Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Kelsea Johnson performs in the live playoffs on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Heading into the knockout round on Season 14 of The Voice, Kelsea Johnson figured she had something to prove — to coach Alicia Keys and to herself.

Alicia had declared her the winner of a battle round match even though Kelsea admits she wasn’t at her best. Her voice shot after rehearsing so much, she struggled through a cover of “Don’t Let Go (Love)” by En Vogue.

But she got her redemption in the knockouts. Not only was her performance of Andra Day’s “Rise Up” highly praised by The Voice coaches, it resonated with viewers. With their help, Kelsea’s cover cracked the Top 10 on the iTunes R&B singles chart.

Kelsea was eliminated from The Voice during the live playoffs, but says The Voice experience has left her better prepared for a pursue career as a singer.

Here’s what the young woman from Newark, Del., told Voice Views about her time on the show and her music going forward.

Voice Views: What’s next for you as an artist? And do you envision releasing new music soon? If so, can you tell me about that? Either what you have planned or what you’d like to do? And what sound fans can expect?

Kelsea: I plan on releasing an EP within the next year full of neo-soul music. I want to be the artist that gives people that late ’90s early 2000s feel. I want to make vulnerable music, inspiring music, and just music that you can relate to.

Voice Views: How do you think your career — and any music you release in the future — will be affected by The Voice experience? If so, how?

Kelsea: I built my fan base from The Voice. They gave me the stepping stool and the confidence to go headfirst into my music career at full force. I think The Voice has given me all the foundational tools I need to be successful with during my musical journey.

Voice Views: During the playoffs, we didn’t get to hear about the thought process behind the song choices. Can you explain yours a bit? And how do you think those performances went for you?

Kelsea: I sang “You know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse and “Need U Bad” by Jazmine Sullivan. I chose these songs mainly because of the energy they bring. I had already shown the audience that I can belt, sing high notes, and sing slow songs.

I wanted to show the audience my stage presence and my ability to keep my breath while still giving them a couple of vocals. What better people to show attitude and stage presence than Amy Winehouse and Jazmine Sullivan?!

Voice Views: What was your favorite performance from the show and why?

Kelsea: I’m going to have to say “Rise Up” is my favorite. Only because that’s the song I feel as though I was the most emotionally attached to. If you noticed, I had my eyes closed 90 percent of the time. I was so within myself with that song.

I tried to channel every emotion, every feeling, every word through my voice with no distractions. I hit “most” of my notes (lol) but I think any minor mistakes were saved by my emotion.

Voice Views: That was a new playoff format this season. What did you think of it and would you recommend any changes for future seasons?

Kelsea: I think it was fun. A bit hectic backstage trying to get through 24 people in 2 hours! Lol I liked everything about it though. It was a great experience and a taste for the hustle and bustle of shows like this. I think I would recommend for the coaches to choose the Top 3 for playoffs and then Top 12 and on are chosen by America!

Voice Views: Is there anything else you’d like to add about The Voice experience?

Kelsea: It was honestly the BEST experience of my life. It has given me so much more than I could’ve imagined. Lifelong friendships, great mental advice, singing advice, connections, exposure, and a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Voice as a whole has cared so delicately for each of its contestants that I was honestly so shocked. Going into this I never would’ve thought that I would be handled with such care and attention. I loved my time on The Voice and wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Editor’s Note: Kelsea was 21 when she auditioned for The Voice and turned three chairs with her performance of “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” by Meghan Trainor. For more on her music pre-Voice, head here. Her social media links follow.

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