Local resident tries out for ‘The Voice’
Life has a way of putting dreams on hold, but Portola resident Melinda Ross, who is the mom of three, a masseuse and substitute teacher, decided to do something about that.
So when the singing show “The Voice” announced that it would be holding auditions in Reno in late January, she signed up.
Melinda, who graduated from Portola High School in 1999, participated in show choir and band while in school, but has always enjoyed singing opera.
“I sang ‘Think of Me’ from ‘Phantom of the Opera’ for my audition,” she said. “It was something I knew and I was comfortable with it.”
The singers had just 45 seconds to perform without accompaniment in front of one judge and an assistant.
“He’ll cut you off or let you sing your blurb,” she said of the judge. “There were all kinds of songs and genres.”
After all of the singers had performed (there were about 10 in each group) the judge critiqued some performers and handed out red cards to those who would move on to the next round.
While she didn’t receive a coveted red card, Melinda was pleased that she took the chance.
“It was such a great experience,” she said.
Melinda saw the audition announcement on Facebook and then went to “The Voice” website to register for an audition time.
She received an audition pass, a registration number and paperwork from NBC.
She selected 9 a.m. on Jan. 25 and arrived at the Redding Event Center where she joined thousands of other hopefuls. Melinda said she waited in lines and was told to “sit here, move here,” before finding herself in the audition room. Along the way she met a variety of people all hoping to gain a slot on the popular singing show.
Those who would like to appear on “The Voice” can find out about additional opportunities and information on its website. The site contains audition dates, outlines the audition process, and gives some advice such as “Do not come in chicken costumes.”
Those who advance to the next round of competition must be prepared to sing three songs and provide accompaniment, unlike in the first round of auditions.
Though Melinda didn’t have that opportunity this time, she just might try again. Those who watch show know that many of the singers who reach “The Voice” stage share that they have tried out multiple times.
