Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Holly Forbes listens to feedback from the coaches following her four-chair turn blind audition on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Her vocal prowess prompted three Voice coaches — Ariana Grande, John Legend and Kelly Clarkson — to turn their chairs within 13 seconds.

Blake Shelton eventually joined them, making Holly one of just a handful of Season 21 singers to earn a four-chair turn.

But despite the fact that Ariana blocked John in hopes of landing Holly, and despite the fact that Holly’s daughter Violet is a huge fan of Ariana, Holly opted to join Team Kelly.

The 30-year-old residnet of Catlettsburg, Kentucky talks about that and her blind audition experience below.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for Season 21? Had you ever tried anything like The Voice before?

Holly: I will start by saying that this was my 5th time auditioning for The Voice! I tried before but it never seemed like my voice was in the right place, and I just don’t think I was in the right stage in life to take on such a big adventure.

When the pandemic struck, I was stuck at home, and ended up spending most of my time working on my musicianship. I spent months practicing my piano nonstop and really working on my vocal tone/range, as well as live-streaming as often as possible.

I ended up seeing the virtual open call auditions listed for Season 21 and thought I would give it another try! To my great surprise, I got a callback, and the rest is history!

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More on Holly Forbes and her music

Voice Views: Why did you decide to perform “Rocket Man” for your audition?

Holly: “Rocket Man” has been one of my favorite songs for SO many years, and I’m also a huge Elton John fan. I felt like this was a risky song because it’s so legendary, but I wanted to show the world that I can take on a classic song and add a little of my own flavor.

Voice Views: How would you describe that blind audition experience? Especially since you had coaches turning so quickly!

Holly: The blind audition experience was INCREDIBLE. From the moment the music started, it really hit me that this was the biggest audition of my life. I felt like I was fighting for myself, my family, my community and everyone whom I might inspire along the way.

The coaches turning their chairs so quickly made me so visibly emotional and overwhelmed. I had dreamt of that very moment for so many years, and it didn’t seem real that I had gotten all 4 coaches to turn!

Voice Views: And why did you decide to join Team Kelly?

Holly: Watching Kelly Clarkson win American Idol was such a huge deal for me. I was in 7th grade, still trying to find my voice, and I felt such a connection with her.

She (unknowingly) helped me discover who I am as a singer. I was so thrilled to be able to work with her, even though I ADORE Ariana and the other coaches.