Jessica Mauboy was just 16 when she burst onto our screens, barefoot in the red dirt of Alice Springs, belting out Whitney Houston at her Australian Idol audition.

She may have finished runner-up, but it launched one of Australia's most enduring music careers including starring in The Sapphires and representing Australia at Eurovision in 2018.  

Despite two decades in the spotlight, fame hasn't changed Jess, and she's never lost touch with her connection to Darwin, returning between tours to reconnect with her family and culture.

Yumi Stynes sits down with Jess to talk about her Indigenous roots, the strong women who shaped her and how their influence is guiding her as she raises her daughter, Mia and steps confidently into her boss lady era.

This episode will answer questions like:

• What year was Jessica Mauboy in Australian Idol?
• Where did Jessica Mauboy grow up?
• Who does Jessica Mauboy play in The Sapphires?
• How old is Jessica Mauboy's daughter?
• What is the name of Jessica Mauboy's record label?

What to listen to next:

Relationship resuscitation — coming back from the brink — ABC listen

The ugly side of the beauty industry with Jess DeFino — ABC listen

Embracing imperfection was the key to Astrid's success — ABC listen

What to read next:

Why these women have never had a partner 

The joys of having babies in your 40s

This episode contains references to NAIDOC, Australian Idol, Jessica Mauboy, Jamally records, Bran nue dae, The Sapphires, Darwin