Classically-Trained Elly Oh Rocks Rendition On "The Voice Australia"

Full-bodied voice sensation Elly Oh

"She's the timid Sydney woman who teaches opera singing out of her garage - at least that was before The Voice. Now Elly Oh has completed her transformation into a stage queen, wowing the judges with her racy rendition of Jessie J's Mamma Knows Best as the Showdown rounds continued on Monday night. The classically trained Team Ricky singer stepped out onto the stage in a skimpy outfit reminiscent of pop queen Lady Gaga, unleashing her powerful voice as she performed in a sequined bra. She paired the sexy piece with a black blazer, tiny shorts and a pair of thigh-high black boots. After belting out the track the 29-year-old earned a standing ovation from the audience and the coaches, and despite strong performances from her fellow Team Ricky contenders Fely Irvine and Thando Sikwila, it was Elly who mentor Ricky Martin chose to take to New York where she will prepare for the finals. It was one raunchy round of the Showdowns as former Hi-5 children's group singer Fely showed off her slim physique in a black bra under a white blazer." [Source]

Judges of The Voice Australia (left to right): Ricky Martin, Joel Madden, Kylie Minogue, and will.i.am

"South Korean born music teacher Elly Oh has recently branched out into R’n’B, pop and rock after eight years of professional opera singing and extensive classical and opera training in Sydney, Korea and Italy. A little lady with a big voice, it’s hard to believe that this bold 29-year-old was once an extremely shy child. Elly misses her family in Korea but has found a surrogate family in her much loved students to whom she teaches pop music. She likens her newfound musical style to that of Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone and Adele but has turned to The Voice to broaden her experience across all musical genres and pave the way for her first album." [Source]

Watch a video of the "Mama Knows Best" rendition, as well as an operatic sing-off with fellow contestant Jess Berney of "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi that took place last month, after the jump.

Anna Netrebko Goes Leafy Green For The Garden Theme Of "Life Ball"

Russian soprano Anna Netrebko returns to her second home state of Austria for Life Ball 2014 in Vienna that has a theme of "Garten der Lüste." She attended last year and got some personal time with former President Bill Clinton. We look forward to pictures of her with this year's performer, Ricky Martin. "The Life Ball in Vienna is the biggest charity event in Europe supporting people with HIV or AIDS. The event is organized by the nonprofit organization AIDS LIFE, which was founded in 1992 by Gery Keszler and Torgom Petrosian. AIDS LIFE supports aid organizations devoted to helping people who are HIV-positive or have AIDS. The team entrusted with the allocation of funds thoroughly examines each petition. Moreover, it is an explicit goal of AIDS LIFE to raise public awareness." [Source] Full-length photo of the ensemble is after the jump.

Red Ribbon Celebration Concert Performances At Life Ball 2014

Jennifer O'Loughlin

"Schon früh am Morgen herrschte auf dem Wiener Flughafen hellste Aufregung, denn das Flugzeug mit den hochkarätigen Stargästen wurde erwartet - die Ankunft wurde natürlich, wie könnte es anders sein, spannend gemacht, denn bis zum Schluss war nicht klar, wann der Flieger wirklich landen würde. 'Ich freue mich schon,' zeigte sich Life Ball-Organisator Gerry Keszler aufgeregt, seine Gäste bald begrüßen zu dürfen. Um 9.40 Uhr war es dann endlich so weit: der Life Ball-Jet landete in Wien." [Source] More photos after the jump.

Ildar Abdrazakov

Luca Pisaroni and Thomas Hampson