Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Her audition: Ashley Morgan, 26, of Antioch, Calif., performed Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and turned in an entertaining performance that enticed chair turns from Pharrell Williams and Blake Shelton. Pharrell complimented her on a performance that “just kept getting better.” Ashley decided to join Team Pharrell.

Her background: Our introduction to Ashley was very brief, just long enough to learn that she’s been working as a background vocalist. After her audition, she told the coaches she’s a full-time freelance musician “and so I do studio session work, sing background vocals and sing at a theme park.”

What the show didn’t show: In her Voice video, Ashley says she grew up in a musical family. Both of her brothers sing, so do her parents and they would sing a cappella “at different churches and stuff.” In fact, according to her hometown newspaper, her brother is music minister at Golden HIlls Community Church where her parents are members of the music worship team. After graduating from Azusa Pacific University in music business, Ashley said she got a regular job because she had student debt to pay off, but continued singing on the side. “There was a moment where my boss told me I needed to make a decision, because it (singing) was beginning to interfere with my job. It was a no-brainer. I chose music.” According to her Facebook bio, she’s provided background vocals for a wide range of live performances and recordings. The former include The Voice, American Idol, The X Factor and America’s Got Talent, that bio says. The background work has been provided for the likes of Garth Brooks, Stevie Wonder and Seal. As for that theme park job, she’s been performing at the Disney California Adventure. All that said, Ashley admits she isn’t sure what type of artist she wants to be. That’s something she’s hoping The Voice can help her sort out. “I believe music has the ability to make a positive impact and change the world. And I know that I definitely want to be an artist that produces music like that.’

On picking Pharrell: “Pharrell is such a great coach. He’s very encouraging. He’s just a great person.”

On iTunes: Her audition song, plus a cover of “Chandelier” with Drew Tablak (check out that great vocal below).

Update: Ashley was pitted against Mia Z. in the battle round. They performed ZZ Ward’s “Put the Gun Down. Pharrell declared Mia the winner. All three other coaches tried to steal Ashley. She opted to join Team Christina. In the knockout round, she was matched with Sonic. Ashley performed Pat Benetar’s “Heartbreaker,” but was eliminated from the competition when Christina declared Sonic the winner.

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Twitter: @ImAshleyMorgan

Chandelier (Sia cover with Drew Tablak)

“I Am Free” (Mariah Carey cover)