Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Joei Fulco of Lancaster, Calif., performs during her blind audition on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

Twenty years later, she’s still performing in a band with her dad.

The talented young singer from Lancaster, Calif., is also performing on The Voice after her blind audition performance of Cher’s “Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves.”

In fact, Blake Shelton, the show’s winningest coach, was so determined to land Joei for his team that he used his only block of the blinds to ensure it happened.

Here’s what Joei told Voice Views about that blind audition experience, that song choice and that block.

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

Joei: I auditioned for The Voice through the Open Call Auditions at the Los Angeles Convention Center! I saw an ad for the auditions online and I figured I would give it a shot! I had never done it before and I just had a feeling that I should try it out!

Voice Views: Why did you choose “Gypsy, Tramps and Thieves” for your audition song? What’s your performance history with that song?

Joei: I chose “Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves” by Cher because I have admired Cher my whole life! I used to get bullied because of how deep my voice is and I used to not like it. When I heard Cher sing it gave me hope that there was a spot for me in music! She built her career off of her unique sound and deep tone which gave me a newfound love for my sound. I also spent my life traveling the world and never really settled down so I guess you could consider me a “Gypsy” of sorts!

Voice Views: Did you have a coaching preference heading into the blind audition? How do you feel about landing on Team Blake Shelton and his use of the block to ensure that happened?

Joei: My heart was set on Team Blake from the start! I was a little torn between wanting to be on Team Blake or Team Nick, so seeing them both turn around was an absolute honor! I felt even more honored seeing that Blake used his only block on me! It is absolutely surreal! Blake was my top pick for a coach and being on his team is such a blessing!

Voice Views: Had you ever tried a singing show in the past and, if so, did that experience in any way help you prepare for The Voice?

Joei: I have never tried a singing show before in my life. This was my first encounter with anything like this. I’ve grown up on various stages and playing countless shows all over the world! That was the best preparation I could’ve ever asked for! I’ve had the opportunity to spend 3-5 nights a week onstage getting experience!

Voice Views: We didn’t get to see a bio segment on your music. What have you been doing most recently in terms of music and where are you hoping The Voice experience leads?

Joei: I am currently performing 3-5 nights a week for five hours straight with my band! I am in a band with my dad, my brother, and some other amazing musicians! That is my full-time job! We spend our time performing, writing, or working on any ways we can enhance our shows! I’m hoping that The Voice will lead to a broader audience and a larger platform to share my music and love of music with the world!

For more on Joei, her background, the music she’s released and her social media links, head here.