Boston native Mary McAvoy celebrated her 35th birthday with an unexpected surprise: an invitation to audition for NBC’s “The Voice.”
Initially skeptical, she soon found herself tapping into her musical dreams. By June, the University of New Hampshire alumna had recorded a captivating taped blind audition, belting out Jessie Ware’s “Say You Love Me.” Just seconds into her performance, Snoop Dogg’s chair spun around in a display of fervent approval.
“Oh my God,” Snoop exclaimed, slamming the red buzzer and instantly drafting McAvoy to Team Snoop. Michael Bublé followed suit, creating a thrilling moment she’ll never forget, captured on video and shared across the internet.
McAvoy’s mom, overcome with emotion, embraced host Carson Daly, while Snoop joyfully raised his arms, encouraging her to “sing it” and “hold that note, girl!”
Reba McEntire, another judge, intended to let Snoop or Bublé snag McAvoy before “stealing” her later in the competition. Gwen Stefani, while acknowledging some pitch adjustments were needed, praised McAvoy’s performance, stating the issues were coachable.
Snoop, deeply impressed by McAvoy’s talent and stage presence, offered her a spot on his team. “I don’t have many selections left,” he confessed, “but … I’m willing to gamble on you. And I hope you’re willing to gamble on me because I bring a lot to the table as far as a coach.”
Bublé countered with a handcrafted macaroni necklace, but ultimately, McAvoy chose Snoop’s outstretched blue towel emblazoned with “Team Snoop,” confirming her connection with the legendary rapper.
The D-o-double-g, adorned McAvoy with a silver chain, asserting in a playful aside that he chose her because “I love the way she sounds … It’s holy matrimony versus holy macaroni.”
Ecstatic, McAvoy described the experience as “amazing.” She felt a genuine connection with Snoop and admired his coaching style.
McAvoy’s journey has been one guided by passion and perseverance. Growing up, she indulged her love for singing secretly, locally recognized for her talents in Walpole High School’s chorus and jazz choir.
While pursuing her education at the University of New Hampshire, she blossomed in the world of a capella, finding her voice and fostering her artistic growth.
After graduation, McAvoy navigated different career paths while maintaining her singing aspirations. The stage beckoned, luring her to perform in Boston venues and eventually, leading her to join a wedding band, “Boss,” supercharge her performing skills.
Last summer, a pivotal moment arrived when she shared the stage at the Cape Cod Melody Tent with Heart’s Nancy Wilson. It was an experience that fueled her ambitions and propelled her towards the “big leagues.”
McAvoy’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians, proving that dedication and talent pave the way to fulfilling lifelong dreams.
Catch this New England talent on Monday nights on NBC, and follow her musical journey.
Interview between Time.News Editor and Vocal Coach Angela Simmons
Time.News Editor: Welcome, Angela! Thank you for joining us today. I’m sure many of our readers are excited to hear about the recent buzz around Mary McAvoy, the Boston native who had a life-changing moment on NBC’s “The Voice.” What was your first impression when you heard about her blind audition?
Angela Simmons: Thank you for having me! Mary’s story is truly inspiring. It’s wonderful to see someone embrace their passion at any stage in life. Her audition highlights the potential for unexpected opportunities, especially when we’re willing to step out of our comfort zones. Singing Jessie Ware’s “Say You Love Me” is a bold choice, and it clearly paid off!
Time.News Editor: It sure did! Snoop Dogg’s immediate reaction was priceless—he spun around and slammed that red buzzer. How significant is that first impression during an audition like this?
Angela Simmons: First impressions in auditions are everything! The initial few seconds are crucial for coaches to gauge a performer’s vocal ability, style, and stage presence. Mary not only delivered a powerful vocal performance but also captured the essence of the song emotionally, which likely resonated with Snoop and Michael Bublé. Their instant feedback is a testament to how important it is to make that emotional connection.
Time.News Editor: Snoop mentioned that he wanted to “gamble” on Mary because he felt she brought a lot to the table. What do you think is included in that “gamble” in the context of a coaching relationship?
Angela Simmons: Great question! Snoop’s gamble is about investing time and resources into an artist he sees potential in. It’s about trust and belief in that artist. For Mary, it’s about allowing herself to be vulnerable, taking feedback, and being open to growth. Coaches have different styles, and Snoop brings a unique blend of artistry and fun to the table, which could help Mary evolve in her own way.
Time.News Editor: Reba McEntire’s strategy of letting Snoop or Bublé grab her, only to swoop in later, adds an exciting twist. What can you tell us about the competitive dynamics among coaches on “The Voice”?
Angela Simmons: The dynamics are fascinating! Coaches often have their eye on the same talent, which can create tension but also excitement. Each coach has a unique approach to mentoring—they have different musical backgrounds and styles. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage for the competitors, as they can learn various elements from each coach. Reba’s strategy showcases the tactical nature of the game: it’s not just about talent but also about strategy.
Time.News Editor: Absolutely! Gwen Stefani’s feedback pointed out that while there were pitch adjustments needed, she ultimately praised Mary. How important is it for artists to receive constructive criticism, especially in such a public setting?
Angela Simmons: Constructive criticism is vital for any artist, especially in a competitive setting like “The Voice.” Public feedback, particularly from established artists like Gwen, can be daunting but also incredibly beneficial. It can help performers identify areas for improvement and challenge them to rise to the occasion. The key is to remain receptive rather than defensive—this is how growth happens.
Time.News Editor: Lastly, what do you think is next for Mary now that she’s on Team Snoop? What do you foresee as her biggest challenges and opportunities ahead?
Angela Simmons: Being on Team Snoop is an incredible opportunity! She’ll have the chance to hone her craft under his guidance. However, the challenges will come from the rigorous competition and the pressure to continuously improve. Mary’s focus should be on refining her vocal technique and developing her unique artistry while remaining authentic to herself. If she can balance those elements, she not only stands to go far in the competition but also to grow significantly as an artist!
Time.News Editor: Wonderful insights, Angela! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. We can’t wait to see how Mary’s journey unfolds on “The Voice.”
Angela Simmons: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to watching her grow and hopefully inspire others along the way!