Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Mikaela Astel performs during the battle round on The Voice Season 16. (NBC Photo)

But we certainly haven’t heard the last from the youngest member of the Season 16 cast. In fact, Mikaela says she’s planning to release her first original music this spring.

The 14-year-old from of Queens, N.Y., landed a spot on Team Kelly with her blind audition performance of “Electric Love” by BØRNS.

And though she lost her battle round match with The Bundys, she released compliments from the coaches for her role in their combined cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird.”

Voice Views: The battle round was filmed in January. What have you been doing in terms of music or the entertainment industry since then? Has there been a specific post-Voice experience that stands out so far?

Mikaela: Since the battles, I have been working on a lot of my original music. I can’t wait to start releasing it because it is something I have kept to myself for a while. I never wanted to share my originals until I felt the time was right and I feel like it is now. Since The Voice, I have received so much love and so many people asking me to come out with music so I am definitely excited to finally be doing this. I just hope people can connect with my original music the same way I do. The thing that has made the biggest impact on me post-Voice is the amount of support, love and positive comments about my voice that I have received from so many people. I really never expected it and I appreciate it so much.

Voice Views: Where do you see your time on the show leading you musically? What do you have planned next? Do you think you’ll be releasing new music in the future and, if so, what can fans expect in terms of sound/timing?

Mikaela: I think my time on the show has been a great way to get myself out there and introduce myself to everyone. I think now I can move on to releasing new music. I definitely will start to release my originals soon around late April, early May. My songs are a little bit of a lighter sound but I do have various stronger ones. They aren’t really the types of songs with a lot of noise going on in the background. They’re more simple and personal. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to have people hear me through The Voice and it has definitely been a big encouragement to get me to these next steps.

Voice Views: Do you think you grew as an artist as a result of The Voice experience? If so, in what way?

Mikaela: I do think I grew as an artist as a result of The Voice experience. I usually am not too nervous when performing in front of large crowds but I think I got too into my head and made myself panic. It was such a different experience for me, but I feel that now that I have done it, it has made me more open to all parts of the music industry and has made me feel more comfortable. I’ve loved how I got to learn how to work with people. And I, of course, am so glad that I got advice from Kelly Clarkson herself.

Voice Views: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience on the show?

Mikaela: My experience on The Voice has only been filled with happiness. Everyone is so friendly and I am so lucky to have met the people I did. Performing with The Bundys was so great because of how much love we felt for each other preparing for and during that “battle.” They are so talented and deserve to make it so far on the show. They are the kindest people and they made my experience 100 times better. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything, not even a win.

On social media:
Instagram
Twitter: @MikaelaAstel
Facebook
YouTube