The Voice’s Breakout Star
I was a lukewarm watcher of NBC’s The Voice because I do not watch a lot of reality tv. Most of these singing competitions are more about popularity than talent and frankly, I found the whole idea kind of tired. That was until this season.
During the blind auditions in New York, the final contestant was this tall blonde sister woman who blew everyone away with her version of Aretha Franklin’s “Aint No Way.” All four judges turned around for 44-year old Sisaundra Lewis of Orlando, Florida, and she ultimately selected Blake Shelton who has an unmatched string of wins on the show.
Prior to auditioning for The Voice, Lewis had an impressive career doing backing vocals for Peabo Bryson and Celine Dion – she worked with the latter during 5 world tours and also served as her vocal director. The divorced mom of three also worked with Cirque Du Soleil for 10 years in Downtown Disney.
Sisaundra’s humble beginnings
Sisaundra was born info a family of migrant fruit pickers and was raised in church where her dad was a bishop. Unlike most preachers who have children who can sing, Sisaundra’s father was not opposed to her singing secular music because he realized that it would be a way for her to have a better life. She would go on to write songs, sing jingles and perform with the likes of Patti Labelle, Najee, George Duke and many others.
Despite all this experience and undeniable talent, Sisaundra said that she decided to come off the road to focus on raising her children, and it was her 15-year old daughter who convinced her to audition for The Voice which could well be the vehicle that will launch her solo career into a new orbit.
As wonderful as that audition was, she really won me over during the battle round where she was paired with a teammate to perform Lady Gaga’s “Do What U Want” when she hit a note at the end that made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck! ( It happens at 1:39) That other singer never stood a chance.
She also has videos posted on Youtube of her other performances including a cover of Tamela Mann’s” Take Me to the King ” that will have you laid out with emotion.
I love good singing, and I love a comeback story, so I am team Sisaundra all day. You go girl! Keep showing that women over 40 are still in it to win it!
Sisaundra just won the second battle round versus the talented Biff Gore when they squared off on a James Brown classic. They both sang their faces off, but I knew she would prevail because her voice is powerful and she knows how to work the crowd!! Check out the video
Congrats to a formidable talent.
MarvyMDS 