Photo by Tyler Golden/NBC
Area music lovers and others nationwide have become enthralled with local musician Holly Forbes' performance as part of the 2021 season of "The Voice" on NBC.
Forbes, of Catlettsburg, credits unexpected down time during the Covid 19 pandemic for helping her land a "blind audition" for The Voice's quartet of celebrity coaches.
"This would be my fifth time auditioning for The Voice," Forbes said Friday, explaining stronger during this season's effort.
I think when the pandemic and lockdown happened I really spent a lot of time practicing - livestreaming and working on my voice."
Have You Ever Seen The Rain - Holly Forbes (piano cover) - YouTube
Drops of Jupiter (Train) - Holly Forbes - YouTube
Tough Competition
While Forbes blind audition performance of Elton John's "Rocket Man" earned her a coveted "four chair turnaround," the vocalist is quick to agree she faces a gang of incredibly talented musicians as she advances to the the next stage of competition.
"I yeah, I totally agree with that. There some amazing singers," she said, nervously citing particular concerns about Jeremy Rosado and Wendy Moten.
"Jeremy is incredible and he's my close friend on the show, and Wendy Moten is just amazing," she said.
Forbes said her decision to face the celebrity panel with a rendition of Elton John's song "Rocket Man" was not an especially tough call.
"Elton John has always been one of my favorite musicians. Period. I just thought it was a cool, classic song I could bring my personality to."
Holly Forbes' 4-Chair Turn Performance of Elton John's "Rocket Man" | The Voice Blind Auditions 2021 - YouTube
Team Kelly
Forbes said she is thrilled to have Kelly Clarkson as her coach.
"Kelly ... I just grew up listening to her. I was in Seventh Grade when she was on American Idol," she said.
"It was between her and John (Legend)," she added, pausing before further explaining, "And Ariana (Grande)!! And, I love Blake (Shelton) too!"
Forbes shares a hearty giggle as she explains at least one person, her daughter Violet, was not particularly pleased with her mom's decision to sign up with Team Kelly. Violet, she notes, is a major Ariana Grande fan.
"She watches her all day and goes to sleep watching her," Forbes said, pointing out Violet "was angry - she wanted me to go to Adriana's team."
Next?
"The battles are next," an NBC spokesman said last week, explaining The Voice contestants will pair up to perform duets which will begin the elimination process and ultimately determine this season's champion. Forbes said her duet battle song "has not been officially determined yet."
"The next and final blind auditions will be Monday and Tuesday," the network spokesperson said. "Then, next week the first episode of the battles begin October 8th and 9th. We do not know when Holly will appear next."
Friends and Family
Her participation in The Voice would be practically impossible if not for the support and assistance of a band of friends and family who've come to call themselves "The Village," Forbes said.
"All those people! My parents, Seth's mom and immediate family ... They're very invested," Forbes said.
"It's everything knowing that you have people rooting for you and supporting you," she said, adding she was beyond humbled to receive a flower bouquet from Catlettsburg Mayor Faith Day and members of the city council.
It's amazing. I just love our little town and our Tri-State area," she concluded.
Photo by Tyler Golden/NBC
Story by TIM PRESTON
Carter County Post