My advice to someone to follow in my footsteps is to have patience. I've been doing this for twelve years.

I was living in Maryland and my first week was dreadful. My first week I actually got into a fight at school

I find I don't need to be polished. I feel that you have to keep it real, and that's the best way to go.

Blind audition format is what make our show unique and gives it so much more integrity. After all, the show is called The Voice. It's about vocals, and you have to stand out to get the attention of these four, Grammy-winning superstars who have an amazing ear and know what they're talking about. They rely on their ear as well as the reaction of fans in the audience to figure out whether that contestant is worth pressing that red button for. It's a great concept which keeps everybody on the edge of their seat.

Also, my mom and family are very important to me and I know that this is not expected.

Because I get nervous all the time. It's weird but I think it's fun and it's refreshing. It's always good to be that way. That keeps me appreciative of everything.

Living in Maryland, I saw that the opportunities were far greater in California than back home.