After Forming In 1971… The Bushwackers Audition For 'The Voice'

Since the Australian country and folk music outfit, The Bushwackers formed at Melbourne’s La Trobe University in 1971, the band have released 20 studio albums, two live albums, multiple compilation albums, and taken home three awards from the Country Music Awards of Australia, as well as three-time Best Country Group winners at the annual Mo Awards.

In addition to their expansive discography and an evolving roster of talented musicians, including guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel, Dragon’s Pete Drummond and former Skyhooks member Freddie Strauks, there’s something The Bushwackers haven’t tried their luck at: reality television.

Taking to social media, The Bushwackers’ primary songwriter, producer and manager, Roger Corbett and lagerphone player Dobe Newton revealed that they would audition for their place on the twelfth season of The Voice Australia.

“The Bushwackers have done some crazy things in our 52 years as a band, and this could be our craziest thing yet,” the band wrote on Facebook on Sunday (6 August). “But life’s for living, trying new things and having fun along the way, so we’re here to tell you that we (Roger & Dobe) have auditioned for The Voice Australia!

“Will these two ratbags turn a chair this season? Tune in this Sunday 7pm on Channel 7 and 7plus to find out!”

The Bushwackers’ news arrives as Mackay, Queensland, country singer Bella Mackenzie shared that she will also appear on this season of The Voice Australia.

“For as long as I can remember when I was growing up in Moranbah and Mackay…all I ever dreamt of was going on ‘The Voice Australia’ to sing,” Mackenzie wrote on her Facebook page on Friday (4 August).

“Thanks to you guys for listening to me sing all those years in my little town because now I can tell you…I’m doing it!!”

She continued, “It’s going to be so surreal to step on that stage and for this small town country girl to sing for the whole world 😱 Ahhh!!”

The Bushwackers’ most recent album, Dyed In The Wool, was released in January 2020. In 2022, the Aussie country music icons performed at two of the most significant events in the Australian country music calendar: the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Gympie Music Muster.

The 2023 season of The Voice Australia marks the return of three judges, Australian Idol royalty Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy and UK pop star Rita Ora, and welcomes US pop and R&B sensation Jason Derulo.

The Voice Australia announced Derulo’s addition to the judging panel in March, replacing Australian country music icon and Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame inductee Keith Urban in the red chair.

The show continues tonight (7 August) at 7 pm AEST on Channel 7 and 7plus.