Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Joana Martinez listens to the feedback from the coaches following her blind audition on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Joana has done this before, though not on so grand stage.

The vocal dynamo from Miami, Fla., said she’s participated in a few Hispanic TV competition shows, including one she won at age 13.

“But I don’t think anything truly prepares you for the blind auditions,” she added.

Nevertheless, her rendition of The Weeknd’s “Call Out My Name” turned three chairs. And Joana will be one of the singers representing Team Blake Shelton as the battle round continues to air.

Here’s what Joana told Voice Views about her blind audition experience.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for The Voice Season 17 and what prompted you to do it? Especially at such a young age?

Joana: In the eighth grade, I was in the vocal magnet program at my school. At the end of the school year they awarded superlatives and I was voted most likely to win The Voice. I was honored. When I heard that they were going to hold open call auditions in Miami, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try.

Voice Views: Why did you choose “Call Out My Name” for your audition song?

Joana: I chose “Call Out My Name” for my audition song because I thought it would be different to sing a male artist’s song. I love the vibe and the challenge of creating a female version.

Voice Views: Why did you decide to join Team Blake, especially after expressing a pre-audition preference for Kelly?

Joana: I really feel like I relate to Kelly and went in thinking I would choose her if I were given the opportunity. But up there on the stage, there are a lot of feelings and emotions. Blake just said all the right things and my gut told me to go with him.

Voice Views: What was that blind audition experience like? And you said in your bio package that your father usually gives you pep talks before you perform. What did he tell you before the blind audition?

Joana: The blind audition experience was so exciting. Having the opportunity to perform on that stage and in front of the celebrity coaches was a dream come true. My dad is a huge supporter. He told me before my audition that the song started low and builds up. He said don’t worry if a chair doesn’t turn in the beginning, just sing to your audience; engage them and you’ll engage the coaches.

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More about Joana Martinez and her music