Australian folk sensation Vendulka Wichta captivated audiences on The Voice Australia with her mesmerizing rendition of Culture Club’s “Karma Chameleon.”
Interestingly, the song’s original artist, Boy George, also happened to be a judge of the show, and he didn’t hesitate to show his approval for the 21-year-old talent by being the first to turn his chair.
Accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, Vendulka transformed the classic into a hauntingly beautiful slow version, showcasing her distinctive, velvety voice.
The performance didn’t just catch Boy George’s attention, as Delta Goodrem and Guy Sebastian were also quick to recognize her talent, with the latter particularly taken by her stunning falsetto later in the performance.
Vendulka’s interpretation of “Karma Chameleon” was a departure from its original new wave vibe, infusing it with her personal touch of folk influences, making the song uniquely her own.
Boy George was lavish in his compliments, expressing his awe at Vendulka’s ability to reinvent his iconic song with a soulful blues twist, a feat he admitted he hadn’t thought possible despite his own attempts to alter the song over the years.
The collaboration didn’t end there. Boy George later joined Vendulka onstage, blending his iconic voice with her style in a spontaneous duet that highlighted the immense synergy between the two.
Vendulka continued to impress throughout the competition, later delivering a heartfelt performance of Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way,” proving her versatility.
The 25-year-old Vendulka, a singer of Czech descent based in Canberra, made a lasting impression on The Voice Australia, turning three judges’ chairs during her audition. She ultimately chose Boy George as her mentor, after performing a stunning rendition of his song,
The connection between Vendulka and George extended beyond the show’s stages. George hinted at a potential opportunity during the filming, though the moment was interrupted.
Curious about George’s hinted proposal, Vendulka later reached out to him on Instagram. To her delight, George responded, expressing his interest in collaborating.
A few months after their exchange, Vendulka received a last-minute invitation to join George in a Sydney studio. With little hesitation, she rearranged her plans to seize the opportunity, resulting in the recording of two tracks together.
One of the tracks, a synthpop single titled “The Trouble With Love,” featured Vendulka, now known by her stage name Aya Yves. George released the song, publicly lauding Vendulka’s performance as “flawless.”
Vendulka reflected on the experience with fondness, praising George’s kindness and generosity. In an interview, she shared insights into their connection, highlighting a mutual interest in astrology and a shared admiration for Joni Mitchell, which deepened their bond.
Want to hear more from Vendulka (Anna Yves) herself? Then subscribe to her YouTube channel right away or follow her on Facebook.