Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Her audition: Simone Marijic, 20, Los Angeles, Calif., “Favorite Crime” by Olivio Rodrigo: Simone earned a quick chair turn from Kelsea Ballerini with her unique singer-songwriter sound. Simone also has an interesting cry in her voice. Michael Buble turned near the end of her performance. Kelsea liked the way she nailed a very challenging song. Michael said Simone has “the voice of an angel.” Simone decided to join Team Kelsea.

Here’s more about Simone.

* She’s Simone Marijic Buljubasic, from Los Angeles and currently a Class of 2026 student at the University of Virginia.

* According to her profile on the Miller Arts Scholars, she started taking voice and piano lessons at age 5 with a focus on classical music and musical theater.

* She’s since earned a spot on the National Children’s Chorus and performed at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center.

* According to that same bio, she was part of a Walt Disney Concert Hall performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 that received two Grammy wins.

* Simone’s now part of the Virginia Belles, a University of Virginia a cappella group.

* In her Virginia Belles bio, she lists her primary musical influences as Phoebe Bridgers, Sara Bareilles, Brandi Carlile and T swizzle.

* And don’t be surprised if we hear her sing Bareilles’ “Gravity,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” or Hall and Oates’ “Rich Girl.” Those were her Virginia Belle audition songs.

* The Virginia Belles release music to streaming sites, including a five-song EP called “Wherever You Go” in 2024 and a five song EP called “highs and lows” in 2023.

* According to her Voice bio, Simone plans to release an EP of her own original music later this year.

* Her parents came to the U.S. from Croatia and put a major emphasis on education. As a result, Simone is a double major in college — music and history.

Update: Simone released her debut single, “Until the Morning Dew Arrives” to streaming sites on March 20.

Simone on social media:
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