‘The Voice’ Contestant Madeline Consoer Recalls ‘Blacking Out’ During Her Audition, Working With Kelly Clarkson and More

Madeline Consoer fulfilled her dream of being a contestant on NBC’s The Voice with a slot on Team Kelly during Season 19. The Nashville resident earned a spot in the Top 17 after wowing the judges and fans at home with several country covers during her time on the show.

Her emotion-filled performances of songs such as Maddie & Tae’s “Die From a Broken Heart” and Lady A’s s “What If I Never Get Over You” earned praise from Kelly Clarkson and fellow coaches Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani and after wrapping up her stint on the competition series, Consoer shows no signs of slowing down.

With plans to release new music on the horizon and newfound confidence from her time on the show, Madeline Consoer is ready to tackle anything. Check out our exclusive Q&A with her below.

What made you decide to audition for The Voice and how did you choose your audition song?

I’ve been auditioning for The Voice ever since I was 15. I’ve always watched the show with my family and dreamed of being on that stage in front of the four coaches. Being able to have the opportunity this year was such a dream come true for me, so I wanted to pick a song that would inspire other girls like me. “Girl” by Maren Morris is such an important song in my life, as I’m sure it is in a lot of other people’s. “Girl” was my first choice, and I’m so lucky I got to sing it.

What was your first thought when Kelly Clarkson turned her chair?

I don’t remember exactly because I for sure blacked out on that stage.. but I know I was so extremely excited. It took everything in me not to completely lose it for the duration of the song. I wanted Kelly from the very start, and for her to turn for me was such a validating moment. I truly will be forever grateful.

What was it like working with Kelly and what’s the best advice she gave you?

It was so fun working with her! She’s seriously JUST like you and me. She’s so kind, and funny. What I love as well, is that she was in my shoes before. She knows exactly how we were all feeling stepping on and off those stages. You get this one song, and this one chance, to sing for your life.. and she understands how stressful and nerve-wracking that can be.

The best piece of advice she gave me was before my knockout round. She told me she knows what it’s like being an artist and wearing this armor on stage so the people watching hopefully can’t peer inside. But she also said “it’s so powerful, to your audience, to be able to chink away at that armor and let them look inside every now again. It sucks that I had to go through what I did, in order to NEED to sing this song… but it’s important to connect to that moment again in order to get my message across.

That hit me hard, and that’s something I’ll take with me for the rest of my career.

https://youtu.be/KzYZFzgLJ1c

Looking back, what was your favorite memory from the show?

My favorite memory was actually right before the first live show.. someone randomly started singing the chacha slide and we all chimed in and started doing the whole dang dance backstage (socially distanced of course)! It was such a light in the mix of a stressful, nerve-wracking day. It was fun to be able to have that moment with everyone as a family.

Did you form any friendships that you think will go beyond the show?

Every single person from this season becomes a part of a new family… but I really became super close with Taryn [Papa], from Team Blake. We bonded immediately and probably hung out, or FaceTimed, every single day. I feel so lucky to be able to have had a friend like her amidst this competition. It’s so easy to feel alone going through something like we did, and I’m lucky to have had her thought the whole thing. Started together, ended together!

What was it like being on The Voice during the pandemic? Were there very strict protocols?

It was an experience for sure! We had to wear masks 24/7 when we weren’t singing and we were tested three to four times a week. There were walls put up in practice rooms so we could practice with our partner during battles. They took every single precaution and I truly felt really safe! I feel like it was almost, in a way, a blessing, because we got more one-on-one time with everyone and we were catered to a little more than normal.

How did it feel performing in front of four of music’s biggest stars, without a live audience?

It’s the most mind-blowing feeling in the world. To have, first off, Kelly CLARKSON, turn for you in the Blinds, and then in Battle rounds have Blake Shelton compliment me the way he did, and then in Knockouts for John Legend and Gwen Stefani to praise me… it’s CRAZY. After my playoff song Kelly AND Gwen both stood up for me, and it’s definitely a memory I will take with me for the rest of my life. I feel amazingly blessed to be able to have had them listen to me sing.

https://youtu.be/WZQPpJrzUrA

Do you plan to keep in touch with Kelly as you navigate your career?

I really hope I can! She’s been such an idol to me my entire life. I value her opinion and advice so much. If she were to reach out and stay connected with me, that would be a whole new level of validation.

What’s next for you?

I have so many things planned! I’m mainly so excited about new music! I have a song in the works to be released on January 6th called “Hate U” that I wrote with a few friends before leaving for LA. I have another song coming out after that I’m absolutely ECSTATIC about, that was written by some absolute legends. I’m so thankful for The Voice for giving me this platform to be able to do what I love and to be able to reach more people with my music.

What is your message to your fans who cheer you on along the way? 

Thank you to every single person for following me along this journey. Thank you to the old and new fans alike. Thank you to The Voice for blessing me with this opportunity. My life will never be the same, and just because my time on the show has ended, this is not the end for me as an artist. It’s just the beginning!

Fans can continue to follow Madeline Consoer’s journey by following her on Instagram, and Twitter.