Q&A: Rachael Leahcar

Capturing the hearts of the nation on hit show The Voice, 18-year-old Racheal Leahcar is ready to take a crack at the big time.

With her debut album on the shelves, the diminutive Team Delta ambassador sit down with New Idea to talk about destiny, dating and bringing sexy back!

Congratulations on your new album! You’re officially a recording artist now, how do you feel?

Ecstatic! When they told me officially I almost leapt off the chair. It’s pretty amazing and definitely a milestone in my life. I keep having to pinch myself to believe it.

Tell us about the album. What’s on it?

The album is mostly made up of songs from the show, and a couple more that I’ve chosen and what would have been my winner’s single if I had won.

In what ways has this whole experience changed you?

I feel like I’ve grown up. I thought I was grown up before because I’d just gone past year 12 and I was 18. But this experience had taught me a lot of lessons in responsibility and common sense and how to handle a lot of pressure.

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Were you happy with the way you were portrayed on The Voice?

I want to show a different side of Rachael. They changed my image on the show a little bit and put me in a lot of pretty dresses, but I think my style is a little bit cute but a bit sexy. I think from the show people have seen me as this little child-like person, so I might have to transform myself back into what I was before.

Leahcar isn’t your real surname, it’s Rachael backwards! Why did you change it?

Just for a bit of fun, you know how Lady Gaga and Pink use those stage names? I just wanted to follow them.

How much do you credit Delta for your success?

She guided me step-by-step through everything, holding my hand. She kept me sane and gave me some really good advice.

Do you think you’ll stay friends?

Yeah, definitely. She gave me her email address so we can keep in touch. I know that I can turn to her and ask for anything, any time. We’ve been talking and texting – when I told her about the record deal she was so excited!

What is it like being friends with someone you’ve idolised for so long?

It’s a weird thing because you see someone and you admire them so much and then you get to know them and you sort of don’t know where to go. I now respect Delta on a personal level as well because I got to know her. I’m in awe all the time. I just look at her sometimes and go, ‘Wow, you’re so beautiful.’

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Rachael with idol and friend Delta Goodrem. Source: Getty

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What was it like being on stage with Delta?

Oh, that was another milestone! I had always dreamed since I was a little kid to sing with Delta and I always used to sing along to her in my bedroom and now it happened for real.

Delta said she wanted you to go on tour with her at the end of the year. Do you think that will happen?

That would be awesome. I haven’t actually received confirmation on that, but I’ll try for it.

What about your love life – have you got anyone special at the moment?

No. Maybe in the future. I’m not really going after it at the moment cause I’m a bit too busy. But I’ve had a couple of special people in my life and I’m no stranger to love.

Have you had a lot of admirers since The Voice?

Yeah, well I never really had much attention before. I was always just that dorky girl with the cane. It is a bit overwhelming that guys are asking me out on Facebook. It’s a bit crazy but flattering at the same time.

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Delta Goodrem, Rachael Leahcar and Keith Urban. Source: Getty

What are you looking for in a boyfriend?

I like a good sense of humour and respect, I think that’s very important. I don’t want someone who’s insecure as insecurity is a big turn off.

You have such a positive attitude towards being legally blind. Surely there have been times in the past when you’ve thought, ‘Why me?’

I guess there have been a couple of times in my life when I’ve thought there must be a reason for it. I think maybe the reason might be that it led me to music because I am so limited in what I can do – I can’t do a whole of sports, or be an electrician, or a doctor!

You’ve previously auditioned for the X Factor and Australia’s Got Talent but weren’t unsuccessful, do you feel like The Voice was meant to be?

Definitely. I feel like destiny talks to you, I think it tell you where to go. With the other shows I auditioned for, I think maybe I wasn’t ready and The Voice just came at the perfect time and I had the perfect coach and everything happened perfectly, it just has to of been meant to be.