Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Destiny Leigh listens to Gwen Stefani’s feedback on Season 22 of The Voice. (NBC Photo)

But we only saw a tiny snippet of her performance of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You” and her ensuing chat with the coaches.

So Voice Views reached out to Destiny for more details about the blind audition we missed.

Here’s what Destiny, 18, of San Diego, Calif., had to say about the experience.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for Season 22 of The Voice? Had you tried auditioning for the show previously?

Destiny: This is the first time I have ever auditioned for The Voice. When I applied, I had just graduated high school and I auditioned for Berklee College of Music. I did it for fun and did not think I would get in, but I got in on a full scholarship.

This inspired me and I thought that if I can get accepted into the best music school why not try The Voice? I sent in my tape again with low expectations because there’s hundreds of thousands of submissions, but I ended up getting a call back and now here we are. And I am so grateful that God is guiding me through this process.

Voice Views: Why did you choose to perform Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You” for your blind audition?

Destiny: I chose to perform Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You” because I wanted to dedicate this song to my mom and brother in the audience. My family and I have been through so much together and I wanted to let them know how grateful I am to have them as a support system.

I am also an emotional singer, and watching Donny Hathaway truly connect with his feelings rather than technique reminded me of myself when performing. I am learning the details and techniques now, but growing up performing, when I would go on stage I would let go of any techniques and just pour my heart out.

Learn more about Destiny Leigh and her music

Voice Views: How do you feel the audition went? And at what point did you get the chair turn from Gwen Stefani?

Destiny: Auditioning in front of these icons was surreal to me. I am a perfectionist so I was extremely nervous because I wanted to give my best, and I am so grateful that the coaches enjoyed my performance. Gwen turned for me before I even started to sing because she wanted to block John from turning but the button turned her around and at the end she said it was meant to be because she loved my performance and loved that I sang from the heart.

Voice Views: Can you fill us in on the feedback you got from the coaches?

Destiny: The coaches said that they did not expect me to look like how I sang. John asked me for my age and as soon as I said 18 they were all in shock. Overall, they said that I have a powerhouse voice and that my voice is very strong for my age.

Voice Views: All in all, what was the audition process like and what stood out most to you?

Destiny: Overall, the audition process was highly educational!! I got pointers about the industry regarding show programs, how to deal with busy, ever-changing schedules that include interviews, rehearsals, and taking risks with performing. I think it will be greatly beneficial for my future as a young performer.

Auditioning showed me the life that I would like to have in the future. I want to sing on big stages, work with the best in the industry, and write my own songs so I am grateful that I get a taste of that.