TAILA Gouge says she sang before she talked.

Music is a passion this Moranbah girl wants to transform into a thriving career, so the 17-year-old decided to put her talents to the test and auditioned for Channel Nine's popular series, The Voice.

Last night she sang her heart out and caught the attention of judge and Good Charlotte front man Joel Madden.

"Oh my goodness... I was just so shocked that someone turned around," she said.

And the fact that it was one of her idols was just icing on the cake.

"He is a really cool, funky and really genuine character," Taila said.

"And as an artist, I just look up to him for his music and for his individuality.

"I want to be an artist just like him."

While backstage before her blind audition, singer/songwriter Taila said her heart was pounding and her fingers shaking.

"But when I got onto the stage, I kind of just forgot about that and all my nerves went away," she said.

"I just sang and had fun."

Taila sang Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland, which she accompanied with her guitar.

She described the song as a "young, funky, bubbly country pop song", and one that showcased her personality.

"I'm quite a weird country/pop, bubbly, colourful girl and it's just the perfect song," she said.

Strong family support and encouragement drove Taila to audition in the first place.

"I was a little bit iffy," she said. "I didn't know if I was good enough.

"I entered it for my Dad - and my family. They just put so much hard work and effort into my music.

"I thought this would be a great way to pay them back if I succeed through it."

While Australia has only just been made aware of Taila's talent, the Moranbah community has been listening for years to the teen sing and perform with her band White Summer at gigs around town.

Taila said her parents acted as her "roadies" at gigs, working out the sound gear, helping to set up and pack up, not to mention booking gigs.

Music became Taila's dream when she was 12 years old.

"To have a life of music and see how far I could go... " she said.