Jaedyn Randell
Jaedyn Randell | |
|---|---|
| Born | New Zealand |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, voice actress |
| Known for | Voice of Moana in te reo Māori adaptation of Disney's Moana; contestant on The Voice Australia (2024) |
Jaedyn Randell is a singer of New Zealand Māori descent, recognized for providing the voice of Moana in the te reo Māori adaptation of Disney's Moana. She has also gained attention through her musical contributions on platforms like Waiata Nation and The Voice Australia.
Early life
Originating from New Zealand, Randell's ancestry includes affiliations with the Tainui iwi, Ngāti Paoa, and Ngāti Makirangi hapū. Growing up deeply engaged with Māori culture and participating in kapa haka, she cultivated a profound connection to te ao Māori. Although she was not initially fluent in the Māori language, her education included attendance at a kōhanga reo immersion preschool, bilingual schooling, and Māori language classes during secondary education.
She pursued studies in music technology, concentrating on music production and sound engineering at Massey University's College of Creative Arts Toi Rauwhārangi, where she was awarded a scholarship dedicated to Māori students.
Career
At the age of 16, Randell was selected to voice Moana for the te reo Māori version of the Disney movie, a project developed by Matewa Media under the direction of Rachel House. This release coincided with Māori Language Week and aimed to support efforts in revitalizing te reo Māori.
In 2021, Randell featured in the second season of Waiata Nation, a television series on Māori TV that highlights artists performing songs in te reo Māori. Her first single, "Patupaiārehe," performed entirely in te reo Māori, explores her experiences with identity and pride as a fair-skinned Māori woman.
During 2024, Randell participated in season 13 of The Voice Australia. Her blind audition featured Jessie J's "Big White Room," drawing interest from coaches Guy Sebastian, Kate Miller-Heidke, and Adam Lambert. Miller-Heidke employed an "Ultimate Block" to secure Randell’s place on her team. Advancing to the finals, Randell performed duets with Miller-Heidke as well as solo pieces including Reneé Rapp's "Snow Angel," ultimately finishing as the runner-up.