by Todd Betzold

 

Growing up in the church, De'Borah didn't always feel accepted. When she turned 18, she left the church and lived with her own style and choices. One of those choices was to audition for The Voice and from the moment she took that stage I fell in love. She has a great personality and is so likable and I'm excited to see more of De'Borah. Today, she talked with RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about the church's reaction to her audition, why she chose Christina Aguilera and much more.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What made you initially try out for The Voice?
A. De'Borah: I had no idea about The Voice. My sister signed me up and convinced me to audition in Chicago. And when I say convinced, I mean up until the day of.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: You seemed very confident on stage. What was going through your mind at that time?
A. De'Borah: Looks can be deceiving. I was very nervous and I was actually shaking. What was going through my mind? Just stay calm and finish the song. The way the crowd was so pumped and it excited me, so I was jumping around singing and then out of nowhere, my nerves caught onto me and I got really scared after a while.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What was it like seeing the Blind Auditions on TV and being able to see the judges' reactions on the other side of those chairs?
A. De'Borah: I became an instant fan, seriously. I was sitting there with my mouth completely open. I didn't even know what to say. It's me on TV and that's crazy.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: You shocked many people when you chose Christina over Cee Lo. What made you make that decision?
A. De'Borah: She is one of the voices I heard first in secular music. I spent my life singing gospel music and when I turned 18 I could do anything. I didn't have to do as many church gigs. I was trying to hone my identity. Maroon 5's "This Love" had just come out and right after that "The Voice Within" played, so it shaped me. When Adam didn't turn and Christina did, "The Voice Within" ran straight through me It was like yeah, this is where I need to be.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What's your strategy going into the Battle Rounds?
A. De'Borah: I really don't know what to expect because I know a lot of gospel music. My thoughts were really based around, oh my gosh, what song is coming because I really had no idea.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: You grew up in the church and they weren't accepting of your lifestyle and style in general. What has this experience been like for you so far with being accepted for just being you?
A. De'Borah: Right now, it is bittersweet. There have been some churches that have reconciled with me and I did go and sit down in six services this past Sunday. On the other hand, there have been some churches that have been like if you see this audition, just don't click the link. That was my best friend, who is also a lesbian, and her father is a pastor and he got up on Sunday and preached against my whole audition. Crazy, right?

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What's it feel like seeing your song on iTunes and seeing people buying it and getting all the love on Facebook and Twitter?
A. De'Borah: I believe I became a celebrity overnight. I'm shaking in my boots. The love and support that just showed up out of nowhere is like fuel, its energy for me. I can't wait to see what's next. I don't want to let anyone down.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: Is there anything you would like to add?
A. De'Borah: Dreams do come true. Never stop because dreams definitely come true.

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

Follow Todd on Twitter @tbetzold