Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Her audition: Noelle Bybee, 18, of Ogden, Utah, sang Vampire Weekend’s “Unbelievers” in an audition that was part of a montage. She landed on Team Pharrell. He complimented her on having a beautiful voice and lots of control.

Her background: According to her Voice bio, Noelle’s interest in music started at age 3 when her grandmother taught her to play piano. Carson Daly called her a high school pop singer. At school, Noelle has been a member of the choir, the theater program and student council vice president. She’s also a volunteer for special needs students.

What the show didn’t show: Noelle is a senior at Syracuse High School. “I think people would describe me as a go-getter,” she says in her Voice video. “I’ll have a plan in mind, and I’ll go get it.” As for music, she says she started out playing piano and didn’t recognize her vocal talent until she started singing along with the music around age 12. She’s put her talent to good use. Last summer, when a Syracuse High classmate died in a tragic accident, Noelle sang a song written in her honor at a fundraiser designed to help cover funeral costs. She also took first place in the teen category of a Vocal Sport competition and wound up being featured in a Latter Day Saints Church video performing “Come Unto Christ.” Noelle says her musical influences include Ingrid Michaelson and Taylor Swift. Oh, and as for that audition we got only a glimpse of — Pharrell turned around at the very last second. “I didn’t even think he turned around for me,” she admits. “I thought the song was over and they were all just turning around. Then I saw the floor light up. I just felt like falling to the ground (from excitement).”

On being on Team Pharrell: “He was exactly who I wanted to be with, so I was happy when I saw that it was him who turned around. I think he’s a great example and he makes me feel comfortable. I hope he can help my confidence.”

On iTunes: Just her audition song.

Update: In the battle round, she was matched with Sawyer Fredericks, who turned four chairs in the blind audition. They sang “Have You Ever Seen the Rain.” Pharrell declared Sawyer the winner; Noelle was eliminated from the show.

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Twitter: @noellebybee

Bad Boy (original)

See the Fire (as part of a trio)