THE VOICE OF THE SHINES ON OUR NATION’S TV SCREENS The lead singer of the <strong>Police</strong> Band recently made it through the blind audition phase of The Voice to become an impressive contender on the top rating show. STORY AMANDA BEADMAN POLICE MONTHLY wanting Belinda on their team. But it was Latino heartthrob Ricky who won Trials and tribulations The excitement and opportunity of her over in the end. Belinda’s involvement on The Voice As a little girl Special Constable Belinda Adams was too shy to sing in front of an audience – or “Initially I thought I was going to choose Seal, and I am a massive fan of all of the judges, but when Ricky started talking I knew I had to choose represented a change of fortune for her entire family. Belinda herself has suffered from a severe intestinal disease throughout anyone at all. But because she loved him,” she said. her life and on two separate to sing, she would do it on her own, The words that won her over occasions has almost lost her life on behind a closed bedroom door. would be music to any vocalist’s ears the operating table. Her parents would listen from coming from an artist who has sold The condition means she will be on outside, encouraging her to come out more than 70 million albums. medication for the rest of her life. and perform for them. “I believe that you can do anything Belinda’s brother also met with Eventually the young Belinda you want with that voice,” Ricky said. physical limitations after he was hit conquered her nerves and took to “I’m looking for a voice that walks by a bus in London and lost a leg. the stage as part of a Year 6 Variety Concert, where she performed Madonna’s ‘Crazy For You’ in front of her schoolmates. into a studio today, records a song and years from now you will feel you can touch the sky listening to that voice and I’ve found it today – that Despite the tragedy he went on to represent Australia twice in the Winter Paralympics. Belinda’s father, while a ABOVE AND RIGHT Belinda Adams performing with The <strong>Police</strong> Band at The Rocks “Everyone came up to me is you.” professional cyclist, was involved afterwards and said ‘you were so Although she has performed in an accident that left him in the good’,” said Belinda, who now sings on television before, including on trauma ward undergoing facial full time with the <strong>Police</strong> Band. Mornings with Kerri-Anne and singing reconstruction, enduring multiple “They didn’t know I could sing the national anthem at the 2012 City strokes, two bypass surgeries and like that.” to Surf, Belinda said the intensity a cancer diagnosis – all within the It’s a long way from the shy little of her blind audition was a unique space of five years. girl alone in her room to the stage of one of the nation’s most popular TV shows. With decades of experience as a professional singer behind her, Belinda has come a long way. Her talent and ability were enough to make all four judges on the Nine Network’s The Voice ‘turn their chairs’ to indicate they were interested in experience. “It was exhilarating, nerve-racking and exciting,” she said. “I may have looked calm on the outside but I was petrified on the inside.” Belinda said she chose to compete on the show because of its integrity and positivity, adding that, while some might find it daunting to be Following on from that, her mother had a breast cancer scare and Belinda and her husband were badly burnt when a boat they were on exploded. “We’ve had more than our fair share of misfortune, but I try to always look ahead,” Belinda said. “We’ve faced a lot as a family.” Started off perfect and just got more perfect from there. mentoring Belinda throughout the thrust into the national spotlight, she Follow Belinda and the <strong>Police</strong> competition. The 39-year-old’s performance of the Jennifer Hudson song I am changing had Seal, Ricky Martin, Delta Goodrem and Joel Madden all was ready for any new challenges. Unfortunately Belinda did not make it through the ‘battle rounds’ but said she loved the whole experience and welcomed the additional publicity Band on their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/nswpoliceband – Joel Madden’s feedback to Belinda Adams following her blind audition for The Voice pitching their heartfelt reasons for since her appearance.. 18 <strong>Police</strong><strong>Monthly</strong> MAY <strong>2013</strong>
FORCE I love everything about singing – the way it makes me feel and the way it makes other people feel. I love seeing the looks on their faces. – Belinda Adams MAY <strong>2013</strong> <strong>Police</strong><strong>Monthly</strong> 19
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