The Voice star Natasha Stuart dies aged 43

The Voice contestant Natasha Stuart has sadly died at the age of 43, after battling breast cancer.

Natasha, who appeared on the 2019 season of the reality show passed away on Wednesday at St Vincent’s Hospital, surrounded by her loved ones.

She had previously been a backup singer for a range of celebrity singers, including Jimmy Barnes, Delta Goodrem, Boy George and George Michael.

According to reports, Jimmy Barnes visited her hospital bedside and sang with her before she died.

The singer gained a legion of fans on The Voice after sharing her brave journey with cancer on the show.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and underwent chemotherapy at the time.

In an interview last year with Channel Nine, Natasha urged others to get regular health checks.

“Do not take a second to think about going to a doctor - even if it's something that you're scared of,” she said.

“I want to be an example that you can be strong, live your life and keep going forward - no matter what happens.

“I want to empower everyone to take a hold of their own health. If you feel something's not right, go and get it checked. Immediately.”

Aussie singer Guy Sebastian took to his Instagram account to pay tribute to Natasha.

“Gone way too soon. @natashastuart you contributed in more ways than you will ever know, on and off the stage,” he started.

“What you added to everyone’s life can never be extinguished. Always so consistently kind and encouraging you always left others in a better state just by being you. Huge love to all the family and community of friends and musicians who I know are deeply hurting right now. RIP angel.”

During the TV series, Natasha gushed over her mentor, Delta Goodrem, whom she had performed with many times during the 2000s.

“I sang backing vocals for her when she was probably a year or two out of treatment,” Natasha told New Idea.

“She had finished her journey when I was with her and now, I’m going through this and she’s with me so it’s a nice full circle many years later.”

Tributes are pouring in online for the star, whose career spanned two decades.

“Farewell beautiful friend,” Mahalia Barnes wrote on Instagram. “I will miss you so much. We sure had fun. Thank you for sharing your spirit, your love, your voice, your soul, your smile, your strength and your heart with so many of us. You were a force of nature. Love you.”

“My heart breaks this morning,” fellow The Voice contestant Sheldon Riley wrote. “Rest in peace my love! Thank you for always checking in and showing me that there can always be light in the of darkest days.”

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