by Gina Scarpa

 

During the blind audition rounds of The Voice, the coaches passed up the opportunity with work with Lily Elise the first time around. When Christina Aguilera turned around, she expressed regret in not choosing but the second time around proved to work in both of their favors. Lily returned to sing "If I Ain't Got You", got Christina's attention, and advanced to the battle rounds. Today, we spoke to her in an exclusive interview about what it's been like to be part of The Voice.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was your singing and performance experience prior to The Voice?
A. Lily: I have been singing my whole life... since before I could talk, really! I did musical theater in high school and then I went to L.A. to be in the pop music program. I started a band, which is who I've been performing with. Then, I decided to try out for the show...

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you decide to try out?
A. Lily: I had just been down here, doing school and had this desire to do something. You wanna be out there doing music, especially when you're in this city. I heard about the audition for a friend, got an appointment, and was like, "Wow, I don't have to wait in line!" I did not think I would make it as far as I did?

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When you weren't initially picked in the blind audition round, what was going through your head?
A. Lily: Surprisingly, I was so happy. I was just so happy to have a chance to sing in front of Christina, Adam, Cee Le, and Blake. Christina is my idol. It was awesome and she said that she had regrets and wished she had picked me. She told me I sang my butt off so I was happy. To be brought back was the best!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The second time around, you sang "If I Ain't Got You" and Christina didn't turn around until the very end. How did it feel to have her pick you for her team?
A. Lily: Ah! Major relief! To be going through the audition process and put so much effort into it... the closer you get, the more you want it.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What has Christina been like to work with as a coach?
A. Lily: Oh my gosh, she's been amazing. She's been everything I thought she would be and more. She's such a strong woman and she's a professional. She's giving us a little taste of what she can help us with. To have her here with us, that's so awesome.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Your battle round is coming up. Having seen some of the others, does that make you nervous or excited?
A. Lily: It's a mixture of both! Everyone on the show is my friend. We've been together and we're all close. When I watch the other battles, I get nervous for them. For mine, I'm more excited.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Any favorites in the competition?
A. Lily: I do have a few favorites but I really love everyone so much. The talent level is insane! We get to see more of them than what you see on the show, and how amazing everybody is.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What do you want to say to your fans or fans of The Voice?
A. Lily: I definitely want to say thank you to anyone who is a fan of The Voice. I've been getting so much good support on Twitter and Facebook. Whenever I have an off day, I can read those supportive comments and that means so much to me. Definitely, I would say thank you to anyone who is supporting us.

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa