Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Her audition: Olivia Henken, 25, of Louisville, Ken., sang Carrie Underwood’s “Two Black Cadillacs” Christina Aguilera turned around early in the song. At the last minute, she was joined by Cee Lo Green. Christina said something in Olivia’s voice “just totally connected with me.”

Background: Olivia says she first performed on stage at age 4 and has been “trying to get recognized in this music business since I can remember.” She says she has participated in more than 100 talent contests, won several and “it’s heartbreaking to work and pursue all these different contests and still not get to the next level.” Meanwhile, she works in a tax office with her grandmother and mother, while hoping that The Voice will offer the big break she needs.

On choosing Christina: “Obviously, being a country artist, going in I was clearly wanting Blake to turn around. But Christina actually pushed her button for the part of my voice I would say I’ve worked the hardest on to get to this point — my softer side. I think (that) just spoke volumes to me that she saw some things so early in my performance. It was clearly hard for me to say no to someone who is such an amazing artist. Looking back on it now, I’m honestly glad Blake didn’t turn around because I feel like I’m where I need to be as far as the coach I’m with.”

What the show didn’t show: In a conference call interview the day after her audition aired, Olivia said her band back home include a bass player who’s a rock guy and a guitar player who’s a blues guy, so she’s hoping to show off some of her music versatility and “that I can do rock, blues and some soul.” In 2010, she released a single called “DerbyTown,” a tribute to Louisville. She followed that up with a 10-track album called “The Ride” in 2011. She also competed in the 2012 Miss Kentucky pageant, winning preliminary talent and swimsuit competitions and finishing second overall. For the talent portion, she sang “Rolling in the Deep.”

Quote: “There’s a lot of blonde country singers out there, but I hope this show can help me show America that I have something different that sets me apart … And I just — I want to show America that there’s more to me than just a Carrie Underwood.”

On iTunes: The aforementioned single and album, plus the studio version of her audition song on The Voice.

Keeping up with Olivia: Twitter — @oliviahenken — Facebook — YouTube — Website

For profiles of other Season 5 contestants, go here.

Olivia Henken, video for “Good in Your Goodbye,” from 2011 album “The Ride”

Olivia Henken, “Kerosene” (yep, a Miranda Lambert cover)