After winning April 2nd’s Knockout Round with “American Honey,” Jackie prepares for what’s next.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vhgikvzGkA
Keeping up with her three-win streak, West Chester’s Jackie Verna won April 2nd’s Knockout Round on NBC’s”The Voice” with “American Honey” by Lady Antebellum. This song offered her the chance to explore her range, beginning softly, then belting strong, high notes.
“I was super excited to sing it because I’ve always loved the message in that song,” Jackie says. “In that moment, I wanted to take it all in because I needed to remember everything. It was so surreal.”
Jackie battled against teammate Drew Cole with his rendition of “Slow Hands” by Niall Horan. Though Coach Adam Levine said that “there is no right choice,” he declared Jackie the winner of the round.
“Jackie’s voice sears. It has impact, but it’s not harsh,” Adam said. “It’s really beautiful. I’m so excited to have a country artist.”
But it wasn’t over for Drew. Adam saved him right after choosing Jackie, so both teammates will be moving on to the next round.
“I really look up to Drew as an artist,” Jackie says. “When he got saved, I was screaming backstage! It was a very special moment.”
The Road Ahead
Photo Credit: NBC
Jackie has since returned to Los Angeles, California for the upcoming Top 24 Round. Only this time, the stakes will be much higher.
“From now on, we’re gonna be broadcasting live,” Jackie says. “It’s a new aspect for us. You feel like you only get one shot because it’ll happen in real time.”
After the Knockout Rounds conclude this week, the Top 24 Round will begin the week after. But unlike the other rounds, contestants will be cut more often, whittling down the singers to Top 12, 10, eight, and finally four when the semi-finals are aired.
Jackie’s anticipating these higher stakes, and she’s eager to perform on a bigger stage, as well.
“I’ve grown tenfold since [the Blind Auditions] and what I thought I couldn’t do before is now attainable,” she says. “Now it’s up to America to decide if I stay on!”
Plans After “The Voice”
Photo Credit: NBC
Regardless of the outcome, Jackie doesn’t plan to give up music any time soon. She has found her niche as an artist — she is a self-identified “poultry” singer.
“I said it as a joke to Jordan [Smith] the other day,” Jackie laughs. “It’s a mix between pop, soul, and country. But I’ve gotten so many Tweets saying it’ll be the newest genre!”
She says that “The Voice” has provided so much exposure for every contestant this season, and she will continue to take advantage of future singing opportunities.
“It would be great to start performing in more places,” she says. “Maybe I could even go on tour!”
But before she travels nationwide, she would love to spend time with her family and friends in West Chester.
“LA is great, but it can be big and scary,” she says. “West Chester is so tiny and cute. I really miss the college town feeling throughout it.”
Stay Tuned
Photo Credit: NBC
Although Jackie couldn’t say what song she had chosen for the Top 24, she’s thrilled to be performing it, calling it a “great throwback.”
“I love the song and I love the artist!” she says. “I’m so excited!”
NBC’s “The Voice airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 8pm.
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