by Gina Scarpa

 

Tyler Robinson did more than just impress Blake Shelton when he hit the stage last week on NBC's new hit, The Voice. He also inspired young people to be proud of who they are after revealing that he was gay but that his father didn't know. Blake claimed Tyler for his team and today, we spoke to him in an exclusive interview about his experiences on The Voice.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What singing and performance experience did you have before The Voice?
A. Tyler: I've been singing since I was about 2 or 3. My mom turned me into a little show pony for a while. My favorite song was, "If We Hold On Together" from The Land Before Time. That was my go to song. She would sit and play the piano and I would sing for people who came to our house. I stopped singing around age 13 because I was embarrassed because people made fun of me and people are rude. Once I got into high school, I started singing again. I was in a nationally ranked jazz choir. Now, my little brother is in it and they're still winning everything which is great. I went to college for a year, doing vocal jazz. I quit and I've been doing musical theater. I put on my acting shoes and pretending like I could act and that's what I was loving! I was saving up to move to New York before I auditioned for the show.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you want to try out for the show?
A. Tyler: I was just saving up money to move to New York to be on Broadway. I had a friend who auditioned in Chicago and didn't make it through. She said, "You need to do this. You'd be really great for it." I went down and it was only a four hour wait, thank god. It was definitely worth it.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You made a bold move in your interview to say that you were gay but that your father didn't know. What was his reaction to seeing it on television?
A. Tyler: He emailed me to days before my episode aired and said he was excited to watch the show. I told him, "I just want to let you know that I say something about you so be aware of it." He hasn't called me yet. It's been a week now. I think he's probably working through it in his own mind.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What went through your mind when Blake turned around during your performance of "Hey, Soul Sister"?
A. Tyler: I was definitely on the relieved side! Once he turned around, I was like, "Whatever, all I have to do is perform and have a good time for the rest of the song." When he turned around, I pointed at him and had the biggest smile on my face. My eyes were filling with tears because I was so excited. It was one of those really surreal moments when that happened. It was crazy. I truthfully don't remember much of it.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Cee-Lo told you that you didn't stand out in your vocal performance and Blake compared you to Drew Carey. How did you feel about their statements?
A. Tyler: When it comes to Cee-Lo, his opinion means a lot to me because he's a great singer and an amazing performer, writer, and artist. He's been around for so long and not many people know that. When he said that, it hurt definitely but he didn't turn around for me so I don't have to impress him as much as I do Blake. Obviously, Blake heard something in my voice that he wanted. I'm glad for that. Blake calling me Drew Carey... they edited out what I said in response which was, "Wait a second, I'm cuter than him. Right?" Christina quickly assured me that I was.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Uh yeah, you are! Did you feel more pressure before Blake picked you or after you were picked and moved on in the competition?
A. Tyler: It was relieving but obviously, the pressure was put back on when we got to work on the battle round. Blake is a normal guy. He's not looking to impress anyone. He's honest and real and just looking to help us out.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What singers on The Voice are you a fan of?
A. Tyler: Ooh! I think my favorites are Dia, Rebecca, and Emily. I've gotten to know these people so it's different for me.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Is there anything you want to say to your fans or fans of The Voice?
A. Tyler: I have been getting so many nice words of support via Facebook and Twitter. It's just been so nice. I've gotten a few emails from kids who were thanking me for doing what I did on tv and calling me an inspiration. It means more than they know. The reason that I decided to be out on the show is because I wanted to help at least one person and now I know that I did. That means the world to me. Everything is happening really quickly.

 

The Voice airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on NBC.

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

Follow Tyler @TheFlyTy and Gina @ginascarpa