Conrad De Silva, 80, steals nation’s heart with stirring act

Conrad De Silva proved to Australia that age truly is just a number.

Aged 80, De Silva became the oldest artist in The Voice Australia’s history when he took to the stage with a tear-jerking audition that warmed hearts all over the country.

But it wasn’t just his performance that captured the nation.

De Silva showed his sincere love for his wife.

“My secret is always: good wife, good life,” he joked.

“We met when we were 15 and 16. I just looked at her and said ‘this is the one I want to marry’.

“The secret to a happy marriage is believing one another, and before you go to bed, kiss her good night.”

The former Sri Lankan popstar sang L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole, and although no chairs turned, De Silva seized the opportunity to show affection to his beloved wife.

He called his wife onto the stage, and presented her with a ring to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

“Darling wife, once upon a time I was your man and you were my woman,” he said.

“You’re an amazing wife, you gave me the best two children in the world and you made my life so, so happy.

“I’m still hoping that God will keep us together for the next 10 years.”

The Voice Australia coaches Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy and Rita Ora were in tears.

“Conrad, our teams are filling up, so please don’t take our non-turning as an indication of how great you are,” Sebastian said.

“You are fantastic. That warmed my heart. I love love and I love celebrating love.

“I think that is the anthem of love, that song. Nat King Cole is literally one of my heroes and you did that more than just justice. You filled the room with such love, so thank you, Conrad.”