Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Berritt Haynes talks with the coaches on The Voice Season 21. (NBC Photo)

The condition forced him to give up sports at an early age.

But in doing so, he discovered his love for music.

At 17, when he had to undergo life-saving open-heart surgery, Berritt asked Make-A-Wish for a chance to meet The Voice coaches.

Turns out, he got to do that in a blind audition that aired this week.

And he met them because of his vocal talent, not the heart condition.

Berritt earned a spot on Team Blake Shelton for The Voice Season 21 with his performance of “Mercy” by Brett Young.

Here’s what the Pell City, Alabama, resident told Voice Views about that blind audition, only a snippet of which aired.

Voice Views: Can you explain a bit more about how a Make a Wish turned into a Voice audition?

Berritt: My Make a Wish wasn’t able to be granted because of Covid. I auditioned for The Voice instead, in hopes to get on the show instead of just sitting in the audience to watch.

Voice Views: Judging from a Facebook post by your mom, it sounded like you auditioned previously too. If so, what made the difference this time?

Berritt:: Yes, I auditioned last year before COVID started in Nashville, TN. What really made the difference this time is that I felt like I had more confidence and my vocal ability was a little bit better.

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Voice Views: How would you describe that blind audition experience? And can you tell us a bit about how it went since only a small snippet of it aired? And at what point in the performance did Blake turn?

Berritt:: The whole blind audition experience was truly all I dreamed it would be and more. I’ve always wanted to be a part of the show and I finally was able to succeed. Blake turned his chair with just seconds left with my song. And when he turned, all the nerves and anxiousness went away and I talked to all four of them as if I had known them for years because it truly felt that way.

Voice Views: What’s some of the most memorable feedback you got from the coaches?

Berritt:: The most memorable feedback I got was when they would all tell me don’t be afraid to get up on this stage and sing that song. No matter how hard the song is, you’ve got to prove to yourself and everyone else that you can do it. I also learned just to be laid back and to also smile a lot no matter what.