Michelle Moonshine finally got her chance to audition for “The Voice.”
Six years ago, the 28-year-old singer from Salt Lake City — who has been performing since she was 18 —planned to try out for the show. But right before she was going to fly out, she found out she was pregnant.
“I had this really great opportunity, and I couldn’t do it,” Moonshine said in a clip that aired during Monday night’s episode of “The Voice.” “That time was very, very difficult for me. But there are a few things that made it worth it. I was able to spend all day with Liam (her son), and when he would go to bed at night, I would go play music. So I got to have the best of both worlds.”
When her son was born, though, Moonshine said she couldn’t just play every gig or play for free — especially when the father left the picture when their son was 2. Now, the singer has the support of her partner, Andrew, who was able to take part in Moonshine’s audition virtually.
“I did quite often think that I would have to give music up,” Moonshine said.
Years later, the singer said things have come “full circle,” as she was finally able to take the stage to perform for “Voice” coaches Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend. The singer — who describes her music as a mix of country, bluegrass and rock ‘n’ roll — performed a rendition of James Taylor’s “Carolina in my Mind.”
No one turned for her, but Moonshine still made quite an impression on the judges.
“This isn’t cool that nobody turned around, and I hate that. I love that song, and I love your voice on that song,” said Shelton, adding that he thought Moonshine had been just a little timid during her performance. “I didn’t hit my button, and I’m sorry.”
Stefani — who announced her engagement to Shelton on Tuesday — said it was sometimes hard to understand Moonshine, but that she thought the singer was “heartfelt.”
“I love what you do,” Stefani said. “I thought there was a lot of good things about it.”
While Clarkson wished Moonshine would’ve showcased her voice more, the former “American Idol” winner had praise for her style.
“Your tone is really peaceful and it feels like home, and it’s really sweet,” Clarkson said. “Thank you so much for coming.”
According to Facebook, Moonshine has a gig at Gracie’s in Salt Lake City Wednesday night. The singer is one of many Utahns who have competed on “The Voice.” Most recently, 16-year-old Tate Brusa from Salt Lake City made a run on this past season of the show before being eliminated during the Knockout round.