A cup of organic tea. Herbal throat spray. A pep talk from her mom, Gina.
That’s the warm-up routine for Hailey Mia Osorio, clearly a winning preparation as the 14-year-old Clifton singer advanced to the semifinals of NBC’s “The Voice” on Tuesday.
“It feels amazing to have made it this far on the show,” Hailey told NJ Advance Media this week. “I’m so grateful and proud of everything that I’ve accomplished, and I never thought that I would have even made it this far. Being here, working with Ariana (Grande) and Kelly (Clarkson) has just been surreal.”
A longtime fan of the TV competition, Hailey was finally old enough to audition, which aired in September as Season 21 kicked off. She didn’t waste the opportunity, stunning superstar coaches Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande with her memorable rendition of Tate McRae’s 2020 hit “You Broke Me First.” Megastars John Legend and Blake Shelton, who are also coaches on the show, have spoken highly of Mia’s performances as well.
Both Clarkson and Grande swung their chairs around and complimented Hailey, then just 13, on her vocal control. She ultimately chose Grande as her coach but — after not receiving enough votes in early November — survived only after Clarkson used her only “instant save” to keep her on.
Hailey did garner enough votes Tuesday and broke into the Top 8, from an original cast of 48 singers who survived the blind audition process. She will perform Monday for a chance to make it into the final round.
“Seeing this kind of response, people not just in New Jersey but everywhere, being supportive of me has been the best feeling,” Hailey said. “I’ve seen people who really just enjoy my singing, nothing more nothing less. I really want to inspire young people and people everywhere.”
Hailey, who was born and raised in Clifton, graduated from Clifton Public School 14 in the city. She currently attends Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne. The school has allowed Hailey to take classes while she’s filmed “The Voice” at Universal Studios in Hollywood.
On Thursday, she discussed preparations for Monday’s live show, including rehearsals, vocal lessons and three hours of classes online.
“I wish I could say how I balance it all,” she said, laughing. “In my mind, it’s all just fun. It’s making me who I want to be in the future and that’s how I look at it every day.”
Hailey, a pop aficionado, said she’s a fan of Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Grande and Clarkson. While she likes to lean more toward pop, she said she’s also enjoyed experimenting in different styles. That was evident during “Challenge Week” on Monday, when she performed Kelsea Ballerini’s “Peter Pan” — a song Clarkson suggested. She’s also sung Christina Perri’s “Jar of Hearts,” The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You” and Sia’s “Elastic Heart” while on the show.
“I think I’ve improved as a singer since I began on the show,” noted Hailey, the youngest performer left competing. “In confidence and in controlling my voice even more, being more strategic about the next note. I’ve become much more aware of what I want to do, and this opportunity has helped me grow as an artist.”
Hailey, who plans to pursue singing as her full-time career, said she is currently taking a vocal class in high school. Her advice to up-and-coming singers is to follow their heart and remember to have fun.
“My hopes for Monday are to give my best performance,” said Hailey. “Hopefully America votes me through again Tuesday, and I can still be here, and I can show everyone I’m worthy of winning this competition.”
Season 21 of “The Voice” began Sept. 20. The next episode airs Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Steven Rodas may be reached at srodas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him @stevenrodasnj.
Ad Choices