Jess’s Team Pick: “The Voice” Introduces Talented Lesbian Singer-Songwriter Vicci Martinez

You guys. Did you catch the premiere of The Voice last night? Pitched as a rival for American Idol, The Voice‘s gimmick lies in that the judges/coaches (Christina Aguilera, Cee-Lo, Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine and Blake Shelton) sit in rotating chairs facing away from contestants during their first audition. Only when a singer is chosen by the judges will that judge finally get to turn around and actually watch the performer.

Anyway, about 15 minutes in, out walks Vicci Martinez, an incredibly talented 26 year-old blues/folk/rock singer-songwriter from Tacoma, Washington rocking her cute haircut, military boots, white t-shirt and vest. Oh yes, a gay. Before taking the stage, Martinez told an emotional story of how she came out to her religious parents when she was 16-years-old. She also mentioned that her father passed away five years ago.
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Her killer performance of Adele‘s “Rolling in the Deep” left Christina Aguilera vying to represent her, but Vicci eventually chose to be coached by Cee-Lo.
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After two minutes perusing the Internet, I learned she actually tried out for the very first season of American Idol back in 2002 – and won the regional tryouts – but declined the invite to the second round due to her belief that the contract was too restrictive. Over the past few years she has also opened for Sting, Annie Lennox, Jonny Lang, Avril Lavigne and released SIX albums.
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Vicci performing an original song, “Fire In Her Eyes”
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The show featured homosexual number two: blues/soul musician Beverly McClellan, throwing around major shades of Janis Joplin. Beverly chose to be repped by X-Tina.


As the weeks go on, the public will vote on who wins the $100,000 and Universal record deal. So, will you continue to watch and vote for Vicci and Beverly as they advance in the competition?in the competition?

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Jess

Jess is a pop culture junkie living in New York City. She enjoys endless debates about The L Word, Howard Stern, new techy gadgets, DVR, exploring the labyrinth of the Lesbian Internet, memoirs, working out, sushi, making lists, artsy things, anything Lady Gaga touches, traveling, puppies, and nyc in the fall. Find her on Twitter @jessxnyc or via email.

Jess has written 240 articles for us.

25 Comments

  2. Last night was the first time I watched reality tv in a long time, and I’m super excited about Vicci. Is there any word on the potential gayness of Beverly McClellan?

  3. I LOVED this. I think The Voice will be much more popular than Idol with younger people; it was blowing up on Twitter and ONTD. AND we met Beverly’s girlfriend! Vicci & Xenia were my favorites.

  4. Does Blake Shelton talk very much? Because this show seems like it’d be right up my alley, but I really can’t stand him at ALL.

      • Aww, man. I was really hoping maybe he would just sit there. :/ What the eff is he doing on a show about singing talent, anyways? He doesn’t have any! Blergh.

    • He talks a LOT (nothing actually funny or clever, of course). So does Adam Levine, ugh. Why can’t it just be the Cee-Lo and X-tina show?

      • I don’t mind Adam Levine for the most part… He’s just not really on my radar, I guess? But I can’t stand Shelton, so if he seriously never shuts up I might have to sit out this one. :/

  6. I really liked this show! Sooo much better than the other reality shows, my favorite! and yess vicci and beverly! made it 100,000,000 times better ! soo happy!

  7. I’m pretty sure Christina Aguilera wanted to “do” Vicci. Christina was cleary giving her “the eye” and appeared to be blushing while the two were talking.

    Also, I would like to note the difficulty of “playing along” with this show. I cannot look away from the TV for more than like 30 seconds at a time.

        • Me too!! I was just going to write the same comment… interesting indeed, Christina!!

          Vicci reminds me of Brandi Carlile a little bit – kinda her look and her voice too somehow… another Washington cutie.

  8. My sensors went *PING* when Vicci went on. Girlfriend is cyoot!

    They made her seem a lot younger and more inexperienced than 26 yrs old and 6 records deep. I just watched the video of her original song and I love how she is so physical with her performance. And her VOICE, mhm. I am definitely a fan.

  9. YAY! Thank for for posting this!
    I was definitely intrigued by the premise of this show, but I don’t really watch TV, so didn’t tune in. They are both awesome!

  11. I’m thrilled about Vicci! I still listen to a her acoustic album I bought at a show years ago. She’s amazing.

  12. Beverly gets a MILLION extra credit points for saying “i’m gonna do Christina” on national TV.. WIN!!

  13. I think Vicci is very talented and absolutely gorgeous, but damn. Watching Beverly sing got me all teary-eyed.

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