Dayton native Amanda Mikkel is a contestant on Season 30 of NBC’s “The Voice.” Contributed/Warner Bros. Television Group Publicity.
Contributed/Warner Bros. Television Group Publicity
Dayton native Amanda Mikkel is moving on to the next stage of NBC’s “The Voice” after winning her battle-round matchup Monday night.
The 31-year-old singer faced Julia Clark of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in a duet of the Elvis Presley classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” a song selected by their coach, Adam Levine.
“The most important thing about a pairing is to always make it feel compatible,” Levine said. “Like, these two people can sing together, and it’s gonna be a vibe and it’s gonna be good.”
Grammy-nominated artist Alex Warren, known for the chart-topping hit “Ordinary,” joined Levine during rehearsals as a mentor and praised Mikkel’s ability to connect emotionally with a song.
“When I listen to Amanda’s voice, it tells a story,” Warren said. “There’s so much soul. You can tell she’s a vocalist.”
Mikkel said she was thrilled to receive guidance from Warren, whose recent success has inspired her own musical journey.
“Seeing Alex was crazy because he’s a new artist and doing all the amazing things right now, nominated for Best New Artist,” Mikkel said. “We’re literally trying to follow the same path as him.”
A 4-chair turn! Dayton native Amanda Mikkel impresses judges on ‘The Voice’
The 2013 graduate of Stivers School for the Arts also reflected on the personal significance of the song, speaking about the influence of her late mother.
“For me, the song represents an in-and-out-of-love journey I’ve had with music over time,” Mikkel said. “My mom passed away when I was 9. She loved music and was always singing. I feel like music kind of took the place of the grief I didn’t know how to express.”
She added that appearing on the show has reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing music professionally.
“I thought so many times about whether I was making the right decisions, choosing music as my path,” Mikkel said. “So just being able to be here and be present and focus on my gift, focus on my artistry, has been really incredible. Everything I’m working and hustling for is paying off.”
Following the performance, the celebrity coaches offered their critiques, including praise for Mikkel’s blind audition performance of “Moon River,” which aired Sept. 23
“Amanda, you’ve been singing challenging and unusual songs from day one,” Queen Latifah said. “The beauty you put on ‘Moon River’ was just unbelievable.”
“Amanda, I loved what you did in ‘Moon River,’ and then you crushed this one, too,” Riley Green said. “There’s nothing you can’t do.”
Kelly Clarkson also gave Mikkel the edge in the matchup.
“You’re both rad vocalists,” Clarkson said. “I do think Amanda might fare a little better in the competition setting.”
Levine ultimately selected Mikkel to advance, acknowledging that both performers appeared nervous but praising Mikkel’s vocal quality and potential.
“The quality of Amanda’s voice is really stunning and beautiful and pure and ethereal,” Levine said. “Amanda has a lot of potential. She’s gonna have to show it all to us, though, during Cut Week.”
Mikkel said she is determined to prove herself in the next round.
“I’m extremely proud,” she said. “I know that (Adam) said there were nerves that I have to work on. I hope to show him everything I’m capable of during Cut Week. I want to make Adam proud.”
From Stivers to ‘Team Adam’: Dayton singer Amanda Mikkel shines on ‘The Voice’
Season 30 of “The Voice” continues at 8 p.m. Mondays on NBC.
You can follow Mikkel on her social media pages including Instagram and Facebook.