Are you ready to take a trip down memory lane? Here we go… Few songs in music history have achieved the soul-stirring, feet-tapping longevity of the Jackson Five’s masterpiece, ‘I’ll Be There.’ Imagine a 15-year-old Australian boy shouting out this melody and marking it with his own signature flair on the huge platform of ‘The Voice Australia.’ That’s Josh Richards for you, our rising star.
Let us pause to appreciate the original tune. ‘I’ll Be There,’ released in 1970, featured a harmonious blending of young Michael Jackson’s singing with his siblings Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon. Their chart-topping melody cemented their cultural relevance in the worldwide music landscape, making them the first black group to score four consecutive number ones.In 2018, young Josh Richards chose to respect this timeless piece in his blind audition for ‘The Voice Australia.’
His heart thudded with nerves as he strode onto the stage, his voice chords warmed up, ready to amaze. The air filled with raw, addictive energy as he began singing ‘I’ll Be There,’ which bore an uncanny resemblance to the original Jackson Five song. Remember to watch the video below. The soulful determination on Josh’s face and the raw, searing intensity in his voice build a picture of everlasting dedication, much like the song’s lyrics.
His strong performance sent chills down the judges’ spines, and before long, they sensed the glimmer of a burgeoning star, turning their seats in eager anticipation. Among the first to see this talent was judge Boy George, who, overcome by passion, swiftly pressed his buzzer. The other judges, following his lead, mirrored his sentiment, their faces lit up with amazement and appreciation for the young vocalist. Josh’s voice’s power and range beyond his age, ushering off a musical journey beyond his years.
What followed was an extraordinary performance that paid honor to a cornerstone song of American R&B while also highlighting a 15-year-old boy’s burgeoning skill. And we were all enthralled, even the judges, by his courageous embrace of the melody’s emotional intensity and technical complexity. In retrospect, Josh’s performance that day was a dazzling monument to the Jackson Five’s eternal attraction and the never-ending cycle of musical inheritance.
Looking back, we know we were seeing the continuation of a heritage, the birth of a new voice that would carry forward the essence of a song beloved by generations. That’s all there is to it. A compelling recollection, a magnificent performance that still resonates in our hearts to this day. So watch the video again because each playback takes you back to that magical moment when a 15-year-old lad breathed fresh life into a classic. Remember to like and share, and to let others enjoy this voyage through time, for music is a joy that should be shared.