Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Her audition: Deja Hall, 16, of San Antonio, Texas, auditioned with “True Colors,” turning in a very composed performance for someone so young. Blake Shelton and Shakira turned around during the first run-through of the chorus; Usher later joined them. Shakira called her “angelic.”

Her background: She grew up in a military family, which meant moving a lot. “I’d have to make friends, and I’d have to leave friends,” she says. “The only thing really consistent in my life was music.” Her father describes her as “very determined.” When she was born, one of her kidneys had to be removed and she was told not to get involved in contact sports. Yet she competes in track and basketball. “People underestimate me,” Deja says, “and I like to prove them wrong.”

On picking Shakira: “When Adam told me that whenever Shakira’s that excited to press her button for somebody, it’s very special. So I took that into consideration. And she’s also very genuine and I know that everything she says comes from the heart.”

What the show didn’t show: She was born in Germany and lived in Okinawa, Japan, for five years because of her dad’s military career. She says this is her first time performing in a “big competition. I normally sing in local talent shows around San Antonio or I sing in church and in talent shows in school.” She considers herself a pop/R&B artist “with a little bit of neo-soul.” As for having just one kidney, she says she’s very careful, but added “I never let it stand in the way of what I really love to do.”

Quote: “Having three coaches turn was probably the best feeling ever just because I’ve had this dream since I was about 10 years old, always wanting to just go out there and pursue music.”

On iTunes: Just her audition song.

Update: She defeated Ayesha “Music Box” Brooks” in the first battle round; they sang The Bangles’ “Eternal Flame.” Music Box was then stolen by Usher. In the second battle round, she was declared the winner over Ddendyl. They sang “Say Something.”

Keeping up with Deja:
Twitter: @dejahallmusic
YouTube

Editor’s Note: For links to profiles of all the Season 6 artists on The Voice, go here.

“I Know Where I’ve Been”

“Jingle Bell Rock”

“That’s What I Want for Christmas”