Jaedyn Randell is a New Zealand MÃÂori singer who voiced the character Moana in the te reo MÃÂori version of the Disney film Moana and has performed her own music on platforms including Waiata Nation and The Voice Australia.
Randell is from New Zealand and her cultural heritage is grounded in her ties to Tainui iwi, with affiliations to NgÃÂti Paoa and NgÃÂti Makirangi hapà «. She was raised in MÃÂori culture and the traditions of kapa haka, an integral part of her upbringing that connected her to te ao MÃÂori (the MÃÂori world). Randell did not grow up as a fluent MÃÂori speaker. She attended kà Âhanga reo, a MÃÂori language immersion preschool, participated in bilingual classes, and took MÃÂori language classes in high school.
Randell majored in music technology with a focus on music production and sound engineering at the Massey University College of Creative Arts Toi RauwhÃÂrangi. She received a scholarship from the university for MÃÂori students.
In 2017, at the age of 16, Randell was cast as the voice of DisneyâÂÂs Moana in the te reo MÃÂori version of the animated film. The production by Matewa Media was directed by Rachel House, with producer Tweedie Waititi and musical direction by Rob Ruha. Randell and the team had three months to prepare for the filmâÂÂs release during MÃÂori Language Week, an event that aligned with the projectâÂÂs goals to promote the revitalization of te reo MÃÂori.
In 2021, Randell, then 20 years old, participated in the second season of Waiata Nation, a MÃÂori television series on Whakaata MÃÂori showcasing MÃÂori musicians performing in te reo MÃÂori. Her debut single "PatupaiÃÂrehe," entirely in te reo MÃÂori, was inspired by her personal experiences with identity as a fair-skinned MÃÂori woman. The song was her way of addressing her struggles with cultural identity and her pride in her heritage.
In 2024, Randell competed in The Voice Australia season 13. In the blind auditions, she performed Jessie J's "Big White Room" and captured the interest of coaches Guy Sebastian, Kate Miller-Heidke, and Adam Lambert. Miller-Heidke used the "Ultimate Block" for Randell, which defaulted Randell to her team. She made it to the finals and sang two songs, including "Walking On A Dream" by Empire of the Sun as a duet with coach Miller-Heidke. For her solo performance, she sang "Snow Angel" by Reneé Rapp. She finished as a runner-up.
In 2025 she was awarded the Pacific Entertainment Top Female Artist Award from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand.