Little Kiwi turns the judges' heads

Alexa Curtis chose to be mentored by Delta Goodrem. Photo / Channel 9

The winner of the Australian version of popular music show The Voice Kids may have the distinctive Aussie twang but Alexa Curtis has a secret - she's a Kiwi.

The 10-year-old, who lives in Brisbane, was named the winner of the popular television show in August. She was the youngest contestant and in her blind audition - in which she sang Alicia Keys' Girl On Fire - all four judges turned around.

"It was a complete shock to us," said her mother, Michelle Curtis. "We sort of said to her: 'Don't be disappointed if the chairs don't turn around, because they probably won't. There'll be some really terrific singers. Just go out there, have fun and do your best'.

"So when Delta [Goodrem] turned first, we were like: 'Oh my goodness'!"

The other judges - Spice Girls' Mel B and the Madden brothers, Joel and Benji - also turned their chairs to see the face behind the big powerhouse voice. In the end, Alexa chose to be mentored by one of her favourite singers by joining Team Delta.

Alexa said: "She's amazing. I haven't had any singing lessons and so Delta was basically my very first singing teacher.

"It's a little strange with people coming up to me and asking: 'Where do you do singing lessons?' I just say: Delta - Delta Goodrem. They just say: 'Wow'."

Mrs Curtis and her husband Tony hail from Whangarei and Auckland, respectively. The family lived in Titirangi before moving to Australia in 2002 when their eldest child, 15-year-old son Aidan, was a toddler.

"Alexa's the only one in the family that was born in Australia," Mrs Curtis said. "But she has a New Zealand passport. So I suppose you could call her half and half, really. We'll never cut ties to New Zealand."

The family regularly visit relatives here.

Since winning The Voice Kids Australia, Alexa has recorded her single, Playground, and toured with other contestants. She is set to perform at the New South Wales Schools Spectacular competition which includes more than 3000 students.

Alexa says she is starting to pen her own songs.

"Delta gave us all a little diary ... and I write all my songs in there. I'm going to keep writing in that book and one day maybe share those songs to the world."

Five music competition successes

Stan Walker
Kiwi winner of Australian Idol in 2009. Has continued to release music and judge the NZ version of The X Factor. Opened for Beyonce's The Mrs Carter Show World Tour.

Guy Sebastian
Winner of Australian Idol in 2003. A singer-songwriter, respected record producer and judge on Australia's The X Factor.

Jennifer Hudson
American Idol 2004 finalist. Her debut album won a Grammy and she collected a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Dreamgirls.

Kelly Clarkson
Winner of first American Idol in 2002. She has been very successful particularly in the US, where she has a huge fanbase. Has had 91 No 1 hits across the various Billboard music charts.

Susan Boyle
Scottish singer who came to international attention as a contestant on Britain's Got Talent. Her first album debuted at No1 on charts worldwide.