Fans of The Voice have rubbished claims Bella Taylor Smith only won the singing competition because of her links to Hillsong Church.
Bella, 23, who is a member of the evangelical megachurch, was crowned the winner on Sunday night after her impressive performance of Andrea Bocelli's The Prayer alongside her coach Guy Sebastian, a devout Christian with links to Hillsong.
The season finale was criticised on Twitter for its apparent religious overtones, but viewers have since defended Bella, arguing she won the show 'fair and square'.
'She deserved to win': Fans of The Voice Australia have rubbished claims Bella Taylor Smith (pictured) only won the singing competition because of her links to Hillsong Church
'I'm sick of conspiracy theorists making it into something it's not. She's a lovely girl with a fantastic voice. Religious or not, she won fair and square. Well done, Bella,' one supporter commented.
'Doesn't matter what religion she is. Bella was amazing. She deserved to win. She was the best talent,' another wrote.
A third agreed: 'I don't think Bella won because she sang the religious song. We knew all along because of her big, beautiful voice that she would be the winner, even if she sang another song, so don't bring religion into this.'
'That's absurd!' The season finale was criticised on Twitter for its apparent religious overtones, but viewers have since defended Bella, arguing she won the show 'fair and square'
'Seriously! I don't recall Hillsong being mentioned during the finals and even if it was, so what? Bella wowed everyone with her voice and she gave thanks to the one who ultimately graced her with the gift! Congratulations, Bella!' another fan commented, referencing how Bella had thanked Jesus after her victory.
