by Gina Scarpa

When Michelle Chamuel took the stage for the blind auditions of The Voice this season, it was her third time singing for those chairs to turn. She had previously auditioned in seasons 2 and 3, but things didn't go her way. This time around, three chairs turns and Michelle joined Team Usher. She has gone to win both her battle and knockout round, and now awaits the shows. We chatted with Michelle this week about what keeps bringing her back, the toughest part of the competition so far, and what she hopes to gain from her time on The Voice.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: After trying out for The Voice in the past, what brought you back for another shot?
A. Michelle: Good question. On one hand, I'm not a hundred percent is what that drive is to keep trying, but I think some part of me felt like maybe there's a chance I could belong on the show. Every time, there's always something else I could do. The first time, I didn't fully understand what I was trying to get out of being on the show. I just knew I wanted to be a part of it. The second time, I caught the flu right before the blind auditions. I was like, let's give this one more shot.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You were really pursuing your music career hard, and out on the road just about every night.
A. Michelle: I auditioned for the show the second time while still with the band and we were still hitting it pretty hard. We were hoping for that boost of visibility, plus I really wanted to do it. The band actually went on hiatus due to the tiresome nature of hitting in 24 hours a day.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The looks on the judges' faces during your blind audition were pretty amusing. They were definitely trying to figure out who was behind their chairs, and you got three of them to turn around and look. What made you choose "I Kissed A Girl"?
A. Michelle: I tend to like songs with a certain melodic structure and a feeling. Katy Perry is someone to me who is pretty authentically herself. There's a lot of emotion in what she does. Some people write it off but for me, it's there. I also love the co-writers on the track.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Shakira was really making the case for you to join her team, but what made you go with Usher?
A. Michelle: At that moment, it was purely gut. I was listening to everyone talk and it was incredible. Slowly but surely through the confusion and chaos in my head, a very strong feeling came up in my gut. I just knew.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Has he been what you were hoping for in a coach and mentor?
A. Michelle: Absolutely! That and more! He's just so spot on and hard working and attentive. I don't know, I'm so grateful to be working with him.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Of the three rounds you've made it through, which has been the toughest or most stressful?
A. Michelle: Surprisingly enough, I thought it would be the blinds. It's the battles this time! Singing with someone then have them leave was so hard. You get close, you work together, but the point is to win.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What are you hoping to get out of being on The Voice?
A. Michelle: That's another good question. Some of it, I can't even begin to understand. Going on this journey, things change and develop in a way you can't foresee. I'm hoping to make the best out of whatever that is and roll with that. Part of it too is to gain a wider audience and connect with people that are already doing what I love to do. That's two things!

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

(Image courtesy of NBC)

Follow Gina @ginascarpa