Tacoma, Wash., native singer/songwriter Vicci Martinez, 26, may measure less than 5'4", but she's a stick of dynamite exploding all over the country now that NBC's The Voice has lit her flame. I've interviewed Martinez about four times now and her expansion from local celebrity to national and even international status leaves me grinning from ear to ear upon recollection of earlier times.
Martinez walked out on American Idol after they asked her to transform herself into something she, well, simply wasn't. Parlay that unfortunate experience with a successful stint on Star Search and you have a talented act waiting to erupt.
Partnering with The Voice was a strategic move by Martinez's management team to get her flavor, style and talent out to the world in the way only she would agree to … on her own terms.
I emailed Martinez a few interview questions and the busy gal was able to respond within a couple of days from Sweden. She was sitting next to The Voice contestant Beverly McClellan at a BBQ—a true testament to her spunky spirit and enormous heart.
Thank you, Vicci, for taking the time. Rock on.
Windy City Times: A lot has changed since our last WCT interview! For one, you were on a very successful singing competition show, The Voice, in which you chose showstopper Cee-Lo Green to be your mentor over the buxom Christina Aguilera. What went into making that decision?
Vicci Martinez: [Laughs] Good question. I actually was talked into it by my managers. ... They were contacted by the show and asked to convince me to at least try out! They knew about the American Idol stuff [where they wanted me to change my appearance to be allowed to compete in L.A.].
WCT: The Voice played host to quite a few LGBT talents in its premiere season. There were you, Beverly McClellan, Nakia and Tyler Robinson. [Editor's note: The interview with Robinson is at www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php; How did it feel to be a part of such a groundbreaking event on television?
VM: Sooooo comfy! We were all just being ourselves and all of us were adamant on being ourselves. [Laughs] It worked!
WCT: Did you have to fight with the powers-that-be in any capacity to be yourself—gay and all—on television, or was it an accepting atmosphere?
VM: Nope! It was soooo accepting!
WCT: Your renditions of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep," Dolly Parton's "Jolene" and Florence + the Machine's "Dog Days Are Over" were out of this world. Have you received any feedback from the original artists?
VM: [Laughs] I found out Florence loved the rendition, but that's it. Maybe they are too busy to watch a talent show…
WCT: Now that you're through with L.A. [at least for the competition], where are you headed next?
VM: The world! I've been to Sweden, New York City and Los Angeles, and I don't know where next. I'm living out of suitcases at the moment.
WCT: There is a tour coming up that includes other talented singers from the show. How are you gearing up for the road?
VM: Making sure we make it a PARTY! I'm so excited to see everyone!
WCT: You've toured in the past, but this time will be a little bit different (one would imagine) because of the popularity surrounding The Voice. Is there anything extra-exciting in store this time around?
VM: It's a BIG show, BIG production. ... The sparkly pants will be out!
WCT: Going forward, are there any first-season contestants from The Voice you'll keep in touch with post-show and tour?
VM: [Laughs] EVERYONE! We love the f*** out of each other. At this moment, I'm at a BBQ with Emily Valentine and Beverly Mclellan. I love it.
WCT: Anything behind-the-scenes you can share with us about being on the show?
VM: Of course. ... One time I had to have my underwear cut into a thong while they were on me … ssshhh ... I was wearing white pants and I brought black granny panties and the stylist Erin Hirsh was like…WTF??!! So she cut them into a thong!
The Voice tour stops by the Rosemont Theatre Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 8 p.m. Visit www.LiveNation.com .
