One of the greatest “Voice” artists of all-time, Ms. Kimberly Nichole, was the recent artist to tackle “The Five Question Challenge.” (Photo property of NBC & UnitedArtists Media Group)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The moment that Kimberly Nichole belted out the first few notes of “Nutbush City Limits” on The Voice: Season Eight, I instantly became a fan of her work!
While she may have lost her Battle Round with former Team Pharrell teammate Lowell Oakley, she found new solace in the form of her new mentor: the one and only Christina Aguilera.
Throughout the competition, Christina challenged Kimberly and the Seattle native delivered outstanding performance-after-outstanding performance as her covers of “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,” “What’s Up,” “The House of Rising Sun” and “Creep” set the standards for future Voice artists.
While Ms. Nichole may have been eliminated two weeks before the finale, the NYC transplant took her rightful place at the top of The Voice pantheon as one of the best rockers who has ever appeared on the NBC singing competition.
In this edition of The Five Question Challenge, Kimberly opened up about the similarities and differences between Christina and Pharrell’s coaching styles and shared her thoughts on why The Voice’s decision to not post her performance of “Dirty Diana” did not lead to her departure from the show.
Jacob Elyachar: When did you get interested in music? How did that passion evolve into a desire for a career in the music industry?
Kimberly Nichole: I have been singing since I was a little girl in Seattle. My mother is a singer – she had my sister and I perform at a very young age – it started in the church. I always knew I was an artist – and it is always been my dream to touch people through my artistry.
JE: What were some of the similarities and differences that you encountered with working with both Christina and Pharrell on “The Voice”?
KN: Both Christina and Pharrell are extremely passionate about music and want to bring out the best in you. Christina definitely was a perfect match for me – she’s an incredible vocalist – like one of the best and she is a performer as well. I learned so much from her – she pulled out the very best in me and always said there was so much more in me that no one had seen yet. It was a dream to work with both of them during my time on the show.
JE: One of your best performances on the show was your cover of “Dirty Diana.” A lot of fans were forced to watch the performance on different YouTube channels when “The Voice” did not put it up on their main channel. Were you worried that you were going to be in the Bottom Two because of “The Voice’s” decision not to post that performance?
KN: “Dirty Diana” is one of my favorite songs to cover. I have performed it for years with my band in NYC. I do not think my being in the bottom had anything to do with the song not being on YouTube. It’s a TV show and a singing competition things happen that people do not predict and things happen that people do predict. I’m just grateful that I was able to be my true self, show my art and every single performance I gave it my all… I have no regrets. I’m grateful to have made it to the Top 6.
JE: Who are some of your dream collaborators?
KN: I would love to work with Slash, Jack White, Dave Grohl, Danger Mouse and Linda Perry.
JE: If you had the chance to meet with aspiring musicians who want to have a career in the music industry, what advice would you share with them?
KN: Always be true to who you are…find your “voice” and be it. Think outside of the box-allow your personality, your artistry to shine through and be fearless!
To learn about Kimberly Nichole, visit her website!
Kimberly is also on social media! You can follow her journey on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube.
I do not own the videos that are featured in this article. The videos belong to NBC and United Artists Media Group.
