by Gina Scarpa

James Wolpert has been quite the nice surprise this season on The Voice. After dropping out of Carnegie Mellon, he went to work at the Apple Store, but had bigger plans. Adam Levine turned around for blind audition, then went on to name him the winner of both the battle and knockout rounds. As he awaits his first live performance, he chatted with us about his experience thus far competing on The Voice.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You're definitely not what the coaches expected when they turned around during the blind audition round. Was that part of the appeal in auditioning?
A. James: I feel like that's kind of the idea of The Voice. People aren't sure what you look like and I think it helps. It's a very honest show and I can attest to the fact that nothing on the show is misrepresented. It's really a show that is mutually beneficial. The artists aren't a vehicle for the show.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: There seems to be a great sense of camaraderie among the contestants, and they're genuinely happy for one another.
A. James: Yes, I'm happy to report that everyone is the greatest person who ever lived. There is a sense of camaraderie, that's a great word for it. We spend far more time hanging out than we do performing.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What has the fan reaction been like?
A. James: Some interesting things have happened. I apparently have a large following in China. People have made fan art. I've gotten a lot of views on some of the original music I've made on my Reverb Nation account. Social media is great for that.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Tell us about your battle against Will Champlin and how you were feeling when you were waiting for the decision?
A. James: If you would've asked me, I would have no idea who I would've picked. Obviously, in Adam's and the coaches - it was split right down the middle, I think. Will blew my mind, he was absolutely incredible. His voice sounded clear and crystal in his upper register. I can't compliment the guy enough. He's an incredibly accomplished musician. The man plays keys like a beast and he writes songs that people will buy.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Making it through the knockout round puts you one step closer to your dreams. What type of music do you see yourself recording?
A. James: Ooh, that's a tough question. I think I'm going to say rock because that's the most broad, umbrella term. I wanna write for so many people and I want to perform with so many people and have all different kinds of experiences.

The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC.

(Image courtesy of NBC)

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