it's my job when it can be. I'm grateful and have worked for the success I now see. There's still a way a to go."

Jago-Ward is one of two New Zealand-born singers who have lit up the stage on The Voice.

Liam Maihi, 23, moved to Australia when he was aged just 3. He lives in Sussex Inlet, New South Wales.