From PNG to Prime Time: Sunshine Coast’s Chris Cobb Steps Onto The Voice Stage

Papua New Guinean singer and Sunshine Coast local Chris “Sese”
Cobb has taken a bold leap onto one of the world’s most iconic stages—auditioning for Season 14 of The
Voice Australia, which premiered last night on Channel 7.

Born in Rabaul, Chris began carving his musical pathway from humble beginnings at his local golf club in
Bulolo, eventually performing at top venues and major events across Port Moresby. Balancing his career
at PNG Forest Products with his passion for music, he ultimately made the courageous decision in 2022
to leave corporate life behind, pursuing music full-time and launching CCM, a Port Moresby-based talent
agency supporting local artists.

Now permanently based in Mooloolah Valley on the Sunshine Coast, Chris is focused solely on his own
artistic journey.

“I grew up watching The Voice, and as a young PNG boy, I never imagined it was a dream I
could actually turn into reality,” he shares. “My partner Kalo saw the ad for video auditions and
mentioned it to me—and I said, ‘let’s give it a crack.’”

Out of tens of thousands of hopefuls, Chris was one of only 48 contestants selected to perform in the
Blind Auditions, singing in front of new season coaches Melanie C, Richard Marx, Ronan Keating, and
returning coach Kate Miller-Heidke.

“Getting the call-up to perform in front of artists I’ve admired for years has been an incredibly
exciting and fulfilling milestone in my musical path.”

When asked if he was hoping for a four-chair turn, Chris laughed:

“I hope so! That would be a dream come true.”

And which coach would he pick?

“Honestly, I keep changing my mind—it’ll probably be a last-minute decision up there on the
stage. Who knows!”

Though now living in Australia, Chris says his heart will always be with his homeland:

“PNG will always be home, and I hope I put on an audition that makes my wantoks proud.”
“Just getting to perform in front of these celebrities is already a win for me,” he adds. “If I turn a
chair, then everything after that is just icing on the cake.”

Chris has quickly made a name for himself in the Sunshine Coast and Noosa music scenes. Known for
his soulful vocals, infectious energy, and his signature kangaroo leather cowboy hat. In the midst of
the production process to secure a blind audition spot, Chris welcomed a new son, expanding his growing
family.

From beachside bars to bush busking to hinterland weddings, Chris is regularly seen performing across the region—infusing his sets with traditional Pacific rhythms, acoustic soul, and a hint of country flair, inspired by the two-way radio music of his Bulolo childhood.

Season 14 of The Voice Australia premiered Sunday, August 10 on Channel 7.
🎤 Catch Chris Cobb’s audition on Episode 2, airing Monday 11 August.