Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Todd Michael Hall performs during the blind auditions on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

But millions of Voice fans saw the lead singer for the heavy metal band Riot do it in an uncustomary setting — a TV stage — earlier this week.

Todd Michael’s performance of “Juke Box Hero” on The Voice Season 18 premiere prompted chair turns from John Legend and Blake Shelton.

It also prompted praise for his vocal range from all four coaches.

Now a member of Team Blake, here’s what Todd Michael told Voice Views about his blind audition experience.

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

Todd Michael: I had created an artist account with NBC quite a few years ago, so I was on the email distribution list for The Voice audition notifications, but never tried a walk-on audition. Earlier this year they sent out an email announcing audition cities and Chicago was on the list. I’m not sure why I decided try, but I was free that weekend, so I decided to give it a shot. I sing in a heavy metal band (i.e., Riot), but I also write my own music. My solo music is more pop-oriented and I thought getting on the show might expose my music to some new people.

Voice Views: Why did you choose “Juke Box Hero” for your audition song?

Todd Michael: I have loved the song since 1981. The melodies, the feel, the great energy and even the story line – it all resonates with me. I also love the ad lib parts at the end that allow me to hit some high notes. I thought it would be a blast to show the TV audience some powerful head voice style singing.

Voice Views: Did you have a coaching preference heading into the blind audition? Why did you decide to go with Blake Shelton as your coach?

Todd Michael: In the past, I thought Kelly was known for liking hard rock and I thought she would be my first choice. I like Blake and his coaching style, so I thought he might be good for me also. I was not sure about Nick, so he was a wild card in my mind. I really like John, but I thought he would be the last person to turn for me. I was surprised that John turned first, so it was a tough call between him and Blake. In the end, Blake won me over by saying he was a hard rock fan.

Voice Views: Now, I’ve checked out your solo music, which is very good, but also quite different than what you’ve recorded with the metal bands. Which Todd Michael Hall can Voice fans expect for the rest of Season 18?

Todd Michael: When I write music, I do so with an acoustic guitar or a piano, so my solo music tends to be mellow or light rock, but I do love to sing traditional heavy metal also. I like variety in my music, but when I perform live, singing something with a fair amount of energy is my preference. I would like to keep things rocking, but I might squeeze in something with a little more emotion.

Voice Views: And what’s been the reaction to your decision to try a show like The Voice?

Todd Michael: Most of my family is shy, so they do not really understand why I would want to be on TV, but they are excited and happy for me. In the heavy metal world, it seems that some people that know me wonder why I am doing it. They say “you have nothing to prove”, but they are too busy thinking of this as a competition. I know it is, but I don’t really think of it that way. I just see it as an opportunity to do something I love in front of way more people than I ever have before. Why wouldn’t I want to do it? So far, it has been an incredible experience.

For more on Todd Michael Hall, 50, from Saginaw, Mich., head here. You’ll find info on his background in music, the music he’s released and his social media links.