YUNG MILLA MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST ABORIGINAL ARTIST TO WIN THE VOICE AUSTRALIA
By Lynnese O’Donoghue
Fresh from making history as the first Aboriginal artist to win The Voice Australia, Marranunggu rapper Yung Milla says his journey is only beginning, with a new single released and plans to create recording studios for young First Nations musicians.
Yung Milla finding out he was named winner of The Voice Australia 2026, Photo Credit The Voice Australia
The Darwin artist, whose real name is Levi Nichaloff, spoke with Ngaarda Radio Breakfast presenter Lynnese O'Donoghue about his historic victory, the importance of family and culture, and his ambition to help young people find their voices through music.
Yung Milla was crowned the winner of The Voice Australia 2026 on September 27, becoming the first Aboriginal artist and first rapper to take out the Australian competition.
But despite the national recognition, he says his greatest reward has been the pride and support of his community.
Reflecting on the moment his name was announced, Yung Milla said his thoughts immediately turned to loved ones who were no longer with him.
"I think the first thing I thought about was all my family members that have passed away that aren't here today and just knowing that I've made them proud," he said.
Yung Milla Performing on The Voice. Photo Credit The Voice
"I think I had about a thousand thoughts in 10 seconds."
Surrounded by family, friends and community in Palmerston when the result was announced, the young rapper said there was nowhere else he would have wanted to celebrate.
"There's no place I would have rather been than home."
Yung Milla on stage performing to audiences
REPRESENTING MOB ON A NATIONAL STAGE
Throughout the competition, Yung Milla proudly represented his Marranunggu identity, family and community, sharing powerful messages about culture, resilience and the experiences of Aboriginal young people.
He told Ngaarda Radio the support of young people watching from home had been among the most meaningful parts of his journey.
"I've got a lot of videos sent to me of their reaction of me winning and even making it to the next stages of The Voice," he said.
"It's just so beautiful for me to have this kind of responsibility of leading my people the right way."
Yung Milla Performing on the Voice, Photo credit The Voice
He said becoming a positive role model was something he had dreamed of growing up.
"I'm just being that person that I needed growing up."
NEW SINGLE 'LETHAL' CARRIES A MESSAGE OF CULTURAL PRIDE
Following his television success, Yung Milla has released his new single, Lethal, a deeply personal track written while he was still competing on The Voice.
He explained that the song came together during an emotional period when he was juggling the pressures of the competition with his hopes for the future.
Yung Milla, Rapper, Artist and Winner of The Voice Australia 2026
"I was actually writing that during The Voice while I was still in the process of it," he said.
He described the track as a reflection of everything that had brought him to this moment, including his faith, his people and the challenges he had overcome.
For Yung Milla, the message is clear: young First Nations people should stand strong in their identity and take pride in who they are.
"I want them to feel strong and powerful. I want them to stand up," he said.
Yung Milla and Brother J-Milla performing on The Voice, Photo Credit: The Voice
"Be proud of the colour of their skin. You know, do it for your mob, do it for your people."
HIS MOTHER REMAINS HIS BIGGEST INSPIRATION
Behind Yung Milla's success is a powerful relationship with his mother, Kylie Miller, whom he credits with helping him turn his life around.
Yung Milla with Mum Kylie
"My mum's deadly, man. She's a soldier," he said.
"She's my rock. If it wasn't for her, I'd probably be down the wrong road, which is the road I was heading."
He said her guidance, strength and belief in him had played a major role in his success.
A BIGGER DREAM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
While winning The Voice has changed his life, Yung Milla says he is already looking beyond his own music career.
His next major ambition is to establish a recording studio in Darwin, with hopes of eventually creating similar opportunities for young people across Australia.
Yung Milla Performing to crowds and kids cheering him on next to him on stage
"What's been on my mind is a studio here in Darwin," he said.
"Obviously, if that works out, I'll be wanting to build more around Australia."
He believes music can be a powerful tool for young Aboriginal men who may struggle to speak openly about their emotions.
"As young men, we find it hard to express, but if you do it in a song, it's so much easier," he said.
He also encouraged young people who feel too shy or shame to pursue music to take that first step.
"Just know that your voice could help change someone for the better."
Despite the attention and new opportunities following his win, Yung Milla insists he has not lost sight of his purpose.
"The vision hasn't, the ambition hasn't. This is just the start."
Yung Milla's new single Lethal is out now. Listen to his full conversation with Lynnese O'Donoghue on Ngaarda Radio Breakfast.
Congratulations again Yung Milla, from all of us here at Ngaarda Media.