NMU student Karlee Metzger is pursuing her musical passion and ambitions as a contestant on NBC’s The Voice. She advanced through the blind auditions Monday night with her rendition of Samson by Regina Spektor. Judges Blake Shelton and Miley Cyrus turned their chairs at the last second, vying to have her join their teams. Metzger selected Cyrus as her coach.

According to her introductory video, Metzger’s family moved frequently because of her dad’s job. She said music was her escape from struggles making new friendships and insecurities related to teasing about her weight. She sang at every sporting event and school talent show. When one of her friends encouraged her to sing at a local bar near NMU last February, it was Metzger’s first performance outside of school. She is a business major.

“But music has always been first for me,” she said. “In Michigan, there aren’t very many opportunities. So I post a lot of videos on YouTube and I was able to see my potential and that it wasn’t just a hobby; it was something I wanted to make a living on. I feel like this show has given me an amazing opportunity to show people I can do this.” 

Metzger no doubt performed before a large viewing audience Tuesday. The program served as a lead-in to the first presidential debate. To see her audition on The Voice, click here. Metzger’s segment is at about the 28-minute mark.