In heartbreaking news for Australia’s music scene, singer and The Voice Australia star Virginia Lillye has passed away.
The Sydney performer, known for her powerhouse vocals and electrifying stage presence, died this week aged 56 to ovarian cancer.
Her band, The Filthy Animals, paid tribute on Instagram, describing her as “a powerhouse of love, life, talent and tenacity.”
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“She was beyond courageous and fought like a true warrior, but not every battle can be won,” the group wrote.
“Fly free you magnificent woman and thank you for shining your light on us … it was so bright we had to wear shades.”
Lillye rose to national fame after appearing on season nine of The Voice Australia in 2020, reaching Boy George’s top 20.
Long before her TV debut, she toured internationally with rock legends including KISS, Guns N’ Roses, The Angels, Noiseworks, and INXS.
Fellow musician Don Spencer confirmed on Facebook the news of her passing, remembering her as “an amazing talent” and “one of the loveliest people you could meet.”
“Virginia performed many times to help raise funds for The Australian Children’s Music Foundation,” he said.
“She was an absolute showstopper. My deepest sympathy to Julian and her family. RIP.”
Lillye’s life changed dramatically in 2023 when she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer after returning from a trip to Israel with her husband Julian Crupi.
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“It’s a silent cancer that doesn’t make its appearance known until it’s stage three,” she explained in an interview last year.
“There needs to be more awareness. More funds need to be raised to help find earlier diagnosis.”
She underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and experienced several infections during treatment, but remained open and hopeful, sharing messages of strength with fans.
Just weeks ago, she revealed a setback in her treatment and described her experience as “a never-ending cycle.”
Lillye’s life changed dramatically in 2023 when she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer after returning from a trip to Israel with her husband Julian. Credit: Seven / Instagram
Her passing has deeply affected Australia’s rock and metal community, with heartfelt tributes flooding social media.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up from her friend and fellow musician Peter Northcote to support Crupi with funeral and living expenses.
Northcote wrote Crupi had been “the ultimate tower of strength” caring for Virginia full-time in recent months.
“As you can imagine, being the sole carer for her in the last months, Julian has had to stop working to look after her,” Northcote wrote.
“She had stopped her socials updates because she was just so unwell. She really was in a bad way.
“Both not being able to work has meant no rent or bills being paid.
“The cost of paying for a funeral is now looming over him, adding to the great sadness and despair of losing his beautiful life-partner.”
Virginia Lillye is remembered as a fearless performer, a generous spirit, and a rock icon whose voice and legacy will continue to inspire.
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