Nicole Sonnier

Houston is awaiting the upcoming Battle Round for hometown girl Sarah Golden on the NBC singing competition “The Voice”. The premise of the initial “Blind Audition” is that the competitors for the show would be based solely on their vocal ability. In an industry that has been encouraging Golden to change her look, “The Voice” has stood up against the theory that there is a certain look that equals success. As her audition began she was shrouded in the shadows of the stage hidden, not only from the judges, but also the studio and television audiences. Sarah’s voice broke through and captured the audience with Lady Gaga’s “You and I” with a pure and subtle intensity that ramped up as she reached the chorus. Guitar in hand she conquered the song as the judges exchanged glances. The eccentric Cee Lo Green was the first to push his button, followed closely by country music star Blake Shelton. While Green expressed a desire to grow as a producer and try his hand at something new by working with her, Shelton noted the honesty in her voice and advised that he wanted her for more than just an experiment. After a little banter back and forth Golden, giving it to Cee Lo as well as he gives it, she ultimately chose to join the Cee Lo Green team. She is settling into the show and says of her competitors “everybody is a force to be reckoned with.” The singer is enjoying the time spent with the group, especially a rocking jam session. She has been on the Texas music scene for over ten years, releasing the album “Truth” in 2002. She also comes from a musical family with passions that lie in on opera and rockabilly while Sarah found her own place in what she calls “new folk”. She was most certainly influenced by her favorites which include Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams, Trish Murphy, and Shawn Colvin. Her style and personality fit right in with these strong women who each own their distinctive styles. She was drawn to the music and experience of Lilith Fair because of its being geared towards supporting women in music, and women in general. Support has been important in Sarah’s life. She has “gone to the edge and back” while finding the way to define herself on her own terms. She has seen offers come with strings attached – with industry executives encouraging her to wear dresses and grow her hair out. Giving up her identity to secure a record deal was never an option. Her family raised her to “be whatever you are” with the knowledge that they would support her no matter what. Her decision to be the real Sarah Golden has been met with positive responses from all, including the GLBT community. She has been touched by the letters and messages from fans all over stating just how proud they are of her. Sarah also expressed appreciation the NBC has given people like her the opportunity to participate in this type of competition without being judged on appearance. “It’s the coolest thing ever,” she says excitedly. Catch Sarah Golden Monday’s on The Voice, listen to her music at www.sarahgolden.com, follow her at www.twitter.com/sarahmgolden, and like her Facebook page.