How a Phoenix singer earned a spot on ‘The Voice’
Tori Miller of Phoenix earned a spot on Gwen Stefani’s team Monday night on Season 19 of “The Voice” with her soulful rendition of Keith Whitley’s “When You Say Nothing At All.”
Stefani was the only judge to spin her chair around. “I love your voice,” she told Miller. “I love how calm you are. I was like, ‘Yeah, I want to listen to that. I want to hang out with her.’”
Stefani laughed and added, you’re on Team Gwen. Yay!”
Miller smiled and responded “You’re my queen, so ...,” adding “I always said, ‘I think Gwen and I would get along because we both love a well-placed rhinestone.’”
That line got a lot of laughs from the judges.
“So
Kelly Clarkson told the singer, “I feel like there was a little bit of shakiness but great song and great job. You’re on ‘The Voice.’”
Who is ‘Voice’ contestant Tori Miller?
Shelton referred to Alison Krauss’ hit recording of the Whitley song and told her, “That’s a tough one. I did hear parts of your voice where I could tell she must be an influence on you. And she’s her own one-of-a-kind thing. And you’re one-of-a-kind.”
Then point at Stefani, his fiance, Shelton said, “And so is she. So I’m really excited about this pairing because I think this is the best place for you.”
Although she lives in Phoenix now, Miller lists her hometown as Siloam Springs, Arkansas, where she was raised on bluegrass by a mom who also sings, inspiring her to start performing at a young age.
After high school, she was accepted to Liberty University’s ministry team and spent the next four years traveling the U.S. and Canada as a touring musician.
After graduating, Miller took a break from music to indulge her other love: the rodeo.
She won Miss Rodeo Arkansas in 2016, and later the Rising Star Award, where she was featured in Vogue’s issue on the American cowgirl. After a few year of traveling with rodeos, the 26year-old settled in Phoenix, where she’s focusing on songwriting.
Reach the reporter at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.