Photo courtesy of The Voice
We got to meet Madi Davisbrearlier this year for a feature story on overcoming medical obstacles. ThebrNorth Texas singer, who has suffered from severe hearing loss, wowed us withbrher talent and her drive, and now she’s wowing the nation on NBC’s The Voice. We caught up with Davis for abrfirst-hand look at what it’s like to be on the show and in the spotlight.
Southlake Style: What has been your favorite moment from The Voice so far?
Davis: Therebrmay be too many to decide. Working with Pharrell Williams and Missy Elliot werebrat the top of the list for sure. They were very encouraging and really made mebrfeel special and empowered.
SS:brHas anything surprised you?
Davis: Ibrhad never thought how much fun it was going to be. Being surrounded by fellowbrmusicians has been so exciting.
SS:brTell us about the Blind Auditions. What were some of the emotions you feltbrbefore taking the stage?
Davis: Itbrwas really overwhelming. I remember feeling grateful to be able to audition andbrhopeful for a chair to turn. Just one. That is all I needed.
SS:brHow does it feel to be on Team Pharrell?
Davis: Beingbron Team Pharrell is really perfect. I had originally wanted to be on Team Adambrbut he did not turn his chair. When I watch the Blind Auditions video onbrYouTube, I wonder how I decided to pick Pharrell. Gwen is amazing but there isbrsomething about Pharrell that is calming and convincing. He really speaks frombrthe heart. That feeling is constant in his coaching. I am grateful for himbrpicking me in the Blind Auditions and again on my Battle round.
SS:brIn one word, how would you describe your journey on The Voice?
Davis: Amazing.
SS:brWhere do you find inspiration for your music?
Davis: WhenbrI was younger (middle school) I remember hearing Ed Sheeran and immediatelybrthought “There is good music!” All I had really ever heard up to that point wasbrpop radio. Then I started looking for more good music and found a couple more.brLewis Watson is another early inspiration. When I got my guitar and startedbrwriting, I realized there were amazing female singer-songwriters, too. I foundbrfemale singer-songwriters like Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Tracey Chapman.brThey inspire me every day to continue to write music.
SS:brHow do you prepare before performing?
Davis: Ibrmake a set list and familiarize myself with the songs, some tea and honey ifbravailable and then warm up if it is early in the day. For the Blind Auditions,brI had some tea and honey, went over the song in my head, then warmed up with mybrvocal coach, Peter.
SS:brYou've overcome many challenges due to hearing loss. What motivated you to keepbrpushing forward?
Davis: Itbris really one of my earliest goals that I set. I have wanted to audition for abrshow like this since I was six years old. I remember crying when I was youngerbrbecause I figured out I would have to wait to audition longer than I had beenbralive. My family also helped me stay on track. Their support was and is verybrimportant to me.
SS:brYou were a patient of Dr. Bob (click here for the story) for years and attribute some of your success tobrhim. Do you still keep in touch with him?
Davis: Dr.brBob is amazing. I am grateful for my McKinney doctors, Dr. Rafi and Dr.brChamblee for recommending him. They all worked together to help me make thebrbest decision on when to have the surgeries. I don't think I could do what I ambrdoing today without his expertise. I still have to go back for regular visitsbrso we have been able to stay in touch. He has been reaching out to our familybrrecently for updates on the show. I hope he knows how much I appreciatebreverything he has done for me. He has said that if I make it to the live showsbrhe wants to come out to L.A.
SS:brWhat would you like to say to your fans?
Davis: Thebrresponse after the Blind Auditions has been amazing. I would like to say thank you!brEveryone has been so supportive. Please continue to watch The Voice to see how I do. Fans can also say hi online – my Twitterbrand Instagram are @madiannedavis.
SS:brAnything else you'd like to add?
Davis: Tobrkeep up on my progress on The Voice,bryou can follow my social media and check out MadiAnneDavis.com. I made itbrthrough the Battle Rounds. Pharrell picked me to continue on his team. Thatbrmight have been the hardest part of the show for me yet. It was so much fun tobrget to know and work with Sydney Rhame on Riptide and I’m really sad to see herbrgo. I will miss her. I now move on to Knock Out rounds. Please tune in to see The Voice on NBC every Monday at 8/7c andbrTuesday at 9/8c.