Watching Headliners on ABC iVIEW during the lead-up to International Day of People with Disability was incredible. It’s a show that celebrates talent and challenges perceptions, and for me, it was extra special because my friend James Sayers was one of the stars.
James’s passion for music is undeniable, but his love for health, exercise, and ninja training are also essential parts of his life—activities that help him manage the challenges of Tourette’s. He coached my son in ninja before they both appeared on Australian Ninja Warrior in 2022, where their mentor-student bond was highlighted. His commitment to everything he does, whether in music or life, has always stood out.
James has faced so much adversity in his life. He’s shared stories about how his Tourette’s tics, often misunderstood, have led to moments of injustice—like being arrested for “being drunk” when he was actually sober. Beyond the misunderstanding, his tics are often physically painful, yet James doesn’t let that hold him back.
One of my favorite moments in Headliners was when James said:
” When you get on stage, you’ve already topped 95% of people there. The price of leadership is criticism. If you’re trying to stop the noise, that’s where you’ll keep running into it. But when you realize the noise is always there, it’s not about making it go away—it’s about not giving a shit. That’s when you become immune to it. I’ve learned this with Tourette’s because you can’t hold that back.”
What fantastic advice! And it floored his mentors, too. Ella Hooper described his words as “a pearl of wisdom.” Watching James shine under the mentorship of incredible artists like Ella, Jimmy Barnes, Delta Goodrem, and Ben Gillies (drummer for Silverchair) was unforgettable. For James, a drummer himself, working with Ben was a dream come true, and you could see his excitement in every moment.
What I loved most about Headliners is that it gave these artists the chance to show the world what they’re capable of—not as people defined by their disabilities but as immensely talented individuals. Seeing them take the stage at the famous Mundi Mundi Bash in Broken Hill, one of Australia’s biggest outback music festivals, was unforgettable. They didn’t just perform—they owned it.
This is what International Day of People with Disability should be about: creating opportunities, breaking down stigmas, and celebrating the strength and determination of people who face challenges every day but refuse to let them define their potential.
James, you were incredible. I’m so happy the world is finally seeing what we’ve known for years—your wisdom, your energy, your big heart, and your undeniable talent.