Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Zan Fiskum performs during her battle round match on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

Zan Fiskum admits that, at first, she didn’t like the battle round song she was asked to sing.

But by the time their battle round performance of “Closer to Fine” by the Indigo Girls ended, John Legend was hailing it “the best of the day.”

And then he awarded the win to Zan, who received praise from the coaches for her unique sound.

That advanced Zan to the knockout round on The Voice as a member of Team Legend.

Here’s what the 22-year-old from the Seattle area told Voice Views about her battle round experience.

Voice Views: What do you think was the key to your success in the battle round?

Zan: I went in with as much confidence as I could muster up. It was really hard going up against someone who was not only my friend, but a talented and gifted singer! I just reminded myself to work hard, not play the game of comparison and stay confident in who I am as an artist and I believe that’s what helped me win the battle round.

Voice Views: How did the song choice work for you? Did it pose any special challenges?

Zan: I personally didn’t like the song at all when I got it 😂 I put up a little bit of a fight to change it, but it ended up turning out great and I think the battle round is meant to push people out of their comfort zone- it definitely did for me!

Zan Fiskum and Brittney Allen rehearse for their battle round match on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

Voice Views: Did you have much experience singing duets or performing with others prior to the battle round? And, if so, do you think that worked to your advantage in preparing for the battle and how so?

Zan: I’ve had a lot of experience singing as a duet and kind of take pride in my ability to blend with other people. It’s something I’ve worked really hard at and it’s not as simple as some would think. I definitely think it contributed to my battle — the coaches even commented on our blend together. I wanted the song to sound like a duet and complementary of one another.

Voice Views: Anything else you’d like to add about the battle round experience?

Zan: Just that I’m so glad I got to have Brittney as my partner. She’s a beautiful soul and such a kind person.

Voice Views: And, obviously, you can’t talk about song choice, but is there a side of your artistry you haven’t gotten to display yet that you hope to in coming rounds?

Zan: Yes! I have so much more for the world to see.

See also …
Meet Zan Fiskum and learn about the music she’s released
Zan Fiskum talks about her blind audition