Young Indigenous Rapper Yung Milla Wins The Voice Australia After Overcoming a Difficult Childhood

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA — September 28, 2026

A 23-year-old Indigenous rapper from Australia’s Northern Territory has been crowned the winner of The Voice Australia 2026, turning a difficult childhood into a story of music, family and hope for young people in his community.

Yung Milla, whose real name is Levi Nichaloff, won the competition after audiences across Australia voted for their favourite finalist. Hundreds of family members, friends and supporters gathered in Palmerston on Sunday night to watch the result together.

From a Difficult Childhood to the National Stage

Yung Milla has spoken openly during the competition about growing up in a household affected by domestic violence, alcohol and drugs.

He said witnessing violence against his mother and having to hide injuries from teachers had a lasting impact on him as a child. His mother, Kylie Miller, became an important source of strength and encouraged her children to choose a different path.

Her influence is reflected in Yung Milla’s stage name, which uses part of his mother’s maiden name. He has credited her with teaching him how to become a positive role model for others.

Music Becomes a Way to Tell His Story

Yung Milla first appeared on The Voice Australia in August, performing a song written by his brother and fellow artist J-Milla.

Throughout the competition, he combined hip-hop with elements of his Aboriginal culture. During his semifinal performance, he played the yidaki, an instrument he has played since childhood, while adding his own lyrics to a performance of Down Under.

The performance attracted millions of views on Instagram and helped introduce his story and culture to a much wider audience.

A Win He Says Belongs to His Community

After being announced as the winner, Yung Milla said he was grateful for the support he had received from people across the Northern Territory.

He described the victory as something bigger than himself and said his community had played a major role in helping him win the public vote.

His prize includes a $100,000 cash award as well as a recording and development package.

Plans to Give Young People a Voice

Rather than keeping the prize entirely for himself, Yung Milla said he plans to use part of the money to build a recording studio in Darwin where young people can develop their musical talents.

He has previously worked with young people, including children with disabilities and teenagers receiving mentoring support. He said he wants to create opportunities for young people who may be facing some of the same difficulties he experienced growing up.

For Yung Milla, the victory is not only a personal achievement. It is also a chance to show young people from his community that their circumstances do not have to determine their future.

Source: ABC News Australia.