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Rachael Leahcar

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Rachael Leahcar
Leahcar in July 2012
Leahcar in July 2012
Background information
Birth nameRachael Wendy Bartholomew
Born (1994-02-22) 22 February 1994 (age 30)
OriginAdelaide, South Australia, Australia
GenresPop, soul, classical
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano, flute
Years active2012–present
LabelsUniversal
Websiterachaelleahcar.com.au

Rachael Wendy Bartholomew (born 22 February 1994),[1] known by her stage name Rachael Leahcar, is an Australian singer and songwriter, born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia.[2][3] She participated on the first season of The Voice Australia, coming in third place. Shortly after, she signed a record deal with Universal Music Australia. Her debut album Shooting Star, which contained songs she performed on The Voice, as well as newly recorded covers, was released on 13 July 2012.[4] The album debuted at number five on the ARIA Albums Chart.

Life and career

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1994–2011: Early life

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Rachael Leahcar (born Rachael Wendy Bartholomew) was born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia (her performing surname is her first name spelled backwards). Leahcar was born with retinitis pigmentosa and (as of 2012) is legally blind with only 10% visual function.[5] She found her love of music at a very early age and has been singing and playing instruments ever since. She started singing lessons at the age of nine and spent a lot of her childhood singing in Italian, a result of spending time with her Italian grandparents.[6] At the age of 12, Leahcar was accepted into the South Australian Public Primary Schools choir. The same year, she auditioned and was accepted into the music program Archived 27 February 2015 at the Wayback Machine at Brighton Secondary School. Also at the age of 12, she entered Fellini's Search for a Star competition, where she made it through to the grand final and was chosen as one of the top 3 performers of the evening, winning $200 and the judges' encouragement award of $1000 worth of recording time at Quentin Eyres Studio.[7]

In March 2009, at age 15, Leahcar entered and won Dino Prizzi's International Festival of Song competition, winning a return trip to Rome to perform on a RAI Uno television program. She was also invited to perform in Benevento while touring Italy on a television program. Leahcar has also performed professionally at many of the Italian clubs and events in Adelaide, including the 2010 and 2011 Italian Carnevale.[7]

Following this, Leahcar entered and won the Star Life Talent Search competition, where she received a trophy, $500 for her school and $500 in vouchers for herself to spend. One of the judges of the competition was SAFM radio personality, Andrew 'Cosi' Costello, who was so impressed with Leahcar that he asked her to sing her winning song, "Non, je ne regrette rien", on the radio. He was so overwhelmed with her talent that he also asked her to perform at his wedding reception, which she did.[7]

In October 2009, Leahcar released a cover album entitled Rachael's Repertoire, which included ten of her most performed songs at the time. She decided to donate $1 from every copy sold to CanDo4Kids, a charity that has supported her throughout her life. With the success of the first album, a second cover album with ten songs, self-titled Rachael Leahcar, was released shortly afterwards.[7]

In 2011, Leahcar completed year 12 and successfully applied for Speech Pathology at Flinders University, but has since deferred this course to focus on a career in music. Leahcar is also an official ambassador for the Royal Society for the Blind and has since done commercials on the Nine Network.[7]

2012: The Voice Australia, record deal and Shooting Star

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Leahcar with her coach and mentor Delta Goodrem in June 2012.
Leahcar at Christmas Carols, Burwood, Sydney in 2012

Leahcar auditioned for the first season of the Australian reality television talent show The Voice Australia. She appeared on the show's second episode on 16 April 2012, singing Edith Piaf's "La Vie en rose". All four coaches turned their chairs and opted to take Leahcar as one of their finalists; she chose Delta Goodrem as her coach and mentor.[8] Leahcar progressed through to the Battle Rounds, where she was paired against contestant Adam Hoek, singing Eva Cassidy's "Over the Rainbow". As a result, Goodrem chose Leahcar as the winner of the battle and she progressed through to the Live Shows.[9] For the first Live Show, Leahcar sang Jewel's "Hands" and progressed through to the Quarter-finals after she was chosen by the public vote.[10] In her second Live Show, she sang the classic song "Someone to Watch Over Me" and she progressed through to the Semi-finals after being selected again by the public.[11] In her third Live Show, she sang "Nights in White Satin (Notte Di Luce)", where she progressed through to the Grand Final after being chosen by Goodrem.[12]

During the first part of the Grand Final, on 17 June 2012, Leahcar sang an original song titled "Shooting Star", which she wrote, and Charlie Chaplin's "Smile". Leahcar placed third in the second part of the Grand Final on 18 June 2012. She was awarded a cash prize of $20,000.[13]

On 26 June 2012, it was announced that Leahcar, along with other The Voice finalists Sarah De Bono and Darren Percival, had been signed to record deals on Universal Music Australia.[14] Leahcar's debut single "Coming Home Again" written by Jud Friedman, which would have been her winner's single, was released digitally on 29 June 2012.[15] Leahcar's debut album, titled Shooting Star, was released on 13 July 2012; it features studio versions of covers she performed on The Voice, original songs, and newly recorded covers of Bette Midler's "The Rose" and the Bee Gees' "Words".[4] Leahcar promoted the album with an in-store appearance at Westfield Marion, Adelaide, where she signed copies of the album and performed "La Vie en rose" and "Shooting Star".[16]

Performances

[edit]
Performed Song Original artist Result
Blind Audition "La Vie en rose" Édith Piaf Joined Team Delta
Battle Rounds "Over The Rainbow" (against Adam Hoek) Judy Garland Winner
Live Show Final, Part 1 "Hands" Jewel Public vote
Live Show Final, Part 3 "Someone to Watch Over Me" Barbra Streisand Public vote
Born to Try
(as part of Team Delta) 		Delta Goodrem
Live Show Final, Part 5 "Nights in White Satin" The Moody Blues Delta's choice
The Live Finale, Part 1 "Smile" Michael Jackson 3rd
"Shooting Star" Rachael Leahcar
The Live Finale, Part 2 "The Prayer"
(with Delta Goodrem) 		Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli
The Chain Fleetwood Mac

Leahcar joined previous The Voice contestants for a one-off charity concert special, Voices Reaching Out, for The Reach Foundation on 12 July 2012. The 90-minute concert aired 15 July 2012 on the Nine Network and was staged at The Palms at Crown complex, where she sang Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years".[17][18] Shooting Star debuted at number five on the ARIA Albums Chart.[19]

In August 2012, it was announced that Leahcar would be the opening act for Delta Goodrem's An Evening With Delta: The Top of My World Shows tour in October and November 2012.[20]

Leahcar appeared on Noah Stewart's Australian release of his debut album, featuring on a The Sound of Music medley with violinist Sally Cooper, released on 7 September 2012.[21]

2012–2014: Romantique and Here Comes the Sun

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Rachael Leahcar performing at Colonnades Shopping Centre Saturday 27 April 2013
Rachael and Ella at Marion shopping centre 11 May 2014

In July 2012, Leahcar revealed via Facebook she has been writing new music.[22] Leahcar announced via her official website she has been working on a new album, to be released in 2013.[23]

On 24 March 2013, Leahcar via Twitter, announced her second album Romantique, was set to be released on 26 April 2013 and would be followed by a tour.[24] Of recording the album, Leahcar told The Daily Telegraph, "It started off at about 100 songs and was then whittled down to 50 and then I recorded about 20. I'm really happy with the album and my originals. I'm just so excited to show everyone what I've been up to."[25] Romantique is a collection of "contemporary, classic and original songs backed by orchestral instruments".[26] While no singles were released from the album, a music video featuring Leahcar was released for the song "Hearts a Mess".

Leahcar performed at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for a second time for Carols by Candlelight on 24 December 2013, singing Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You". On 31 March 2014, Leahcar announced details for her third studio album, Here Comes the Sun, a collection of Beatles covers. The album was released on 11 April 2014.[27]

2015–present: Cabaret show, Shadows, tour and Christmas album

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In April 2014, Leahcar announced she had begun working on her fourth studio album, with hopes to tour in the near future.[28] Leahcar revealed she has been writing with singer-songwriter Josh Pyke, among other artists, for the upcoming album.[29] Leahcar revealed in September 2015, she was writing the album's first single, then "Sewn".[30]

Following the death of Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh in July 2015, Leahcar lent her vocals to a tribute song, "We Stand Together (Flying as One)". Written and performed by Adelaide band The BordererS, the song also features Taasha Coates from The Audreys in addition to numerous Crows and Port Adelaide supporters.[31] Leahcar provided her vocals to a song for the South Australian short film project, Maurice's Symphony, titled "Song of Joy".[32] In addition, Leahcar's vocals also feature in the film, Love and Love Only.[33]

Leahcar announced in June 2015, she would be touring a cabaret show, telling her life story, through to her time on The Voice Australia. Titled The Colours of My Life, Leahcar toured various Adelaide suburban arts centres throughout July 2015 and featured Leahcar's RSB guide dog, Ella. These shows continued regionally and nationally until October 2019.[34]

In February 2017, Leahcar released the lead single, "Beware the Wolf", from her fourth studio album Shadows.[35] The album was released 7 April 2017.[36] Leahcar embarked on the Shadows Tour in support of the album in November 2017.[37]

Leahcar released a Christmas album, Together For Christmas on 25 October 2019. The album features duets with Darren Mullan, Ben Whittington, Lara Nakhle, and Grace Bawden.[38]

Personal life

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Leahcar completed year 12 in 2011 and successfully applied for Speech Pathology at Flinders University. Leahcar initially deferred the course to focus on her career in music, but began her studies in 2014.[39]

In February 2014, Leahcar completed training with her RSB guide dog, Ella.[40]

Rachael married her longterm boyfriend in 2022 [41][42]

In August 2023 she announced that she is expecting her first child due in December 2023.

Discography

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Studio albums

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Title Album details Peak chart positions
AUS
[19]
Shooting Star 5
Romantique 10
Here Comes the Sun 38
Shadows 25
[43]
Together For Christmas —

Singles

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Title Year Peak chart positions Album
AUS
[19]
"Coming Home Again" 2012 — Shooting Star
"Beware the Wolf" 2017 — Shadows
"What They Don't Tell You" —
"Shadows" —
"Ave Maria" (with Lara Nakhle) 2018 — Together For Christmas
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Promotional singles

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Title Year Peak chart positions Album
AUS
[19]
"La Vie en rose" 2012 18 Shooting Star
"Over the Rainbow" 47
"Hands" 15
"Someone to Watch Over Me" 41
"Nights in White Satin (Notte Di Luce)" 43
"Smile" 34
"Shooting Star" 31

Awards

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South Australian Music Awards

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The South Australian Music Awards (previously known as the Fowler's Live Music Awards) are annual awards that exist to recognise, promote and celebrate excellence in the South Australian contemporary music industry. They commenced in 2012.[44]

Year Nominee / work Award Result (wins only)
2017 Rachael Leahcar Most Popular Pop Artist Won

References

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  1. ^ Leahcar, Rachael (11 August 2012). "@Rachaeleahcar Status". Twitter. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  2. ^ Holderhead, Sheradyn (22 December 2011). "Our best SACE students reap the rewards". Adelaide Now. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  3. ^ "2011 Merit recipients". South Australian Certificate of Education. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  4. ^ a b c "The Voice finalists release singles, announce album dates". Herald Sun. The Herald and Weekly Times. 29 June 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  5. ^ "Rachael Leahcar: Bio". Ninemsn. Archived from the original on 11 February 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. ^ "Rachael Leahcar (SA)". Retrieved 7 May 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Rachael Leahcar – ReverbNation". ReverbNation. March 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  8. ^ "Legally blind contestant Rachael Leahcar amazes Mentors on The Voice". Mix 106.5. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  9. ^ Leo, Jessica (30 April 2012). "Rachael's dream finds its rhythm". Adelaide Now. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  10. ^ Iannella, Antimo (21 May 2012). "Rachel Leahcar through to next round on The Voice Australia". Adelaide Now. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  11. ^ Iannella, Antimo (4 June 2012). "Rachael into Voice semi-finals". Adelaide Now. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  12. ^ Iannella, Antimo (11 June 2012). "Rachael Leahcar's voice carries her into final". Adelaide Now. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  13. ^ "Karise Eden wins The Voice 2012". TV Tonight. 18 June 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  14. ^ "Universal record deal for Rachael". Adelaide Now. 26 June 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  15. ^ "iTunes – Music – Coming Home Again – Single by Rachael Leahcar". iTunes Store (Australia). Apple. January 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  16. ^ Iannella, Antimo (12 July 2012). "Hundreds turn out to welcome Rachael Leahcar back to Adelaide". Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  17. ^ Knox, David (3 July 2012). "The Voice singers line up for Reach charity". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  18. ^ Knox, David (8 July 2012). "Airdate: Voices Reaching Out". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  19. ^ a b c d "Discography Rachael Leahcar". australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  20. ^ Cashmere, Paul (6 August 2012). "Delta Goodrem And Rachael Leahcar Dates Announced". Noise11. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  21. ^ McCabe, Kathy (20 August 2012). "Rising Harlem tenor trots the globe". news.com.au. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  22. ^ Leahcar, Rachael (29 July 2012). "JUST WROTE ANOTHER..." Facebook. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  23. ^ Leahcar, Rachael (18 December 2012). "Twitter / rachaeleahcar: OFFICIAL WEBSITE!!! ..." Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  24. ^ a b Leahcar, Rachael (24 March 2013). "Twitter / rachaeleahcar: Announcing... ALBUM RELEASE ..." Retrieved 24 March 2013.
  25. ^ "Four minutes with Rachael Leahcar". The Daily Telegraph. [dead link‍]
  26. ^ "Rachael Leahcar returns – Yahoo!7". au.news.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 16 June 2013. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  27. ^ a b "Here Comes The Sun – CD & DVD Music, Music Genres, Pop/Rock : JB HI-FI". 31 March 2014. Retrieved 31 March 2014.
  28. ^ "Q&A : Rachael Leahcar". 8 April 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  29. ^ Leahcar, Rachael (9 January 2014). "Rachael Leahcar – Timeline Photos". Facebook. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  30. ^ Leahcar, Rachael (3 September 2015). "Rachael Leahcar on Twitter: "I think this song may very well be the first single on the album... time will tell ;) #sewn #rewriting"". Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  31. ^ "Song for Phil". Today Tonight. 17 July 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  32. ^ "Maurice's Symphony – Short Film by Alex Nakone and Andrei Gostin". Pozible. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  33. ^ "Love Only Movie – Timeline Photos". Facebook. 18 August 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  34. ^ "Rachael Leahcar performs at Port Noarlunga". Victor Harbor Times. 8 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  35. ^ Leahcar, Rachael (22 January 2017). "RACHAEL on Twitter: "COMING FEB 3 (RT) ITUNES PRE-ORDER: tinyurl.com/jqx3ahc". Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  36. ^ "Rachael Leahcar – Shadows (Preorder)". Retrieved 1 March 2017.
  37. ^ "Rachael Leahcar is stepping out of the shadows and hitting the road for a special tour celebrating her new single & album". Hot Off the Press. 20 October 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  38. ^ "Songstress Rachael Leahcar brings back the magic of the festive season with beautiful new album release". Hot Off the Press. 21 October 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  39. ^ Galletly, Jessica (7 February 2014). "Rachael Leahcar has a new best friend. And with her friend by her side, she's ready to face university life". Adelaide Now. Retrieved 29 June 2014.
  40. ^ Leahcar, Rachael (3 February 2014). "Rachael Leahcar – Timeline Photos". Facebook. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  41. ^ https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/rachael-leahcar-marries-love-of-her-life-chris-johinke/news-story/981690ffa6558182c85bbef70bd2c761 [bare URL]
  42. ^ "'The Voice' Alum and 'Love of Her Life' Tie the Knot".
  43. ^ "ARIA Australian Top 50 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association. 17 April 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
  44. ^ "Past Winners". South Australian Music Awards. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
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