Making it to the top 24 of NBC’s the Voice on Team Kelly was just the beginning of Presley Tennant’s career as a solo artist. Not only can Presley sing but her dancing ability deserves an honorable mention. Her attitude and stage presence leaves the audience wanting more and the crowd is absolutely blown away every song Presley sings making it better than the last.
We talked with Presley after her set about her time on the voice, singing with Kelly on stage in Vegas, and about her upcoming music.
Courtesy of Presley Tennant
We sat down with Presley Tennant who was dressed to impress. Her outfit was gold but her singing voice? platinum.
How early did you start preforming? “I think my first performance was when I was seven or eight. But it was really small crowds. I was actually in a girl group when I was younger called the five LPs so when I preformed with them, it was a larger crowd.”
Was there a pinpoint moment for you that you knew you wanted to be an artist?
“I wouldn’t say there was a pinpoint moment. It was more that I gradually fell in love with music. The five LPs really introduced me to this whole side. It definitely led me to fall in love with singing and preforming.”
Who are your musical inspirations?
“In this moment of time – Kelly Clarkson, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Jessie J, and Demi Lovato. Those are my top people.”
Can you tell us a little bit about your time on The Voice?
“My time on the voice was such an amazing experience. It was probably the best thing I have ever done. I’ve gotten so close with so many different, amazing musicians and so many of the kindest and sweetest people. The most genuine people.” Presley gushes, “I’ve definitely learned from them.”
What was it like being on Team Kelly? Did she give you any advice you can share with us?
“The best advice Kelly gave me was, ‘Never take yourself for granted. Work for everything. Don’t stop working because when you do you become settled in your craft and that’s when people are gonna start passing you up.’ “
Do you have a favorite lyric from your song, “You & Me”?
“My favorite lyric…..probably the bridge,” Presley says, “Just because it’s so meaningful.”
What’s one song that can instantly put you in a good mood?
“Probably Bad Reputation by Shawn Mendes. That song always brings me so much joy because during that time I was on The Voice so every time I listen to that song I think back on all those times.”
If you could write with any singer or band who would it be?
“Lady Gaga,” Presley says without hesitance, “She doesn’t have any limits to what she does. Everything is so unique. Most of her songs, if not all of them are so genuine to her and so unique compared to everyone else.”
Was there a reason you chose, ‘Stone Cold’ for your Blind Audition?
“I chose Stone Cold because I felt like I was able to emotionally connect with that song. Vocally I was capable of doing all of it to. I wanted to show that I had range but still have emotion. Show that I can still have that emotional side even though I am only seventeen.”
What’s your dream venue or place to preform?
“That’s such a good question! I wouldn’t say I have a specific place but just preforming in front of a big crowd.”
Who would you love to open for in this time era?
“I would love to open for Jessie J, Demi Lovato or Christina Aguilera. Someone with that powerhouse voice.”
You sang on stage with Kelly Clarkson in Vegas, can you tell us how that was?
“It was on my birthday when I preformed with her! It was definitely awesome. I was there for the finale (of the Voice) and I told her I was going to be at the show and she said, ‘You need to come sing with me,’ and I was like, ‘yeah, that would be awesome,’ and the day before the show she texted me and I was like what is going on! And she asked me what song I wanted to sing, and I was like, ‘Because of You.’
Did you get bad stage freight before going u there and singing in front of all those people?
“Not really. The only specific time I had stage freight was during my blind audition, other than that I just go with the flow and I’m pretty chill and relaxed about it.”
Who was the first person you saw in concert and did that have an impact on your stage presence?
“First person I saw in concert was Kelly Clarkson,” she laughs, “I mean I went to see High School Musical when they went on tour but Kelly was my first real concert. She(Kelly) has definitely been an inspiration to me since I was little. She was on American Idol and won that, so I really looked up to that. It’s really awesome.” Presley goes on to say, “It all came back around. It’s all a full circle.”