Kelly Mahoney is a versatile singer, actress, voice-over artist, and educator based in Napier, New Zealand. With a broad background in classical music, musical theatre, and jazz, she has developed a deep understanding of vocal technique and performance, which uniquely qualifies her as an adjudicator. Kelly’s diverse training spans classical voice, Musical Theatre at NASDA, where she gained Bachelor of Musical Theatre and Jazz Voice at the Queensland Conservatorium, where she earned a Master of Music degree.

A key chapter in Kelly’s career was her role as the lead singer for Celebrity Cruises, where she spent several years performing worldwide. As the lead singer in her band, she traveled to destinations across the globe, entertaining diverse audiences with a wide range of musical styles. This experience allowed Kelly to refine her vocal versatility, performing everything from pop and rock to jazz and classic standards. It also gave her invaluable insight into connecting with audiences from all walks of life and adapting to different performance settings.

In addition to her performance career, Kelly is a passionate educator, privately and as a Secondary trained teacher specialising in Music and Drama. Her teaching approach emphasizes both technical excellence and emotional expression, helping students build a strong foundation while nurturing their individuality. Kelly’s broad experience as a performer, teacher, and adjudicator gives her a unique perspective on the art of music. Whether performing on a global stage or mentoring the next generation of artists, Kelly continues to inspire and empower others to reach their full potential through the power of music.