Adams County native Aubrey Nicole has moved closer to her goals as a professional singer now that she’s made it to the finale of NBC’s “The Voice.”
On Dec. 1, the first episode of the “Playoffs” premiered, in which singers from Reba McEntire and Michael Bublé’s teams performed, all competing to represent their coach in the Season 28 finale episodes.
Nicole, a member of Team Reba (McEntire), impressed her coach with a soulful cover of Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet,” which ultimately landed her a spot in the finale. During the episode, Nicole cried and hugged her coach, thanking McEntire for choosing her.
After making her decision, McEntire shared just why she chose the 20-year-old.
“I chose Aubrey because she has a way of portraying a lot of emotion,” McEntire said. “That’s what music is supposed to be about. I definitely think Aubrey has a shot to win the whole competition.”
McEntire’s kind words appear to have left Nicole a bit shocked.
“It’s so insane,” Nicole said during a phone interview. “She’s been one of my biggest inspirations for the longest time. To know that she thinks I’m special and could win the finale is crazy. It feels good.”
Nicole’s journey on “The Voice” has been full of twists and turns. Back in October she was almost sent home after a “Battle Round.” Luckily, buzzers went off from both McEntire and another “Voice” coach, Snoop Dogg, indicating she had been saved, and got to choose which coach she went with.
“The experience has been incredible; it’s been a wild ride,” Nicole said. “I lost a battle. I was saved. It’s been a crazy storyline. I’m just glad to be here.”
While competing and pursuing her dream, Nicole made time in late November to return to Pennsylvania, visiting supporters and old friends at Ripleigh’s Creamery in McSherrystown, where she used to work.
“It was so cool,” Nicole said. “I genuinely was not expecting a lot of people to be there. I haven’t been home the whole time I’ve been on the show. I saw a lot of support online, but I didn’t know how many people were going to show up [in person]. I kid you not, it was so busy, I don’t think I ever got to sit down.”
The creamery has been supporting Nicole’s journey from the start. Laura Maring, co-owner of the shop, said this opportunity is “deserved” for the 20-year-old.
“She absolutely deserves it; she has an amazing voice,” Maring said. “Aubrey has a fantastic character, is incredibly kind, and deserves this more than anybody.”
The Season 28 finale will premiere at 9 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16. Nicole says that whether she wins or not, she wants to continue pursuing her dreams by releasing original music and just making her loved ones proud.
“My family is so excited,” Nicole said. “I could not be more grateful; they’ve always been supportive of what I do. This whole experience has not only been incredible for me, but also for them.”
“Thank you to everybody who has supported me this far,” Nicole added. “I want to make everyone proud in the finale, no matter what happens.”
“The Voice” can be viewed on NBC or streamed on Peacock.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.pennlive.com ’
