The Voice – Knockouts Night 3

By starrymag | April 1, 2015

Q) For India, what I noticed was that you seem to be more comfortable performing as a solo artist. And we know that that’s something that’s new for you. Can you tell us a little bit about how you have grown in that area? And also some of the things that maybe you’re looking forward to in the live shows that we’ll be seeing shortly?

India Carney: It’s been a really great experience focusing on myself as a solo artist because I haven’t really done so much of that in the past. So especially with that song, it forced me to find – find new things I could do vocally and focus a little on just artist development overall. I’m really excited to do more of that in the live playoffs with Christina coaching me through. And I hope to show more of that on stage.

Q) Lowell, last night when that was – we were watching the show, it kind of seemed like the tide was against you. And I thought, oh gosh, he’s going home. And too bad, it was a brilliant performance. And then all of a sudden it was like, nope, he’s not. Were you just as shocked as we were?

Lowell Oakley:  I would say, yes. When I first found out that I was going to have to go against Jacob I wasn’t necessarily – I was not looking forward to that. He’s honestly my best friend on the show. And that was very difficult for me. And especially it was hard for me watching his amazing performance and then being like, oh crap, like I have to follow that up. And it was so – his voice is so pure and so clean that I was definitely a little shaky going into my performance. And I’m proud of what I did. I’m proud of the chances that I took. It was a little shaky of a performance for me. I don’t regret necessarily anything. I feel really good about it.

Q Well it seemed like the other judges’ comments, though, seemed to sway you know – guess like I was saying, it seemed like it was against your favor like everybody was saying, well no, you should go with –  and then Adam, of course, goes nope. I mean, you know, it was just amazing.

Lowell Oakley: Yes. And again hearing that all and it definitely, with each comment that was pro-Jacob it really – it got me worried. I’ll be real, plain and simple. But things worked out. Again, it’s so hard to go against your best friend.

Q) Lowell, you dedicated the song to your girl. What did she think of it?

Lowell Oakley: She shot me a text right after that. And she, “Uh, we’re on the street. Do you have a girl back home that you sing about?” being as sarcastic as she possibly could. No, she – she thought it was great. And you know, it’s been a little – it’s been difficult. We hit things off really well. But then I had to go away for long extended periods of time and to film the show, and so it’s kind of bumpy right now, but she kind of understands. And yeah, no, honestly, dedicating it to her. It kind of got me in that mindset that – about actually singing and conveying that emotion of the song, what the song’s really about. I really put a lot of importance on that. When I’m singing a song, I have to believe the emotion, that you’re – I have to believe you. And that’s kind of – it’s just huge for me. If I don’t believe what you’re singing, I mean, it’s not going to move me. Like, so I really tried to have that mindset when I was singing “My Girl.”

Q) Brooke, this is Candace from Tampa. I just wanted to talk to you a little bit. Can you talk about the song choice last night? And I know it was different for you. Tell me about how that was for you performing.

Brooke Adee: It was a lot different because the first song I did was a ballad. And the song I did last night was definitely indie rock. But I really, really, really liked it. I haven’t really done anything like that before. If I’ve done anything indie, it was more low-tempo, really chilled out, but this one was more rock. And I really liked being able to show a little bit more stage presence on stage and everything.

Q) Yeah, I know you talked about stage presence. I know that’s something you’ve been working on. Do you feel like there’s improvements you can make as you head into the next performance?

Brooke Adee: I feel for sure that I can move around a lot more on stage. But as of last night’s performance, I just felt really confident and I wasn’t nervous when I got on the stage, and so I was pretty proud of that.

Q) How do you anticipate things will change going into the live shows for you?

Brooke Adee: I think for all of us I think it’s a much faster pace. I mean, they’re – they’re you know, kind of prepping us on just kind of being prepared for a faster pace for learning songs, for just to kind of going with the flow and working really hard, not getting much sleep. I’ve got a three-month-old son. I’m used to not getting much sleep. And I think that – I think it’s going to be really exciting. It’s going to be fun. The fact that it’s live is great because it’s going to be – you know, we’re all going to be in the moment. Everybody that’s on the show it’s – I mean, it’s such a group of diverse and talented people. And I’ve got a lot of faith in everybody and all the staff as well, so – all the producers. So I’m super pumped.

Q) Brooke, I’m wondering if you could tell us a little bit about how things have changed for you. You mentioned obviously that there weren’t a lot of opportunities for you to perform or get your music out there before the show began. Now that these episodes have aired, I’m wondering how that’s changed for you, what the show has done for you, and what you hope it will continue to do for you?

Brooke Adee: I think that right now all I’ve been doing is the show because I’ve just been going back from here to L.A. But I think in the future whatever happens, this will definitely be a really good base for anything that I want to do, if it’s musically or anything like that. Before I wasn’t even allowed to play like in clubs. You had to do all these like auditions and you had to be a certain age. And I’m hoping that this – when I get back, they’ll actually let me perform in little places like that.

Q) I know, obviously, you said that you’ve been back and forth with the show, but have you already heard from some people that want you to play at different places?

Brooke Adee: I actually don’t really check right now because whatever I do is just this and only this.

Q) Tonya, what is the one singular thing that Adam, as a coach, has taught you or made you realize about yourself that has really got you to this point and will probably get you further?

Tonya Boyd-Cannon: The main thing is to always be myself when I’m performing music, no matter whose tune it may be, you know, from legends as Stevie Wonder, which took place on last night, which is a big song. And it’s very, very – one that you have to approach very tenderly. And in the midst of it, you know, do everything he told me. Just don’t lose myself. Remember from whence I’ve come and where I want to go, and to live in that moment. And that’s just what I did. And that’s what I’m taking with me. And to continue on to move further to keep to that.

Q) I’ve talked to people before, other seasons on Team Adam, and all of them kind of said that from now on they kind of feel like Adam will be a lifelong friend. Do you kind of have that feeling, too, that this guy is going to be in your life from now on, one way or another?

Tonya Boyd-Cannon: Oh, absolutely. I mean, he’s that person that has an approachable attitude, serious. And with everything, he knows how to separate the person and the business. Look, we’re in here to work. And once the work is done, we can kind of let our hair down; the hair that I don’t have. But just sit back and relax and enjoy the ride. And continue to remember that you’ve gotten this far with the hard work and dedication, so remember to keep that in the forefront.

Q) Josh, I was just wondering what you thought of the judges’ comments last night?

Joshua Davis: I fought hard to be performing in front of people that have been successful industry for so long. And I think that, I feel such a connection to Lexi and what she does that I – after her performance I was just totally blown away. I thought she nailed it. I think it’s the best thing that she’s done so far. I’m so excited that she got stolen. And I think it was – I mean, they said a lot of really sweet things and there was some great constructive criticism in there. It’s a strange moment to have sung your heart out and then kind of be waiting for this decision to be made because for me music is far more collaborative than it is competitive. And so it’s an awkward moment. But the coaches make it as easy to swallow as possible. And I think they do a really nice job.

Q) Joshua, I was just wondering, how did it feel when Christina and Adam seemed to have that giant love fest after you guys’ performance? You guys really brought them together. We don’t usually see that. How was it for you guys watching that?

Joshua Davis: Oh, it was great. It was great. You know what? I think Christina was right on. I think that Adam’s been working with Lexi for a while. And I think that he has brought her out of her shell a lot. I mean that’s something that they worked on quite a bit. I think that he did do a really nice job. I mean, it’s obvious she was just nailing it in her performance. And so it was nice to see that respect between the coaches, you know. And we have so much respect for each other as contestants. So it’s good to see that turning over.

Q) What did your wife say after the performance?

Joshua Davis: She really enjoyed it. My whole family did. My whole family did. It was a sweet moment.

Q) India, you’ve gone through years and years of training, for vocal training and music training. Is The Voice something you always imagined yourself doing or has this been a welcome surprise for you?

India Carney: I guess it’s been both. I’ve always wanted to do a show like this and I’ve auditioned a couple times before finally getting the call. So yeah, I’ve always wanted to do something like this ’cause I see the extreme benefit for any artist who’s lucky enough to be chosen to do something like this. You get the exposure that you need. And this show – on this show specifically, you get to be coached by people you’ve looked up to your whole life. So I’ve always wanted to do this. And I’m so thankful I got that opportunity.

Q) Now did you ever audition for the other shows that will remain nameless?

India Carney: Yeah, I have. But The Voice has always been number one.

Q) When you didn’t make those auditions initially, did you ever think about giving up and not coming back and doing it again?

India Carney: Oh, of course. Of course. I feel like, you know, especially singers always go through that period where we don’t know if the no’s mean that we shouldn’t – we actually, you know, should take a break. But it’s experiences like this that give us that motivation and encouragement that we need to continue pushing through. You know, it’s always a learning process for us. And it takes a lot to keep going and not to give up. So I’m really proud of, you know, all the artists out there who are still doing it because, you know, we’re our worst enemy and it takes a lot for us to continue pushing through and never give up.

Q) Anybody else almost not do this?

Tonya Boyd-Cannon: This is my second time. And I questioned it; however, I just stepped out on stage and assured myself I was just going to wake up one Saturday morning at 3:00 am and go and re- continue to reach for my dreams. And I did that in the cold and the rain in New Orleans and here I am today.

Lowell Oakley: My story was that it was at the very end of my high school senior year and I had just finished my last exam. And all I wanted to do was just chill and be with my friends and stuff and hang out in front of the beach or whatever. And my best friend is the one that pushed me to do this. I was so close to not doing this show and not auditioning. And thank God that everything worked out. But looking back on it, there are those moments, those key moments that you make a decision. And it seems like a little thing right then, but I mean, it’s gotten us to this point. So I’m really thankful for how it all worked out.

Q) Joshua, I know you didn’t work with Blake a very long time, but what is the biggest difference between Blake and Adam as coaches?

Joshua Davis: That’s a good question. I think that I enjoyed working with Blake. He’s really disarming and funny and has a way of just easing tension immediately when he walks into a room. That’s a talent that he has. And I think that when the show started, I never expected to be on a show like this. And it just kind of came out of nowhere. And I was nervous and tense. And so he had that way about him that really – like I said, is disarming and made you feel immediately at ease. I think Adam –  just my experience in working with him, he’s a lot more serious. He’s a lot more serious about the music. It seems like he just takes the job very, very seriously. And I like that about him as well.  So there’s great things about both of them. They both – it’s been an incredible gift to be able to work with both of them. So yeah, it’s been fun.

Q) For India, Christina said you were unbeatable in the competition. How did it feel hearing that from her?

India Carney: Yeah, I’m still reeling from that comment. I mean she’s – she’s someone I really admire. And she is a complete star and perfect person in my eyes. So for her to say that really gave me a lot of encouragement to just, you know, give it my all and do everything I can to make her proud and represent her going forward.

Q) Brooke, Pharrell said that you were a catch. How did that feel to hear?

Brooke  Adee: I thought that that was a really funny compliment. I thought it was really – oh, I don’t know. I was just standing up there and he said that. I wasn’t expecting anything but just kind of like good performance. And like my heart – it was pretty great.

Q) Tonya, you looked really, really worried up there at the end of the performance. What was going through your mind at that point?

Tonya Boyd-Cannon: I just know that I gave my all and I wanted my coach to see that and also feel that. I mean, all I have is to give is of me. And as I said, then I’m not ready to go home just yet because I have so much more to learn and so much more singing that I want to do. And I have goals that I’ve set. And I want to continue to achieve. So that facial expression exuded everything that you just asked me on the stage. And yes, I was worried and I was nervous and emotional. And it was just a ball of emotions that continued to churn within. And then I was emotional tension mentally. So it was just hoping and praying that my coach picked me. And so he did.

Q) India, for you with Joe, do you think he put up a really good fight? I mean, his performance was great.

India Carney: Oh yeah. Joe was actually one of my closest friends on the show. So when I found out I was going up against him, I was like oh no. No, not today. And Joe gave an incredible performance. So of course, yeah, I was nervous for the outcome because he’s an incredible singer with an amazing gift. I think we both did the best we could. We gave it our all on that stage.

 

 

*CONFERENCE CALL*