Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Samantha Howell, of Virginia Beach, Va., at her blind audition on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

And a familiar classic rock song helped make it work out.

Samantha wowed The Voice coaches with an acoustic version of the REO Speedwagon hit “Take It On the Run” in a blind audition that aired Monday.

Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas and Blake Shelton turned their chairs for her performance, though Blake was immediately out of the running because he was blocked by Kelly.

Nick called Samantha’s performance “phenomenal,” but she opted to join Team Kelly. Here’s what she told Voice Views about that blind audition.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for The Voice Season 18 and what prompted you to do it?

Samantha: This was my 4th time auditioning. I have always loved the show, but I auditioned initially back when I was 15. I’m glad it didn’t work out back then because I feel like I was ready this time around. And I am excited to be able to work with Kelly!

Voice Views: Why did you choose “Take It On the Run” for your audition song? What’s your performance history with that song (for instance, is it one you’ve played often)?

Samantha: Growing up my dad was constantly listening to 80s music. One of his favorite bands to listen to was and still is REO Speedwagon. When I taught myself guitar that was one of the first songs I learned, and I came up with that rendition. It is one I play every single night at my nightly gig! One of my all-time favorites to perform, I was so excited to sing it on the show!

Voice Views: Did you have a coaching preference heading into the blind audition? Why did you decide to go with Team Kelly as your coach? And how did you feel about the fact that she blocked Blake from potentially becoming your coach?

Samantha: Kelly was my #1 choice from the beginning. She isn’t locked into any genre, she sings songs she loves and makes them her own and I admire that about her. And of course, she is an amazing vocalist and person! I didn’t realize she had blocked Blake until after I finished singing. Since Kelly was my first choice I wasn’t upset about Blake being blocked, although I’d love to work with either of them. It really meant a lot that she used her one and only block on ME!

Voice Views: Can you tell me a little about what that blind audition experience was like? I mean, you had a coach turn before you were 30 seconds into the song and wound up with three of the four.

Samantha: The blind audition experience is unreal. The adrenaline is unlike anything else! However I was very calm that day, and I told myself that I would be proud of myself for even making it on the stage in the first place, no matter the outcome. So getting 3 chairs and a block totally exceeded my expectations!

Voice Views: How would you describe your original music and where are you hoping your time on The Voice leads? What was your biggest performance prior to the show?

Samantha: My original music is a mix of country and pop. My newer stuff that I am working on is more pop. I am hoping my time on The Voice leads to a long-lasting career in music and great opportunities! But most of all I am grateful for the wonderful friendships I’ve made throughout the process. Prior to the show, my biggest performance was a 4-hour gig at a Harley Davidson event in Virginia.

For more on Samantha, the music she’s already released and her social media links, head here.