As another hopeful singer belted out her high note on NBC’s “The Voice,” a hit reality singing competition, senior Joy Johnston was filled with interest. It was two years ago when she first tuned into the show and now, at 17, she might be able to capture the attention of millions.

“The first time I watched ‘The Voice’ I was with my grandparents. My first thought was that I wanted to be on that show one day,” Johnston said. “I enjoy seeing what the talent is like. I love hearing the different types of voices on the show.”

Johnston went to Nashville, Tenn. in February to audition.

“Mrs. (Teresa) Davis is actually the one who told me about the auditions,” Johnston said. “She showed me the website and all of the information.”

After signing up for the audition online, she traveled to Nashville with her family and friends to participate in the extensive audition process.

“Basically, I just got myself ready by singing,” Johnston said. “Since I also have several college auditions for a singing team at Liberty University, it’s all I could really do.”

Johnston used preparation to help her avoid any anxiety before the audition.

“I just thought about the song and the audition and prepared myself for it,” Johnston said. “ If I know that I’m really prepared, then I’m not as nervous.”

Between singing in church and other competitions, Johnston knows how to deal with those pre-show jitters.

“I was just singing solos in church, and then I decided I wanted to become well-known. I started thinking, how am I going to get known? Then, an amazing opportunity popped up with this audition,” Johnston said.

By Alex Ginn