Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Mandi Thomas performs during her battle round match on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

Mandi Thomas was one of the 11 Voice singers to advance to the knockout round on The Voice Monday night.

Mandi prevailed in a Team Kelly Clarkson battle round match with Sara Collins.

They performed the country song “My Baby Loves Me” by Martina McBride, and both received kudos from the coaches.

But Kelly was especially impressed with Mandi’s versatility — she had performed a song by Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli in the blinds — saying she can give Mandi any song and she’ll do a fine job with it.

Here’s what Mandi, 33, of Memphis, Tenn., told Voice Views about her battle round experience.

Voice Views: What do you think was the key to your success in the battle round?

Mandi: I think the key to my success for the battle round was that I grew up singing country, and I was very familiar with the song. I had the freedom to just have fun with it instead of worrying about notes or lyrics too much.

Voice Views: How did the song choice work for you? Did it pose any special challenges?

Mandi: The song choice was a good one for me because my band actually performs it from time to time at our gigs.

Sara Collins and Mandi Thomas rehearse for their battle round match on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

Voice Views: Did you have much experience singing duets or performing with others prior to the battle round? And, if so, do you think that worked to your advantage in preparing for the battle and how so?

Mandi: In my band Cruisin Heavy, I have another lead singer and very close friend, Angela Burton. We’ve been singing together with duets and harmonies for the last eight years. I think that was also a huge advantage for me.

Voice Views: Anything else you’d like to add about the battle round experience?

Mandi: The battle round was something I was always nervous and hesitant about. I have seen so many talented singers go home for different reasons beyond their control, be it song selection, partner pairing, etc. I was so happy with my partner Sara Collins, and everything she brought to the battle.

Voice Views: And, obviously, you can’t talk about song choice, but is there a side of your artistry you haven’t gotten to display yet that you hope to in coming rounds?

Mandi: I enjoy singing all genres of music, and also enjoy challenges. I hope to surprise America if I get to continue on this awesome journey.

See also …
Meet Mandi Thomas
Mandi Thomas talks about her blind audition