Who is Elyscia Jefferson? Former 'American Idol' singer seeks to work with 'The Voice' 'female' coach after spending years singing with uncles
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Elyscia Jefferson, a 20-year-old singer from Baltimore who travels and plays widely with her family's band, quickly impressed numerous 'The Voice' Season 25 Coaches with her rendition of Michael Jackson's 'P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing).' She also stated in her introduction packet that she was particularly excited to work with a "female" coach after spending so many years singing with her uncles.
Elyscia released her debut song 'Nobody Else' in 2019 at the age of 16. It's a song she and her uncle created about finding that particular someone.
Elyscia followed up with another single, 'Quarantine (Stay Inside!)' in 2020, and then released a seven-song album, "Elyscia Live," in January. The project was recorded in her basement.
And here's a treat: She's uploaded a 26-minute video of the endeavor to YouTube. On Valentine's Day, Elyscia shared a charming interpretation of Elvis Presley's 'Can't Help Falling in Love.'
She comes from a musical family. Her father, Elliott Jefferson, is a composer and producer.
According to her site profile, Elyscia began singing in church at the age of three, realized music was her life's passion by the age of seven, and began piano lessons in fifth grade. Elyscia plays in a family band with her father and four uncles.
Their name is Sound Connection, and they travel throughout the world playing at events.
Chance the Rapper was the first to compliment Elyscia's audition, which contained a fresh new arrangement of the classic song and plenty of notes that highlighted her vocal range. "I really like your tone," he said.
"That was a crazy arrangement of 'P.Y.T.,' and I want to be there to support you in picking the songs and just showing America and the rest of the world who you are. You can really only do that on Team Chance."
Backstage before her audition, Elyscia mentioned two Coaches as major influences and individuals she'd want to work with: John Legend and Reba McEntire. While John did not turn, Reba did, and she knew precisely what to say to her potential new teammate.
"The way you perform on the stage, you're very at ease, you're comfortable," she said. "I'd love to work with you so much because there's so many things that I can help you with. You inspire me. You're young and you're incredibly talented."
.@elysciasings has us ALL grooving with her rendition of "P.Y.T" by @MichaelJackson 🎶 #TheVoice pic.twitter.com/wlSWcPGbTX
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) March 12, 2024
John Legend regrets not turning for 'The Voice' Season 25 singer Elysica Jefferson
Despite rapid turns from Reba, Dan + Shay, and Chance, she couldn't quite win over John Legend, who listened patiently until the finish of the song before regretting his decision.
When it was John's turn to speak with Elyscia, he said that he considered turning his chair, but realized that the opportunity had probably gone, especially because three other coaches had already offered positions on their teams.
"I was ready to turn after a while, but then I was like 'I'm too late,'" John said. "I regret it. I'm sad."
Which coach did 'The Voice' Season 25 singer Elysica Jefferson pick?
Elyscia ultimately chose Reba as her Coach based on her instincts from backstage." Any time Reba beats you, you're kinda just like, 'I understand. I see what's happened here." Chance stated once the audition was over.
Elysica Jefferson made it to 'American Idol's 'Showstopper round
Elyscia is a teenage singer-songwriter from Baltimore, Maryland, who previously released songs. She also has singing competition experience, having auditioned for 'American Idol' in 2021, albeit none of her performances were broadcast.
Elyscia announced on Instagram that she made it to the Showstopper round (Top 40), which takes place at the end of Hollywood Week. According to her online site, Elyscia has supplied background vocals for Jennifer Hudson and Regina Belle.
She also performed in a Ladies of Soul tribute event, covering Anita Baker's tunes. Her music falls across numerous genres, including R&B, pop, hip-hop, and inspirational. Elyscia has 19,000 followers and over 400,000 likes on TikTok.
'The Voice' Season 25 airs on NBC at 8 pm on Mondays and 9 pm on Tuesdays. The episodes will be available on Peacock on demand the next day. The streaming site also includes entire episodes from the show's prior seasons.
