Vernon Barnard

Vernon Barnard was born with glaucoma that left him blind by the age of 6, despite having 16 operations in an attempt to save his eyesight. Despite his disability, Barnard has led a full life, competing internationally in blind cricket matches and now as a contestant on The Voice: South Africa, where his soulful audition won over the coaches and audience.

His thundering performance of One Direction’s “Story of My Life” stunned coach Bobby van Jaarsveld, who was first to turn around, surprising his fellow coaches by leaping onto his chair.

Barnard’s audition, which also garnered the turned chairs of coaches Karen Zoid and Lira, earned him a place on Jaarsveld’s Team Bobby.