Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Zoe Upkins listens to the coaches’ feedback following her blind audition on The Voice Season 17. (NBC Photo)

First, the teen from Nashville turned three chairs with her performance of “Angel of Mine” by Monica.

She decided to join Team John Legend.

Then, in a move that seldom happens, the show also aired Zoe’s pre-taped battle round match the same night.

John declared Khalea Lynee the winner after they performed “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar.

But he was so impressed with Zoe, that he pushed his “save” button to keep her on his team. Kelly Clarkson and Gwen Stefani were so impressed, they tried to steal Zoe.

Zoe opted to remain Team Legend, and here’s what the 16-year-old told Voice Views about her Voice experience so far.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for The Voice Season 17 and what prompted you to do it, especially at such a young age?

Zoe: I was spending the weekend at one of my friends’ houses because my parents were out of town. We were all in the kitchen watching The Voice. I remember sitting there watching the contestants perform, thinking “I can do that!” .. So I called my parents, and told them: “I think I want to audition for The Voice” … They were like “Are you serious?” I said “Yes.” And they said “Ok.”

Honestly, they probably didn’t think I was serious until I did my own research and let them know that the auditions were coming to Nashville really soon. They also saw that I started preparing for the auditions, so they knew I was for real. The rest is history.

Voice Views: Why did you choose “Angel of Mine” for your audition song? Is that a song you’ve performed often?

Zoe: “Angel of Mine” is a song I had never performed before, but I chose the song because I liked the lyrics and believed that I could make it my own. I also liked that it was a laid back song and I felt that if I put my own little twist on it, it could showcase my voice and range well.

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

Zoe: I was definitely hoping for John Legend to turn around, but I went in thinking if anyone were to turn that would be a blessing in itself. I decided to go with John as my coach because I have grown up listening to his music and he’s a legend in my opinion. He’s so musically gifted and no one sounds like him.

Voice Views: Did you have any idea there were so few spots left on the show, and did that change your approach at all? What was the blind audition experience like?

Zoe: Yes, I did know that the spots were filling up, but I don’t think that my approach changed because of that. From the first day of blinds my mindset was just to go out there and give it all I got! The blind experience was so fun and didn’t feel real. If I’m being honest as (soon as chairs started to turn, I was numb. I got off that stage and didn’t remember much of what had just happened) … I blacked out because of how excited I was.

Voice Views: And what was the battle round like? You certainly were matched up with a talented opponent. Why did you decide to remain with Team Legend?

Zoe: The battle round was so fun. I was paired with one of my favorite people in the world (Khalea Lynee) and we made it our goal to just go out there and have fun! I decided to stay on Team Legend because like I said earlier he’s a legend, but also he made it very obvious that he made a mistake and he didn’t want to see me go home!

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