About Tarisai Vushe

When slightly-built Zimbabwe-born one-time receptionist Tarisai entered the Idol audition room, the judges had no idea what was about to hit them. The softly spoken 20-year-old blew them away with her amazing rendition of Whitney Houston’s "I Have Nothing". "There’s a lot of people loving what you just did then," said Kyle Sandilands, without even conferring with the panel.

The love followed through to the audience; following her powerhouse take on "River Deep Mountain High" Tarisai was named the first female voted through to the top 12. "I feel so honoured," says Tarisai. "I just want to thank everyone that voted for me."

A committed performer, Tarisai rehearses her songs endlessly, making sure that she means every word she sings and choosing her songs accordingly. As well as her amazing set of pipes, Tarisai says she thinks her personality is one of her biggest advantages in the competition.

The devoted Christian is rarely seen without her bible by her side and loves the movie Dreamgirls and R&B music in general – she lists Ms. Houston and Tina Turner as her inspirations. She also loves watching Disney sitcom That’s So Raven, listening to Destiny’s Child and eating sadza, traditional Zimbabwean food.

I was eight years when I became serious about being a singer. Watching Whitney Houston on  television letting that voice out made me cry to God about how I wanted to become a precious woman and start singing professionally, leading to a long career.    

I love R'n'B (Soul) music. All feelings coming from that style, including the beats, make my mind go wild. The feelings and the passion in that style makes a difference in my life everytime I listen to or sing R'n'B. They provide certain meanings which usually relate to me.    

I find Guy Sebastian the most inspiring finalist. He is a very humble artist, who is sincere and that draws his audience closer when he's performing. They feel the sincerity when he is singing, which makes them connect together.    

No, I have not auditioned for any previous series of Australian Idol.    

Ummm damn, I was just feeling nervous most of the time, and basically I spent most of my day praying to God to lead me through. I was really nervous.   

A strong voice is an advantage too but an artist needs EXTRAS to spice it up. 1st: PERSONALITY  is essential. It reflects who you are as an artist and it shows how unique you are as an artist. 2nd: The ability to mean what you sing. It reflects how real you are and that helps to deliver the message of the song. Nothing is boring when meaning is delivered.    

My dream theme is so weird but I would love it if they accommodated the theme "Musicals".  Musicals include a lot of acting which provides meaning to songs and they are pretty entertaining.    

Wow. I think I would call it "The Hidden Secrets of Tarisai."    

Australian Idol is very important to our local music industry because it provides artists an opportunity to show themselves and their talent to the world and the contestants every year teach other musicians a lot. The contestants also learn to be individuals in the show by performing to the public.    

I would love to perform with Miss lovely Tina Turner. Tina Turner inspires me because she performs with elegance and has passion and soul in every song that she performs. SHE ROCKS!   

The best about being on Australian Idol is that I DON'T GET TO GO TO UNI. Hahaha. I'm just  joking. I love being on Australian Idol because I learn a lot from other contestants and I get the opportunity to share my passion with my audience and fans. So beautiful.   

Ummm. I love all of the judges. Honestly. But Mark Holden and Marcia Hines are so cute. They encouraged me to show my personality, which helped me to get through the auditions. Kyle and Dicko taught me to stand my ground and let it out more. They are the kinda judges that toughen you up, because of the way they are tough. They rock too.   

For my performances I rehearse a lot. I plan the songs that show my personality - something that entertains my audience. I work out a bit just to get fit. I sleep to get rest and I pray to ask God to help me deliver the best to my audience.   

The best bit of advice I've been given: 'Always believe in yourself and in God. All plans have the last say with God but FAITH is the root to success.'  

If I win I would thank God first. Without him I wouldn't exist to be a contestant. Not forgetting the fans supporting me. They are a blessing.