Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Arei Moon performs during the knockout round on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

Arei Moon admits she was prepared to head home following her knockout round on The Voice.

Nick Jonas decided she wasn’t going anywhere, advancing her to the Season 18 voting shows instead.

He named Arei the winner of her knockout round match with Jon Mullins. Arei performed “You Don’t Know My Name” by Alicia Keys and received praise from the coaches for her performance.

Arei was 28 when she auditioned and turned two chairs with her cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Miss Independent.” She then won her battle round match with Samuel Wilco.

Here’s what Arei, from Boston, told Voice Views about her knockout round experience.

Voice Views: Can you elaborate a bit on that knockout round sound choice? Why you decided to go with “You Don’t Know My Name”?

Arei: I really wanted the opportunity to do an Alicia Keys song on the show. When I found out it was a possibility, I chose “You Don’t Know My Name” out of nostalgia from meeting my husband 10 years old.

Voice Views: What’s your performance history with that song? Is it one you’ve performed live often?

Arei: I have done a few other Alicia Keys songs more times than I can count, but this was my first time performing this song. It was both scary and exciting.

Voice Views: How did you feel about your chances of advancing once the performances were completed?

Arei: I honestly thought Jon had it. I’m amazed by his voice, range, and tone. Sheesh. I had already prepared myself to go home.

Voice Views: Anything else you’d like to add about the knockout round experience?

Arei: The knockout round was the scariest for me because I felt the pressure of showing America and my coach what I was about on my terms.

Voice Views: Singers are now through three rounds of the show. Can you pinpoint / explain the biggest improvement you think you’ve made to this point as a result of the show?

Arei: The biggest improvement I’ve made is note placement and breathe. As I get more comfortable with the setting, I am able to calm myself enough to really focus on these points. Also, to hear from someone, of such high caliber as my coach, tell me that I am talented, has really helped with confidence in myself.

Voice Views: And, finally, during this lockdown period, what have you been doing to stay musically sharp and make sure you’re ready when competition resumes?

Arei: I have been doing vocal warm ups multiple times a day. I have been learning new songs in different genres, and I’ve also picked up guitar.

See also …
Meet Arei Moon of The Voice Season 18
Arei Moon talks about her blind audition
Arei Moon talks about her battle round match