Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Her audition: Melissa Jimenez, 29, of Fort Lee, N.J., sang Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” for her audition on The Voice. She started off a cappella, displaying wonderful tone, then later sang part of the song in Spanish. No one turned around for that, but at the very end of the song, both Shakira and Usher did. Usher complimented her on the quality of her voice and she joined his team.

Her background: It’s natural that Melissa be interested in music. Her father has a 10-piece band called Something Special Orchestra. She joined the group at age 15 “and that’s how I’ve been making a living,” she said, adding that she’s learned jazz, Latin, soul and other genres performing with them. At the same time, she wants to be a solo artist. And at one point, she had a record deal, but says it didn’t work out. “It’s been a really tough road,” Melissa added. “I can say I have some scars on me. Fortunately, I’ve had music keeping me afloat. Working with my father brings me home and keeps me grounded.”

On choosing Usher: “I loved what he did in Season 4. Everyone probably thought he was crazy or ‘what kind of technique is this?’ But the fact that he had everybody boxing and singing and doing pushups, I’m all for it. I love to work out. I love a challenge and something out of the norm.”

What the show didn’t show: She performs as M.J. and her experience certainly extends beyond her father’s band. She sang songs that have been featured in movies (“The First Daughter” and “Take the Lead”) and is a featured vocalist on two tracks on Wyclef Jean’s 2007 album, “Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant.” She also toured with him for a while. As for the a cappella opening to her audition — Melissa said she’s heard the same song performed on The Voice three times before. “I really wanted to bring something new, something fresh and I wanted them to just hear my voice just with nothing, and I was just very glad that Paul Mirkovich and the band was able to allow me to start off that way.” And she went into the audition thinking she’d prefer Usher as a coach. After all, she said she’s been a fan of his since she was a little girl. “The first cassette that I ever bought with my own money was his single ‘You Make Me Wanna,’ which I still have today. He is somebody that has touched all different genres and, because he’s an entertainer and a dancer, he is somebody that I would love to be the female version of.”

On iTunes: Just her audition song, but you can check out lots of MJ originals on her SoundCloud page. I’ve embedded one below.

Update: She defeated Brittnee Camelle in the first battle round; they sang “Give It To Me Right.” Brittnee was then stolen by Adam Levine. She then squared off against Music Box in the second round of battles and won again, singing “Girl on Fire.”

Keeping up with Melissa:
Twitter: @MELISSAJIMENEZ
Facebook
YouTube

Editor’s Note: For links to profiles of all the Season 6 artists on The Voice, go here. And check back for live blogging during every episode of Season 6.

“Royals / Hold On We’re Going Home”

“Falling for You” (original)

“Wrecking Ball” (Miley Cyrus cover)