Jessica Mauboy's journey from being judged to being the judge and all the excitement of taking the stage at Mundi Mundi for the first time

Suggest an interview for Cheryl Lee or let us know who your favorite interviewee is so far Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians A desert festival you’ve only seen in photos can still feel huge when you’re the one about to step on stage. I’m Cheryl Lee, and I’m joined by the unstoppable Jessica Mauboy as she counts down to her very first Mundi Mundi Bash, picturing the outback landscape, the community vibe, and the creative challenge of building a show worthy of a lineup packed with talent. We also have a laugh about the road-trip reality of it all, because festivals aren’t just music, they’re people, costumes, and long days under big skies. From there, we rewind to the early turning points that shaped her career. Jessica talks about auditioning for Australian Idol as a teen, getting told she was too young, and coming back with her family’s belief pushing her forward. We dig into what changes when you go from being judged to doing the judging on The Voice Australia, and how confidence gets built one brave decision at a time. If you care about the behind-the-scenes reality of the music industry, this part lands hard because it’s honest and specific. We also go deeper on identity and ownership: Eurovision, representing Australia, and the pride of carrying culture, community, and responsibility onto an international stage. Jessica opens up about launching her independent space Jamally after years with a major label, plus the vulnerability of songwriting, including the quiet moment of asking her mom’s permission before writing “Little Things.” We wrap with a beautiful reflection on motherhood and why surrendering to constant change might be the most practical creative lesson there is. If you loved this conversation, subscribe to Still Rockin' It, share it with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review so more people can find these Aussie music stories. What is Jessica Mauboy up to at the moment? Let's find out! Get out when you can, support local music and I'll see you down the front!! Visit: ThatRadioChick.com.au