by Todd Betzold

Haters gonna hate, but last week on The Voice, Cheesa blew my mind and blew the minds of the coaches as she took on "All By Myself" by Celine Dion for her last chance song during the elimination show. The emotions shined through during her amazing performance and Cee Lo chose her to move on to the next round of live shows. Today, we got an exclusive interview with Cheesa as she spoke about those haters, working with Cee Lo and much more.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What made you want to audition for The Voice this season?
A. Cheesa: You know what's crazy...I didn't want to this season because I auditioned last year and this year my brother was like try out just for fun. I was like no, I'm tired of these reality TV shows, singing competition shows because I've never gotten any of them. I auditioned as a duo with my brother and I never thought I'd make it this far, so I'm glad he pushed me.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What's it been like working with Cee Lo as a coach?
A. Cheesa: It's great. I love Cee Lo...he has such a big heart. He genuinely cares about all of us. He sees from the inside out. He just sees the potential in each of us. I love him a lot...very paternal.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: For you last chance song on the elimination show, you sang "All By Myself" by Celine Dion. What made you choose that song?
A. Cheesa: It's very risky, but ballads and songs from divas from the 80s and 90s...those are the songs that I grew up with. Those are the type of songs I've been wanting to sing. To choose "All By Myself" was perfect...when you're at the bottom three, you are all by yourself, so it's perfect...bittersweet...emotionally. In that moment, I could feel everything.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted:You seem to have a lot of haters out there online with many people saying Cee Lo should have chosen Angie Johnson in your battle round and then Tony Vincent last week. Why do you think they aren't showing the love for you?
A. Cheesa: My thinking is a lot of the people on the show had careers...they have the following, so, when an underdog who hasn't had that type of following or support...it's difficult because no one really knows me. That's what I think. The competition is different and you're beating favorites.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: Is there anything you plan to do to win them over during your next performance?
A. Cheesa: I'm going to go back to my roots...something that I love...give a tribute to one of my favorite artists. For me, it's going to be a very emotional performance...it's going to be different. It's going to be me, but different. I think this song is going to make people cry, hopefully.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What has been your favorite moment so far this season?
A. Cheesa: Being able to work with Cee Lo and Babyface...just getting that type of feedback from great artists and having them tell you how to handle stuff in the industry...work through it and be confident in yourself. That has to be the most rewarding thing because Cee Lo is one of my favorite artists. It's a great opportunity and I'm just grateful for everything. To be at this point in the competition and at this point in my life, I'm very grateful.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: Is there anything you want to say to your fans out there supporting you?
A. Cheesa: Don't let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do...trust yourself, believe in yourself. There was a point in my life where I was very insecure with myself, but luckily I had great support around me. Keep all of your dreams and keep pushing forward and you'll get to where you want to be.

The Voice airs on Mondays at 8/7c and Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

(Image courtesy of NBC)

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