Introduction to Saralyn Matla’s Journey
Saralyn Matla, a 35-year-old mother of two from Paterson, New South Wales, has emerged as a captivating talent on The Voice Australia 2025. Her Blind Audition in episode 9 of the fourteenth season, aired in 2025, featured a soulful, country-infused rendition of Ronan Keating’s “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” earning her a spot on Team Ronan.

With her authentic storytelling and emotional delivery, Saralyn has become a standout in Australia’s music scene, offering aspiring singers valuable lessons.
This article explores her performance, personal life, judges’ reactions, fan feedback, and practical insights for vocalists. Keywords: Saralyn Matla, The Voice Australia 2025, Blind Audition, country music, Ronan Keating.
Saralyn’s Blind Audition: A Country Twist on a Classic
Performance Highlights
Saralyn’s rendition of “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” originally popularized by Garth Brooks and later covered by Ronan Keating, was a bold showcase of her Hunter Valley country roots. Performed at Carriageworks in Sydney, her Blind Audition blended vocal control with heartfelt emotion, earning a chair turn from coach Ronan Keating.
Fans described her performance as delivering “chills,” with her authentic delivery sparking significant buzz in the country music community. However, her country styling polarized viewers, with some praising her unique take while others debated its comparison to the iconic original versions by Brooks and Keating.
This mix of reactions underscores her ability to make a memorable impact. Keywords: Saralyn Matla Blind Audition, The Voice Australia 2025 performance, country music audition.
Judges’ Reactions
The coaching panel—Ronan Keating, Kate Miller-Heidke, Melanie C, and Richard Marx—brought dynamic energy to the season. While specific judge comments are not fully documented, Ronan’s choice to select Saralyn for his team reflects his appreciation for her emotional resonance and distinctive country flair.
A notable moment during her audition included a coach’s enthusiastic urging to “press that button now or I’ll press it for you,” highlighting the excitement her performance generated.
The polarized fan reactions suggest the coaches likely praised her authenticity while acknowledging her bold stylistic choices, which stood out in the competitive Blind Audition format. Keywords: The Voice Australia 2025 judges, Ronan Keating Team, Saralyn Matla performance review.
Saralyn Matla’s Personal Life: Family and Roots
A Mother and Musician
Saralyn, a Paterson native, balances her music career with her role as a mother of two in the Hunter Valley. Her songwriting, often crafted with her brother, reflects the joys and challenges of parenthood, capturing the fleeting moments of watching her children grow.
Her rural upbringing in a close-knit community shapes her grounded persona, resonating with fans who value authenticity.
While she keeps details like her romantic life private, this deliberate focus on family and music over personal disclosures enhances her relatable, authentic image. Keywords: Saralyn Matla personal life, Hunter Valley musician, mother and singer.
Musical Legacy with Family
Saralyn’s musical journey began at age three, nurtured by her father, Emil Matla, a seasoned musician. Together, they perform as the duo Sass & The Boss, blending their shared passion for music.
Her early success in karaoke competitions as a young girl built her confidence and stage presence, skills that shone through in her The Voice audition.
These early achievements, rooted in family support, laid the foundation for her poised performance on a national stage. Her collaboration with her brother on songwriting further highlights her strong family ties, which infuse her music with emotional depth. Keywords: Saralyn Matla family, Sass & The Boss, country music roots.
Lessons for Aspiring Singers from Saralyn’s Audition
Key Takeaways for Vocalists
Saralyn’s journey on The Voice Australia 2025 offers valuable insights for aspiring singers aiming to shine in auditions:
- Embrace Authenticity: Saralyn’s country twist reflected her Hunter Valley roots, setting her apart. Aspiring singers should lean into their unique style and background to create a distinctive presence.
- Connect Emotionally: Her song choice, tied to her experiences as a mother, moved audiences. Selecting personally meaningful songs enhances emotional impact.
- Balance Technique and Passion: Saralyn’s polished yet heartfelt delivery showcased both skill and emotion. Practice technical proficiency without losing passion.
- Leverage Your Story: Her backstory as a mother and family-oriented artist added depth. A compelling narrative makes performances memorable.
- Take Risks: Reinterpreting a well-known song was bold and sparked discussion. Experimenting with style can differentiate you in auditions.
- Handle Feedback: Mixed reactions to her performance highlight the need to embrace constructive criticism while staying true to your vision.
- Stay Resilient: Balancing motherhood and a music career, Saralyn’s perseverance is inspiring. Commitment is key despite challenges.
Saralyn’s Rising Star in Country Music
Currently working on an EP, Saralyn is poised to make a significant impact in Australia’s country music scene. Her The Voice appearance has amplified her visibility, positioning her as a promising talent on Team Ronan.
Her ability to blend personal storytelling with vocal prowess makes her a relatable and inspiring figure for fans and aspiring artists alike. Keywords: Saralyn Matla country music, rising Australian singer, The Voice 2025 contestant.
FAQs About Saralyn Matla on The Voice Australia 2025
Who is Saralyn Matla?
Saralyn Matla is a 35-year-old country singer-songwriter and mother of two from Paterson, New South Wales. She gained recognition on The Voice Australia 2025 for her Blind Audition performance of “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” earning a spot on Team Ronan.
What song did Saralyn Matla perform on The Voice Australia 2025?
Saralyn performed a country-style rendition of “If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Ronan Keating, originally popularized by Garth Brooks, during her Blind Audition in episode 9 of the fourteenth season.
Which coach chose Saralyn Matla on The Voice Australia 2025?
Ronan Keating turned his chair for Saralyn, selecting her for Team Ronan after her emotional and authentic performance.
What were the fan reactions to Saralyn Matla’s performance?
Fans had mixed reactions, with some praising her country-infused rendition for giving “chills” and others debating how it compared to the original versions by Garth Brooks and Ronan Keating.
What are some lessons aspiring singers can learn from Saralyn Matla’s audition?
Aspiring singers can learn to embrace authenticity, connect emotionally with songs, balance technique and passion, leverage personal stories, take risks, handle feedback, and stay resilient, as demonstrated by Saralyn’s performance and journey.
What is Saralyn Matla’s background?
Saralyn is a mother of two from the Hunter Valley, with a musical career rooted in her family. She performs with her father in the duo Sass & The Boss, collaborates with her brother on songwriting, and began singing at age three, later winning karaoke competitions.
Is Saralyn Matla working on new music?
Yes, Saralyn is currently working on an EP, positioning her as a rising talent in Australia’s country music scene.
Conclusion
Saralyn Matla’s Blind Audition on The Voice Australia 2025 was a defining moment, showcasing her as a talented country artist with a compelling story. Her country rendition of “If Tomorrow Never Comes” sparked both praise and debate, earning her a spot on Team Ronan. Rooted in her roles as a mother, daughter, and family-oriented musician, Saralyn’s journey offers inspiration and practical lessons for aspiring singers. As she continues to rise in the country music scene, her story is one of resilience, passion, and heartfelt artistry. Keywords: Saralyn Matla The Voice 2025, country music Australia, aspiring singer inspiration.