It was Lau Abend’s powerful, emotional performance on The Voice Australia that saw all four coaches turn their chairs.
Although her talent is undeniable, a near-death experience changed Lau’s outlook on life and singing forever.
“I told myself that if I made it out alive, I would hone my craft and find who I am as an artist,” the 21-year-old tells TV WEEK.
Lau’s tragic past saw her commit to putting everything into her singing career.
(Image: Channel Seven)During her first overseas scuba-diving expedition at 16, Lau, her uncle and five other divers were left stranded in the middle of the ocean, with no land or boat in sight.
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Launching their floatation devices, they floated patiently as they waited to be rescued, singing and telling jokes.
But with strong currents pushing them a long way from their starting point and with only 90 minutes of day light left, the situation for Lau and her diving group became dire.
“It didn’t sink in right away – It was such a confusing few hours,” she reflects.
“After five hours of floating, we were like, ‘OK, we might actually die here.'”
Thankfully, a boat appeared in the distance.
“It was a relief to see it,” Lau explains. “I remember screaming out, tears streaming_ down my face. It was such an intense moment.”
While Lau admits it’s taken her a long time to talk about the event without becoming upset, she’s proud of how far she’s come to speak openly.
As for the water? It’s been a protracted journey.
“Six months after the accident, I had a panic attack underwater and was vomiting on my way to the surface.
After that, I didn’t go diving for a least four years,” she shares.
“This year, I went diving again. I was really calm, and proud of myself that I managed to get back in and feel at home again.”
