BWW Interviews - THE VOICE Artists Chat Blind Auditions - Part I

In the premiere week of Season 4 of NBC's THE VOICE, the first round of artists made it through their blind auditions. They include Kris Thomas and Mark Andrew (Team Shakira), The Morgan Twins, ChristIan Porter and Danielle Bradbery (Team Blake) and Judith Hill (Team Adam). The talented singers spoke by phone about their experience thus far on the popular singing competition.

My first question is for the Morgan Twins. You had auditioned for for American Idol in Season 2 with the same song that you chose for last night's audition. What made you chose the same audition song ten years later?

I think we decided to go with that song. First off, it was given to us by the (producers). But also because it's the best song for showing our harmony, showing our singing individually, not just in unison. So just was the best way in a short amount of time to show the coaches what we could do.

You mentioned in your back story wanting Usher to turn around, but then you landed on Blake Shelton. What made you make that change?

We put in wanting either one of them. We were thinking Usher would turn around because it was an R&B song. And we do, you know, love him as an artist. But also, you know, we've always been in country bands, so we thought that that would be the best decision for our career.

Judith, some fans of the show have complained in the past that artists with impressive resumes, like yours, are too well-known to audition for the show. How would you respond to that statement?

Well I think that I'm excited to do the show at this time because it's my first time coming out as an artist. I've done a lot of background singing work and I've had the opportunity to work with the best and I'm so blessed to do that.

But I think that this show is great because it gives artists a chance to come out and show the world what they sound like on their own. And I think that in this stage of my life I'm really excited to take that step and I think The Voice is a great platform for that.

And what made you land on Adam? I read that you had done a little bit of work with Usher. What made Adam stand out when all four coaches turned?

I think it's just going to be an interesting collaboration.

I mean, he's like a really, really amazing pop rock guy and has some great organic elements in his music. And I think that - excited to see the possibilities of me being more of a soul singer and working with him. I think it'd be really cool and interesting.

Judith, based on your talent and what we saw last night, you are the frontrunner at this point, obviously it's only one episode in. But is that a good place to be in at this sort of stage of the competition?

Well, you know, it's hard to tell. There are so many incredible artists on this season. Just hanging out in the hotel and hearing everyone sing has just been incredible and mind-blowing.

So you've got - you've got a lot of great talent coming in the next seasons. And this is just the beginning and I'm just really so blessed and honored to be able to have my audition there like that.

But, you know, it's a long road and we all just do our best. And I can only do my best and we'll see what happens.

Between the times we saw you perform at Michael Jackson's memorial and the time that you auditioned for The Voice, can you tell us what was going on in your career.

Yes. I did a lot of woodshedding. I got in the studio and just did a bunch of songwriting and artist development and worked on my sound and what my sound - what I want my sound to be and just practicing and getting better.

And I spent a lot of time doing that. The last three years have been primarily that, also singing backgrounds with other artists and making - trying to make a living, you know, trying to do as much as possible to pay the bills and hone in my craft as an artist.

And so I feel like I've come to a place now where I'm excited to be on The Voice and share kind of what I've been doing now with everyone.

Mark, you talked about, obviously, how much your band mates meant to you and what it meant to have those guys supporting you onstage. How do you feel about being a solo artist and how have you adjusted to that?

You know, it's kind of tough to make that transition. I've always been in bands and - like I've done my brother's band for a while and it's - moving into doing my own thing is - it's different than - I don't know, it's hard to explain.

Just - I don't know, when you - when you step out on your own it's a whole new experience because you have to expose yourself and - kind of like your soul to the world. And it's challenging but it's also exciting at the same time. So I get to - I get to show that part of me and hopefully people like it.

Judith, can you talk about why it was important to have patience with your career after the death of Michael Jackson and why The Voice is right for your now?

Yes, it was a very, very, very sensitive time. I mean, the world was in mourning and, you know, Michael had just passed and there was a lot going on emotionally with me. And I was - I was in a place where I was just overwhelmed and I needed to take some time and really process things and go through my journey.

And also just take the time to write more and just, you know, I had a lot of work to do and I think that it was important to respect the time that we had onstage with Michael and not to come out and try to capitalize on it, but to really just respect it.

And I'm glad because the time I took away allowed me to really kind of figure out more of who I am as an artist. Because then I think at that time I wasn't really ready and also I just had a lot going on.

So I think The Voice is now a perfect time for me to come out and - I love the show because it allows artists to do covers and you have a chance to make your own rendition of songs and it's such a blast, you know?

So I'm having a great time and I'm really excited for this, you know, this chapter in my life.

Christian, what was your thought process behind the arrangement of the song last night in reflecting who you really are as an artist?

Oh, well the thought process, it was - it was influenced - I'm sure a lot of people have a question about this. The version was influenced by a Youtube star by the name of Noah Guthrie. And I didn't necessarily steal it from him in any way, I took his version and I covered his version.

A lot of people might say that I stole the version and in the (end run) it's - I didn't cover LMFAO's Sexy and I Know It, I covered Noah Guthrie's version of Sexy and I Know It. And that's where the whole concept of the song came from.

But I really took it into my hands in a way and really worked with the band and definitely made it my own.

Most of you folks have either released original music or posted covers to YouTube. If you could have folks hear one song you did before The Voice, what would it be and why? And Christian, if you could start off.

I think the one song - my originals that I think people would really see me as an artist would be my song called What I Sing to You. It's definitely a very acoustic singer-songwriter style, it's influenced by many artists out there. And I think that's the song that I would - I would love people to hear.

Okay. Mark, how about you?

I have a tune on actually my self-titled album, it's called Sunshine. And that's a tune that's pretty much just about staying positive and looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak.

Okay. Judith?

I love my song Beautiful Life. I wrote it and it's a great new song about, you know, the beauty in life. And it's got some notes, like some really cool melodies in there. So yes, I would say that that song best represents me.

Is that available anywhere?

Actually yes, it is available on a soundtrack album Red Hook Summer, a Spike Lee movie. And it's on - it's on there.

Okay. Kris Thomas?

I Know You Won't, which was a remake of Carrie Underwood's version from I believe it was her Carnival album. And that song is the one out of all the ones that I've recorded that I feel it showcases my vocal ability to the best of its potential. And also that was the song that originally got me my first record deal.

The Morgan Twins. And you'll have to tell me who's talking.

This is Rhian. We wrote a song together called (Peeping). And I'd have to say that's probably...

This is Cara. That's our most fun song. And it's been a crazy and fun - this is Cara now. It's kind of crazy and fun like we are.

Kris, can you talk a little bit about the song choice you made last night?

I did Whitney Houston, Saving All My Love For You. And honestly, I just picked it because it was a song that I enjoyed singing growing up. And I did it originally for the producers of the show and they decided to have me do it again for the blind auditions.

Did you think it was going to surprise the judges the way it did?

I really didn't know what to expect, because I knew that I, you know, was a guy doing it in the same key that she did it in, so I honestly didn't know. So I was just as shocked as they were to see their reaction to it.

What motivated you to Go On The Voice? You had a record deal before and even still you're still making some inroads. You recorded with Pam Tillis recently.

Honestly just that little feeling in the pit of my stomach that just, you know, because at first I was on the fence about even going out for it. And honestly I prayed about it and I just decided to take a chance and it worked out.

My question is for all the male contestants. If you guys had one female artist to collaborate, either song write or perform with, who would it be and why?

This is Mark Andrew here. I can't remember her name, but the female half of The Civil Wars. I think it would be amazing to work with her, she's something else.

This is Kris Thomas. I probably would, if I could, go with Mariah Carey just because of her range. She sings high, I sing high. And also as a songwriter, she's one of the best ones in the business to me, in my opinion.

This is ChristIan Porter. It's a tough question. There's a lot of artists I would love to collaborate with. I do have to agree with Mark on The Civil Wars. But I would also say Colbie Caillat would be a nice fit for my singer-songwriter style. I think that would work out nicely.

Kris, coming from Memphis, after being signed to a label you were dropped. So I was just wondering, how has the city helped influence your path musically?

How has the city influenced my path musically? I guess just getting to work with the caliber of musicians that are here because, you know, it's a wide-known thing and the music industry that Memphis has some of the best musicians out there. So just getting to work with them has really helped me grow tremendously.

Judith you sang a Christina Aguilera song for your audition. Were you at all sad or did you wish she was maybe there to hear you or were you relieved that she wasn't there to hear your cover?

Kind of a little bit of both. I mean, I would've loved for her to be there, but I would've been really like worried because I'd be like, "Oh, maybe she doesn't like my version. She's thinking, 'Oh, you messed up my song.'"

So I'm kind of like a little relieved, but I love Christina and I think she's an amazing vocalist. So at the same time I would love for her to be there. So I don't know, I'm a little torn. It was intimidating to sing - to cover a big song like that.

Danielle, we had a couple of our fans last night comparing you to Season 2 contestant RaeLynn, who obviously made it very far in the show. How would you sort of differentiate yourself from her sound and describe your own sound?

I kind of can see how everyone is like, "You remind me of RaeLynn." Because, I mean, she's a blond country, just like me. And I guess we have really different voices, which makes us different. And I think that's the main one that like makes us different from each other.

Kris how has the experience been compared to what you might've thought when you said, "Okay, I'm going to go ahead and do this."

The experience is absolutely amazing, very surprising, but I'm very grateful to be where I'm at. I never expected it to blow up on Twitter and Facebook and social media the way it has. But at the end of the day I'm very - I'm very excited.

Did you do anything special for last night's premiere at all?

I did. My local bar that I talk about in my story, we actually had a nice little viewing party and all my family and friends and all the - my extended family at the bar, they all came out and supported me and we all watched it on the big screen.

Morgan Twins, do you both feel that you have to work harder than the other singers to prove that a duo can work?

This is Cara talking, even though there is a curse, you know -- because they call it the Curse of the Duos where, you know, duos don't do well -- I feel that we actually have an advantage as a duo. Because we have - we can harmonize and we can, I mean, that's part of our gimmick, you know, that's part of our act is, you know, dressing alike and looking, I mean, everything.

So I don't feel that we're really at a - that we have to work harder, because I think, you know, well I would hope the talent's there.

Yes, also it's kind of nice too because it's like having your security blanket there next to you at all times. So in a way it makes it easier for us and we're not as nervous because we're in it together.

But we're definitely, you know, a little scared. You know, we want to make it far, we do know there is that curse. But hopefully because we're basically the same person, same DNA, it's not really a duo.

Kris, I wanted to know which judge do you think you could benefit the most from as far as receiving advice.

Prior to going into the competition I thought it was probably going to be Usher. But honestly, after speaking with Shakira and doing my own research on her, I feel like she would probably give me - she would probably give me a broader perceptive musically and influence me in the ways that Usher may not have.

So I think I ended up on the best team that was for me.

Judith, what do you hope to gain by working with Adam that you have not, you know, gained already in your career so far?

I love the idea of working with Adam because he's just a great pop guy and I think he can give me a lot of pointers and tips on how to stay relevant and (commercial) and the same age and, you know, calm things down or try to see things a little differently to appeal to a younger audience.

And so I think that I'm excited to work with him for those reasons.

Kris, why do you think so much talent was able to get on The Voice from Memphis this year?

Honestly, I think, you know, it's just the traditional - the tradition of the music that's enriched in the South. You know, it's a lot of gospel influence, it's a lot of blues. And I think that that adds to the element that really isn't - that is not as present in other areas as much as it is so much in the South, particularly Memphis.

MEET THE ARTISTS

ChristIan Porter (Team Blake) - East Stroudsburg, PA
Despite having only been singing for five years, this 21-year-old from Philadelphia has opened for Gavin DeGraw. Christian credits his discovery of music to the albums of Billy Joel and Elton John, but is also a huge fan of Coldplay, John Mayer and Jack Johnson. In addition to playing multiple instruments, Christian also can beatbox and enjoys snowboarding, wakeboarding and playing golf. Follow Christian on Twitter @porterchristian.

Danielle Bradbery (Team Blake) - Cypress, TX
Danielle is a 16-year-old country artist from Texas who has never had a vocal lesson. With natural talent, her cousin encouraged her to start singing and Danielle soon had her first performance at a church festival. Citing Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Martina McBride as her musical influences, Danielle Hopes "The Voice" will be her first "big gig." Follow Danielle on Twitter @dbradbery.

Judith Hill (Team Adam) - Pasadena, CA
Growing up in Southern California with her mom playing keyboard and her dad on bass, Judith has had every opportunity to develop her voice. She is trained in jazz and was Michael Jackson's duet partner for his "This is It" tour before he passed away. Judith sings with Stevie Wonder on a fairly regular basis and counts artists like Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson as her biggest influences. Follow Judith on Twitter at @judith_hill.

Kris Thomas (Team Shakira) - Memphis and Nashville, TN
After being signed to a label, but later dropped, Kris is ready to pull out all the stops on his path to music success. He is a pop/soul singer from Memphis who has been singing with his family and playing the piano since he was five. He is a huge fan of Whitney Huston, Bruno Mars and Adele and a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. Follow Kris on Twitter at @KrisThomasMusik.

Mark Andrew (Team Shakira) - Eden Prairie and Minneapolis, MN
A Minnesota native, Mark Andrew is a folk/rock/pop singer and currently works as a roofer. His older brother sparked his interest in singing and he also plays guitar, banjo and harmonica. He takes inspiration from John Mayer, Bob Dylan and Ray La Montagne, and continues to make music to honor two of his former band mates, who have passed away. Follow Mark on Twitter at @The_Mark_Andrew.

The Morgan Twins (Team Blake) - Rochester, NY
Singing pop/R&B music, twenty-seven year-old identical twins, Rhian and Cara, are inseparable. They still dress alike and want to be "together for life." Inspired to start singing at age seven by the music of Whitney Houston, the sisters have performed at a Buffalo Bills game and opened for LeAnn Rimes. Currently, Rhian works in insurance and Cara is a mental health therapist, but they hope to make music their full-time gig. Follow them on Twitter @morgan_twins.

The Voice
Mondays (8-10 p.m. ET) and Tuesdays (8-9 p.m. ET) on NBC

"The Voice" returns with the strongest vocalists from across the country invited to compete in the blockbuster vocal competition show's fourth season. Celebrity musician coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton return along with new coaches, Usher and Shakira, while Carson Daly continues to serve as host and Christina Milian as social media correspondent.

The show's innovative format features four stages of competition: the first begins with the blind auditions, then the battle rounds, the knockouts and finally, the live performance shows.

During the blind auditions, the decisions from the musician coaches are based solely on voice and not on looks. The coaches hear the artists perform, but they don't get to see them -- thanks to rotating chairs. If a coach is impressed by the artist's voice, he/she pushes a button to select the artist for his/her team. At this point, the coach's chair will swivel so that he/she can face the artist he/she has selected. If more than one coach pushes his/her button, the power then shifts to the artists to choose which coach they want to work with. If no coach pushes his/her button, the artist is eliminated from the competition.

Once the teams are set, the battle is on. Coaches will dedicate themselves to developing their team of artists, giving them advice, and sharing the secrets of their success, along with help from their celebrity advisers. During the battle rounds, the coaches will pit two of their own team members against each other to sing the same song together in front of a studio audience.

After the vocal battle, the coach must choose which of his/her singers will advance to the next round of competition, while the losing artist is available to be stolen by another coach. Each coach has two steals available during the battle rounds.

At the end of the battles, only the strongest members of each coach's roster remain and proceed to the knockout rounds. The artists will be paired again with a member of their own teams, but this time they find out only minutes before performing with whom they are competing. The artists each select their own songs to perform individually, while their direct competitor watches and waits. They are vying for their coach's confidence and decision to take them to the live shows. Their coach will choose the winner and the artist not selected will be sent home.

In the final live performance phase of the competition, the top artists from each team will compete each week against each other during a live broadcast. The television audience will vote to save their favorite artists and the two artists with the lowest number of votes will be sent home each week. In the end, one will be named "The Voice" and will receive the grand prize of a recording contract.

"The Voice" is a presentation of Mark Burnett's One Three Inc., Talpa Media USA Inc. and Warner Horizon Television. The series is created by John de Mol, who executive-produces along with Burnett, Audrey Morrissey, Stijn Bakkers and Lee Metzger.

Photo credit: Trae Patton, Adam Taylor/NBC