It was evident during Sandy Redd’s blind audition for Season 15 of The Voice that she had all the makings of a star. She had the look with her multicolored hair, sparkly attire, and leather shorts under a wild skirt.
She had the high energy and movements to pull off a powerhouse song. And more than anything else, she had the attitude and the pipes to back it up.
And she says she owes it all to her momma. Her mom was a single mother and taught all eight of her children to embrace music. Redd, 35, however, didn’t always aspire to be a career musician. She became a mother at a young age and focused on raising her family.
But after her mother died from lung cancer, Redd decided that life was too short not to pursue your passions. Redd says she and her brothers always dedicate their music to their mother.
“My entire career is centered around making sure my mother’s legacy is felt and to remember her always. This speaks volumes about how much I miss her,” she said.
So, when Redd stepped on stage to perform her version of Bishop Briggs’ “River” she really went for it. So, much so that all four judges ending up fighting over the chance to mentor her.
It took no time at all for judge Kelly Clarkson to slam on her buzzer and whisk around to see the person behind the stunning vocals she was hearing. Jennifer Hudson followed suit, as did Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.
Hudson leaped out of her seat when Redd’s performance was done.
“That was insane,” said Clarkson.
And the rest of the judges agreed, they were all throwing items on stage to try and win Redd over.
“Everybody just sit down. Everybody relax!” Clarkson said.
Redd wound up choosing Hudson to be her mentor as the two would bond from losing loved ones and being from Chicago.
Redd excelled in the competition and put on some stunning performances but was eventually eliminated. Hudson said she was extremely proud of her nonetheless.
“First of all, I’m extremely proud of you in every way,” Hudson said. “I think you’ve handled yourself so well and I love the star that you’ve shown us that you are. I love how you’ve represented our city. I have to say ‘Stand up Chicago,’ I’ve gotta say that.”
Watch Redd’s audition in the video below.
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