Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Arei Moon interacts with the coaches following her blind audition on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

Arei Moon did it anyway, and quite successfully, belting out a sassy version of Kelly Clarkson’s “Miss Independent” during her blind audition.

She even enticed a chair turn from Kelly.

Problem was, Nick Jonas turned first. And he was so impressed by Arei’s opening that he blocked Kelly from landing the 28-year-old singer from Boston.

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

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for The Voice Season 18 and what prompted you to do it?

Arei: I was performing with a friend who made it pretty far on a previous season and he urged me to send in a video. So one day he and a couple more of my band mates came over and we recorded a quick little video to send in.

Voice Views: Why did you choose “Miss Independent” for your audition song? What’s your performance history with that song (for instance, is it one you’ve played often)?

Arei: I chose Miss Independent because it’s a song about a strong woman who takes charge allowing herself to feel vulnerable through love. At least that’s what I take away from the song. It was my first time performing the song, so it was pretty exciting!

Voice Views: Did you have a coaching preference heading into the blind audition? And how did you feel about landing on Team Nick via the block?

Arei: I honestly went in thinking I was going to be lead to a coach. I am a fan of all four of them. I think I’ve been a fan of Kelly the longest, but I truly believe the universe pulls you in your direction. So I was pretty open to making that decision in the moment. I am THRILLED to be on Team Nick. I think he is amazing and very knowledgeable in the industry. I’m so flattered that he used his only block on me.

Voice Views: And what was that blind audition experience like? You had chair turns in a heartbeat.

Arei: I feel like I kind of zoned out. I was soooooo beyond nervous and I very clearly heard that in my voice. But somehow I was able to push through. I can’t believe they turned so fast! Craziness!

For more on Arei, her background in music and her social media links, head here.