Virginia Lillye – Foto: Instagram
Virginia Lillye, the Australian singer known for her participation in the ninth season of The Voice Australia in 2020, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 56 years old. The artist, who joined Boy George’s team and reached the semifinals, had been battling advanced ovarian cancer diagnosed in June 2023. The announcement was made in Sydney, where she resided, and was confirmed by musician Don Spencer in a public post. The news prompted messages of support for her family, particularly her husband Julian, who supported her through treatments.
Lillye’s career gained prominence through television, but her rock journey spans decades of international performances.
- Performances with Gene Simmons of Kiss on European tours in the 1990s.
- Collaborations with Gilby Clarke, ex-Guns N’ Roses, in Australian shows.
- Charity performances for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation.
These milestones highlight her dedication to music and social causes.
The diagnosis halted scheduled shows and led to a pause in her band Lillye, signed to Eclipse Records in the US.
Memorable participation in The Voice
The ninth season of The Voice Australia, aired in 2020, showcased Virginia Lillye as a powerful rock voice. She impressed judges with her rendition of “Tightrope” by Janelle Monáe, securing a spot on Boy George’s team. She advanced to the top 20, competing in duels and live performances.
The show, broadcast by Channel Nine, reached weekly audiences exceeding 1 million in Australia. Lillye stood out for her stage energy, blending soul and classic rock elements.
Her elimination came in the showdown phase, but her performance left a lasting legacy among fans, who revisited clips on YouTube after her passing.
Trajectory in Australian rock
Virginia Lillye built a solid career in Sydney’s music scene since the 1980s. She started with local bands and progressed to global tours, sharing stages with international artists. Her band Lillye, formed in the 2000s, released independent albums and signed with Eclipse Records in 2015.
Performances at festivals like Download Festival Australia marked her presence in heavy metal.
She contributed to over 10 recordings, including covers and originals influenced by Poison and Guns N’ Roses.
The illness interrupted ongoing projects, such as an EP planned for 2024.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment
Virginia Lillye’s ovarian cancer was detected at stage three, with symptoms like abdominal pain and fatigue already present. Treatments included initial chemotherapy and surgeries to remove tumors, conducted in Sydney hospitals. In 2023, she publicly shared the need to pause her career for regular chemotherapy sessions.
The disease, known for its silent progression, affects about 1,500 women annually in Australia, according to Cancer Council data. Lillye used her platform to raise awareness about preventive exams, such as pelvic ultrasounds.
Her husband Julian supported her by shaving his head in solidarity during her hair loss from chemo. Relapses in 2024 required additional therapy rounds.
Tributes from colleagues and fans
Don Spencer, an Australian singer, was the first to confirm the death in a social media post. He praised Lillye as an exceptional talent and generous person, recalling joint charity performances. Spencer’s daughter, Danielle, ex-wife of Russell Crowe, expressed condolences with a heart emoji.
The band Lillye described their vocalist as a rock icon, highlighting her leadership over 20 years of shows.
Silverback Touring, a metal event promoter, remembered her powerful voice in international events.
Fans shared memories in comments, with thousands of interactions in hours.
Musical legacy and contributions
Virginia Lillye left a varied discography, with solo and collective albums that influenced new generations of Australian rockers. Her participation in European musicals in the 1990s added versatility, blending theater and rock.
She raised funds for children’s foundations in at least five annual events since 2010.
Her official website maintains an archive of audio and video for public access.
