Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Her audition: Hillary Torchiani, 34, of West Chester, Pa., performed “Easy On Me” by Adele. Hillary’s impressive vocals prompted an early chair turn from Blake Shelton. If anything, Hillary’s vocal got stronger from that point on, but none of the other coaches turned. That means Hillary automatically joined Team Blake.

Here’s more about Hillary:

* She began singing at age 3 and credits her mother Lisa, who also sings, for inspiring her interest in music.

* Hillary said she’s always loved music but also had a backup plan and took the “safe route.” She’s a healthcare sales representative in Philadelphia.

* She said she was enjoying life when tragedy struck on March 30, 2015. A fire destroyed her home and took her cat and dog.

* “Overcoming the trauma took a few years,” she told The Voice. “I was a bit lost. But in early 2019, something just changed. I realized I couldn’t keep living that way.”

* So she focused on things that made her happy, including singing more and posting covers online.

* She eventually joined the Bluesberry Hill Band, a trio that includes a guitarist named Mark and a bassist named Tim, who is also her neighbor.

* Hillary told Voice Views the band “plays at local bars, restaurants, and private parties. We perform everything from The Beatles to Maren Morris!”

* She also met her fiance, Joe. Hillary was Hillary Ward at the time of her blind audition. Torchiani is her married name. The first dance at their July wedding was John Legend’s “Never Break.”

* As for her musical preferences, Hillary said “I am driven by lyrics and beautiful melodies and love expressing my emotions through music. I love performing music that tells a story and makes the audience feel things. I typically lean towards soul/pop music, but do love a little country and funk.”

* Season 22 marked her third time auditioning for the show. Her first attempt was back in 2017 as a surprise for her mother, who was always encouraging her to do so. The difference this time around? “For previous auditions, I was focused on a perfect vocal performance,” Hillary said. “But this time I focused on being myself and having fun with it!”

* As for the audition itself, she said it “was everything to me! Exciting, scary, emotional, all of the feelings. What stood out to me most was the incredible kindness and support I felt while I was there. From the person driving our shuttle bus to the producers to the coaches and, of course, my fellow contestants — every single person was gracious, kind, and helpful. I’ve made lifelong friends through this experience and I am so grateful!”

Hillary on social media:
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The Voice Season 22 profiles

Alyssa Witrado
Andrew Igbokidi
Ansley Burns
Austin Montgomery
Ava Lynn
Benny Weag
Bodie
Brayden Lape
Bryce Leatherwood
Cara Brindisi
Chello
Constance Howard
David Andrew
Daysia Reneau
Destiny Lilia
Devix
Dia Malai
The Dryes (Katelyn & Derek)
Emma Brooke
Eric Who
Eva Ullmann
Grace Bello
Hillary Torchiani
Ian Harrison
Jaeden Luke
Jay Allen
Jillian Jordyn
Julia Aslanli
Justin Aaron
Kara McKee
Kate Kalvach
Kayla Von der Heide
Kevin Hawkins
Kim Cruse
Kique Gomez
Lana Love
Madison Hughes
The Marilynds (Lindsay & Kasey)
Morgan Myles
Morgan Taylor
Nia Skyfer
Omar Cardona
Orlando Mendez
Parijita Bastola
Peyton Aldridge
Reina Ley
Rowan Grace
Sadie Bass
Sasha Hurtado
Solsong
Steven McMorran
Sydney Paige
Tanner Fussell
Tanner Howe
Valarie Collins-Harding
Zach Newbould