Emily Ann Roberts – The Voice

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What made you want to try out for “The Voice?”

A) Well, I have been wanting to expand the best I could. I’ve played around places in Nashville for the last few years. I tried some local competitions, but nothing was really happening. We had thought about “The Voice,” but we never thought that I would…My parents did, but I never had the confidence to put  myself out there. I never thought I was good enough to do it. So, I think just wanting to move forward and expand my fanbase is what led me to the show.

Q) What is the best advice you received from your coach Blake Shelton?

A) Blake just encourages me to be myself and that is something that I struggled with because I compare myself to other singers a lot and it is hard not to in a situation like I was in because everyone is so talented. So, it’s hard to say “I can’t sing that high” or “I can’t hit that note.” He just encouraged me to be myself because there is only one me. I can only sing like myself because no one else can. I think that’s so important for an artist to keep in mind. And he also just kind of helped me to come out of my shell a lot. I would have never been comfortable being on stage without a guitar, but he really helped me with that aspect of performing, too.

Q) What were some of your favorite performances from your time on “The Voice?”

A) Honestly, the most fun I ever had was singing “9 to 5.” I’ve never enjoyed myself more on stage than that performance! It was just so much fun and like a party on stage. I just really enjoy that song. Plus, being able to sing Dolly Parton was incredible!

Q) Blake described you as bringing vintage country back into the forefront. How does that make you feel?

A) It was really exciting! I love that he supported me in what I love because I love older vintage country. That’s where my heart is and I was kind of worried he would want me to lean more towards more current stuff, but he never pushed me to do that unless my heart was in it, too. He let me do that because I loved that style of country music.

Q) What was it like for you performing with Ricky Skaggs on the finale?

A) It was so much fun! I have been listening to his music my entire life and it was a dream come true just to share the stage with him. I, honestly, still can’t believe it happened. He is such a legend in Bluegrass music and I admire his music and artistry so much. That was just incredible to be singing a song with him.

Q) Who do you plan to stay in touch with from the show?

A) I know that I have made life long friendships. We really were a family. This season was so close and I know that I am going to stay really close with Zach Seabaugh. He has become like a brother for me. I’m so thankful for him and our friendship. He’s kind of that guy that keeps me grounded in a situation like this because when I am stressed out he is always goofing around and making me laugh. So, I know I’ll stay close with him. Morgan Frazier only lives a couple hours away in Nashville and Shelby Brown was one of my first friends that I made on the show. People like Chance Pena…I’ve made so many incredible friends and I’m so thankful for that.

Q) What’s next for you?

A) I’m excited to start writing. I want to start writing with some other people and continue to grow. I want to take what I have learned from the show and continue to build on that. I’ve grown so much and I think it’s very obvious if you listen to my Blind Audition and my last  performance. I’m so thankful for the ways I have grown as an artist, as a person and as a vocalist. I just want to move forward, start writing and get something together that is a true representation of me and the artist that I want to be.

Q) Who would be a dream collaboration for you?

A) Meeting Dolly was phenomenal, but I would love to sit down and try to write with Dolly Parton. That would be such an incredible experience!

Q) What advice do you have for people who want to try out for “The Voice?”

A) Just to stay true to who they are and be confident. They are there for a reason. And if they love to sing to just never give up. Really pursue it and stay true to who they are. I think that’s the most important thing because it has just become so real to me. I’m just a small town girl and my dreams come true through this show. So, I really encourage people to audition and never give up. Keep dreaming because dreams really do come true.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) I want to thank everyone who voted for me and were rooting for me. It really means the world. I couldn’t have made it as far as I did without the people standing behind me. So, I’m so grateful for them and they’ll never know how much their support means to me.