(ChurchLeaders) After a member of the embattled Hillsong Church won the latest season of “The Voice Australia,” social media buzzed with allegations that the show is rigged and promotes the evangelical megachurch. Meanwhile, supporters of the singing competition and its latest winner, Bella Taylor Smith, say she had the “best talent” and her faith is irrelevant.
Smith, a 23-year-old singing teacher, was coached by Guy Sebastian, who also has links to Hillsong and whose brother previously won the contest. For winning “The Voice Australia,” Smith receives $100,000 plus a recording contract with EMI Records. She says she plans to continue teaching, calling it “one of my passions.”
Some Viewers Question Hillsong’s Role
After Smith was crowned the winner Sunday evening, social media users expressed suspicions about the connections. “Yet again you cheated the system,” one person tweets at Hillsong. “Let’s face it,” another writes, “the real winner here is Hillsong.” Another person says, “Hillsong Church member auditions for a Hillsong coach, then Hillsong coach has to act like the Hillsong connection isn’t there until grand finale night but okay.”