The 20-year-old (left) chose an a cappella rendition of the Irish classic — a notoriously difficult approach that requires hitting the opening note without an instrumental cue. 

But it paid off, with the judges choosing her effort above five other finalists. The competition requires all entrants to sing the same old favourite.

“I sang it in the style of Eva Cassidy. I like her style because she always added something of her own to whatever she sang,” Tali said. 

“I tried to do it in her style but with a bit of my own style as well.”

The hospitality worker also plays the piano but decided not to do so in the competition.

“I can sing while playing but when I do I keep the piano pretty basic.

“I don’t sing a wide range of songs but after this I think I will try to develop a bit more. It has given me more confidence.”