Darwin Rapper Makes History With The Voice Australia Victory

A young rapper from Darwin has turned a difficult childhood and a lifelong passion for music into a remarkable national breakthrough, becoming the first rapper to win The Voice Australia.

Yung Milla, whose real name is Levi Nichaloff, was crowned the winner of the 2026 season after months of performances that brought his story, music and culture to millions of viewers across Australia.

The 22-year-old Marranunggu artist grew up in Palmerston in the Northern Territory. Before appearing on national television, he had already spent years using music and mentoring to connect with young people in his community.

His journey on The Voice began in August, when he auditioned with a song written by his brother and fellow artist J-Milla. His performance introduced audiences to an artist whose music was closely connected to his own experiences.

Throughout the competition, Yung Milla spoke openly about growing up in a difficult household. He has credited his mother, Kylie Miller, with helping him and his siblings through challenging years and encouraging them to keep looking toward the future.

His mother became one of the most important figures in his journey. Yung Milla’s stage name was inspired by her, and he has repeatedly spoken about the influence she had on his life and his decision to use music as a way of telling stories.

As the competition progressed, his performances attracted a growing audience. He eventually reached the grand final alongside three other finalists.

For his final solo performance, Yung Milla performed Tupac Shakur’s Changes. He later joined his coach, former Spice Girl Melanie C, for a performance of Never Be the Same Again.

When the public vote was counted, Yung Milla was announced as the winner.

The victory came with a $100,000 cash prize as well as an all-inclusive recording and development package. But the rapper said the achievement meant more to him than the prize itself.

At a community celebration in Palmerston, supporters gathered to watch the finale and celebrate the result. Yung Milla said the victory belonged not only to him, but also to the people who had supported him throughout his journey.

He also plans to use part of his prize money to help create a music studio in Darwin that young people in the community can access. His goal is to give aspiring artists an opportunity to develop their music even if they do not have access to expensive equipment or professional facilities.

Music is not the only way Yung Milla has worked with young people. Before his television success, he worked as a support worker and mentor, including supporting young people with disabilities and young people involved with the justice system.

His story has therefore continued beyond the television stage. From growing up in Palmerston to performing for a national audience, Yung Milla has used his experiences as part of a broader message about perseverance, identity and giving young people a reason to believe in their own potential.

With his first national title secured, the Darwin rapper is already preparing for the next chapter. His new music is scheduled for release, and he is set to continue performing while developing plans for the community music studio.

For Yung Milla, winning The Voice Australia was not simply the end of a television competition. It marked the beginning of a much larger opportunity — to take his music and his story to a wider audience while continuing to support the young people who inspired him.

Sources: ABC News Australia, SBS NITV.