Justin Degryse, a teenager from Belgium, had a secret passion for singing, confined to the privacy of his bedroom. The thought of performing in front of people was far from his mind, partly due to the embarrassment it brought him.
His mother, however, saw her son’s potential differently. Recognizing his talent, she believed it was something the world deserved to see. “Sometimes I’ll hear him singing in his room,” she shared. “He’s too afraid to let others hear him.”
With this belief in heart, she took a step in 2020 that would change everything; she enrolled him in The Voice Kids, a popular show on Belgian TV since its inception in 2014. Justin chose “Lovely” by Billie Eilish for his audition, a song he felt connected to on a personal level, saying, “I think the song is about embarrassment. I can relate sometimes.”
Stepping onto the stage for the Blind Audition, Justin faced a challenge unlike any before. Not only was he performing for the first time in public, but he was also doing so in front of the judges and a million viewers across Belgium. For a 13-year-old battling shyness, this was a monumental task.
As he began to sing, his performance exuded a confidence that seemed to mask his inner turmoil. When he hit the falsetto chorus, it wasn’t long before the first judge showed approval by turning their chair, followed by another, and then the remaining two judges together.
The moment he finished, the audience’s standing ovation confirmed the judges’ unanimous approval. “That’s what they call a standing ovation!” one judge exclaimed, capturing the atmosphere perfectly.
The competition for Justin’s talent among the judges was fierce. Gers Pardoel made a standout effort by standing on his chair, hoping to catch Justin’s attention by mentioning his success with last year’s winner. Laura Tesoro, not to be outdone, walked onto the stage and warmly embraced Justin, a gesture that showcased her genuine interest in him.
Finally, the judges chose a dramatic approach to let Justin pick his mentor. They turned away, allowing him to approach his chosen judge. Tesoro’s heartfelt gesture resonated with Justin, leading him to choose her, sparking celebrations akin to winning a grand prize.