For Sarah Simmons, music has always been an important part of her life.
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Simmons was surrounded by various genres of music thanks to the members of her family.
“My grandmother got me into listening to Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday,” she told the Daily Times.
“Even though my dad was in and out of my life at the time, he still always influenced me to listen to incredible music— Blind Willie McTell, Son House, Jimi Hendrix, Zeppelin, Crosby, Stills Nash, and Young.”
“My mom liked Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand, so I got a sense of all different styles and learned to appreciate music at a young age.”
When Simmons was in 5th grade, a teacher heard her singing in the bathroom, later encouraging her to perform at a parent-teacher event. “People there told me I had an amazing voice. That started my love of sharing it,” she recalled.
Although she had a passion for music, Simmons opted to go to college in search of a traditional career. While there, a friend told her about The Voice and encouraged her to audition for the show.
When that same friend died in a car accident shortly thereafter, Simmons knew what she had to do. With the support of her college’s president, teachers, and friends, she dropped out of her last year of school and decided to give her musical dreams a shot.
Auditioning for the fourth season of The Voice, Simmons has chosen to perform “One of Us” by Joan Osborne.
Originally written by Eric Bazilian, a member of the Hooters, in an attempt to impress a girl, “One of Us” was released in 1995 on Joan Osborne’s album Relish.
Soaring to the number four spot on the US Billboard Hot 100, the song ultimately earned Osborne three Grammy nominations, becoming a well-known hit.
Although it can seem strictly religious at first glance, “For me, the song was more about what happens to you when you look at something that has completely changed your worldview,” said Bazilian.
When Simmons starts to sing, the entire room is mesmerized.
At first, the judges simply listen— but roughly 20 seconds through when she hits a high note, Blake Shelton and Shakira spin their chairs.
As Simmons hits the peak of the song, her voice does something amazing, forcing the remaining two judges to instantly whip around their chairs.
As he listens from backstage, Simmons’ father is in tears. “Listen to her,” he says with pride.
“That was incredible,” Adam Levine tells Simmons afterward. “You 150% can win the show. I know you can.” Blake Shelton adds that she may be one of the best singers he’s ever heard audition.
But do the other judges agree with their opinion? You’ll have to watch the video to see!
Watch the unforgettable performance below!
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