Virginia Lillye, who appeared on The Voice Australia, has di3d following a cancer battle (Image: 7 Network)

Virginia Lillye, who appeared on The Voice Australia, di3d on Sunday, October 19, aged 56, following a two-year battle with advanced ovarian cancer. The news was confirmed on social media by Australian musician Don Spencer. “I am terribly saddened to hear that the beautiful Virginia Lillye has lost her battle with cancer,” he wrote. “Virginia was not only an amazing talent but one of the loveliest people you could meet. She performed many times to help raise funds for The Australian Children’s Music Foundation. She was an absolute showstopper. My deepest sympathy to Julian and her family. RIP.”

Sydney native Virginia appeared on season nine of The Voice Australia in 2020, where she made it through to the top 20 as part of Boy George’s team. Prior to that she fronted her namesake band Lillye, signed to US label Eclipse Records, and had spent spent decades touring the world with huge acts including Gene Simmons from KISS, Richie Kotzen from Poison and Gilby Clarke from Guns ‘N’ Roses. She was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer in June 2023 which forced her to put her career on hold.

The Voice star Virginia Lillye had been battling ovarian cancer for two years (Image: Virginia Lillye Instagram)

Her eponymous band paid touching tribute to their “queen”, saying: “Virginia Lillye was hands down the quintessential rock goddess. There will never be another frontwoman like her… We love you d3arly and you will never be forgotten. Riposa in peace our sweet Vinny.”

Metal touring company Silverback Touring also shared their grief calling the star “one of the biggest voices you’ll ever hear and one of the warmest, most generous souls you could ever meet.”

Fans also rushed to share their devastation on social media. “Awww… such sad news!!! Rest easy sweet angel!!! Another life tragically claimed by this devastatingly awful illness!!!” one commented on Don’s post.

Another shared on Facebook: “Very saddened to hear, she fought right until the end. Such a powerhouse of a human. She was always so lovely to me back when I was a newbie on the scene, she was a beautiful human who shone so bright.”

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“This insidious disease may have claimed her body, but her strength and spirit will live on in our memories. She’ll always be an inspiration to many, and we feel honored to have known her. Sending thoughts of comfort to you Julian Crupi and your family,” a third penned.

A fourth chimed in: “I’m am truly gutted to hear this and my heart goes out to Julian her family and of course her Lillie family I was blessed to share the stage with V numerous times she truly had one of the best rock voices in Australia and stage presence to go with it.”

A fifth lamented: “In absolute disbelief that this is happening. Virginia Lillye – my idol, my inspiration, my friend and the ultimate powerhouse and badass rock chick there ever was and ever will be…I’m struggling to find words right now. Just sending so much love to everyone who had the privilege of knowing you.We love you. Cancer sucks.”

Meanwhile a sixth simply wrote: “What an amazing force she was. Absolutely heartbroken. Sending so much love.”