Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Cali Wilson (left) and EllieMae listen to feedback following their battle round match on The Voice Season 17. (NBC Photo)

Voice fans saw Cali Wilson earn a spot in the live playoffs with splendid performance of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” on Monday night’s show.

But they didn’t get to see her battle round match, when she and EllieMae performed Kelsea Ballerini’s “Miss Me More.”

Blake opted to advance Cali, setting the stage for her knockout round match that aired Monday with Marina Chello.

Prior to that, Cali had turned three chairs with her blind audition performance of “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac.

Here’s what the 28-year-old from Salem, Iowa, told Voice Views about the battle round match that the show montaged.

Voice Views: How did you feel about the song you were given and did it pose any special challenges for you?

Cali: I was actually a little nervous. I’m usually not because I feel so confident in my ability to be versatile, weaving through genres. But Miss Me More is a difficult song to sing. You have to stay in the pocket just right or the timing just gets away from you. I felt challenged to move out of my comfort zone!

Voice Views: What type of feedback did you get from the coaches? Why do you think you prevailed in the battle?

Cali: I actually was told I looked awkward without my guitar, which was funny and nerve-racking at the same time. I knew I had to make sure I worked on my stage presence for the battles. It was super important that I rose to the occasion and let Blake know I could perform without my guitar. I’m not sure exactly why I won. I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I think sometimes experience helps, but EllieMae was incredible. We had so much fun.

Voice Views: You’re now through two rounds of the competition. Is there anything, in particular, you’d like to showcase/get a chance to do musically in the knockouts?

Cali: I am so honored to be in the situation I am right now. Knockouts were my goal after the blinds. It was something I really wanted. I’m a one-step-at-a-time kinda girl, so I think for me … I want to show exactly what I’m made of as an artist. Now that I’m more comfortable in that environment on the show, I think I could really showcase who I am. I’m just excited to be here and whatever happens, I’ll be thankful for the opportunity!

See also …
Meet Cali Wilson
Cali Wilson talks about The Voice and her blind audition