Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Jershika Maple prepares to announce her coaching decision on The Voice Season 21. (NBC Photo)

Jershika Maple admitted during her bio segment Monday night that former Voice finalist Rose Short had a hand in her decision to audition for the show.

Turns out Rose wasn’t the only former contestant advising Jershika to do so.

The decision paid off. Jershika’s rendition of “Can You Stand the Rain” by New Edition prompted chair turns from Kelly Clarkson and John Legend.

Both praised her vocal ability, and Kelly said Jershika’s outgoing personality would be a light in Season 21.

Jershika opted to join Team Kelly.

Here’s what the 24-year-old from Killeen, Texas, told Voice Views about her blind audition experience.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for Season 21 of The Voice?

Jershika: So a great friend of mine Myracle Holloway & Rose Short both were on season 17 of The Voice & I received a phone call from Myracle encouraging me to audition for the show. I was a bit hesitant then, but still gave it some thought & called Rose for some more advice, and she also was excited about it & told me to audition.

Voice Views: You indicated that Rose Short encouraged you to audition. Did she offer any advice on how to navigate that show?

Jershika: Yes. Rose Short gave me great advice. She told me to “just be myself.” She said “your personality will take you far; they love to see the authentic you. Be open and most importantly have fun & enjoy the journey.”

See also …
More on Jershika and the music she’s already released

Voice Views: Why did you decide to perform “Can You Stand the Rain” for your audition song?

Jershika: I decided to perform the song “Can You Stand the Rain” because I wanted to showcase my love for R&B/ soul. I felt I could make the song my own and I wanted to showcase my lower range but also my higher range.

Voice Views: How would you describe that blind audition experience? Especially since those chair turns came so late.

Jershika: My blind experience was absolutely beautiful. I felt the love from the live audience & it definitely made me less nervous. If the coaches would have turned around sooner, it probably would have made me more nervous honestly or starstuck — lol … but I personally felt they turned around at perfect timing.

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

Jershika: I decided to choose Team Kelly because she is musically diverse and can pull off any style of music genres. I didn’t want to be put in a box of just doing only R&B / soul music. I want to be open & ready to perform all styles of music just like her. And picking her as my coach, I feel she will be able to help me better my approach & strengthen my confidence when performing different music genres.