Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Gigi Hess performs during her blind audition on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

But there was no doubt during Gigi Hess’s blind audition.

She was only a few seconds into her cover of “Lovesong” by The Cure when she turned to smile at her supporters and did a little happy hop.

That’s because Kelly Clarkson, her coach of choice had just turned.

And unbeknownst to Gigi, Kelly had just one spot remaining on her Season 18 team.

Here’s what Gigi, 22, of Lovington, N.M., told Voice Views about her blind audition and the original music she’s working on.

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

Gigi: I sent in a video of me singing when I saw that they were doing auditions in Albuquerque New Mexico! I wasn’t expecting much because I have only been singing for a couple years professionally, so I was shocked when I went as far as I did!

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

Gigi: I chose to sing Candice Glover’s rendition of “Lovesong” because her interpretation has so much emotion! I love the original “Lovesong” as well, but her version is so technical & vocally intricate! Plus I’m a huge fan of Candice & thought It would fun to take of such a big song!

Voice Views: Did you have a coaching preference heading into the blind audition? How do you feel about landing on Team Kelly?

Gigi: Kelly was always my first pick, will always be my first pick! I’ve looked up to her since I was super young, and wanted to get the opportunity to hang out with her & learn from her! I feel so lucky to have landed the last spot on her team this season! I feel like we are going to get along so well!

What was that blind audition experience like? I’d ask whether you were aware when Kelly turned, but that was obvious from the little hop of joy you did when it happened. And were you aware there were so few spots left when you auditioned?

Gigi: I had no idea that there were so few spots left when I got on the stage, and I’m so glad that I didn’t because I would’ve been so scared! More scared than I already was! They told us not to stare at the chairs while we were singing just waiting for them to turn. Bbut as soon as I got up there, I was staring them down! When I saw Kelly turn, I couldn’t help but do a little hop, because I was totally shocked & grateful! Plus she looked so beautiful & I was completely star-struck!

Voice Views: It’s been a while since you’ve released original music. Do you have new original music? Plans to release anything soon? What can you tell me about that and how would you describe your music?

Gigi: I have a lot of original music that I’m working on releasing! It’s been a while since I’ve released anything because I feel like my style of writing has changed so much and continues to change the older I get! I definitely have a soulful sound and feel like that and my writing style are both a result of the music I grew up listening to. I like to tell stories & write about my personal experiences because I feel like they are relatable! I can’t wait for people to hear my new music, I think that people are gonna love It!

More more about Gigi, her background in music and her social media links, head here.