Springfield teen to audition for television hit ‘The Voice’

Harmony Brown couldn’t have been blessed with a more appropriate first name for her aspirations.

The 18-year-old Springfield resident is hoping she’s in harmony with the producer of “The Voice” when she auditions for the hit reality television singing competition on Saturday, Feb. 16 in Nashville.

Brown will have a cheering section back here during her 2 p.m. audition with a group of nine other candidates. If she passes, Brown will audition again the following day, which, if successful, could result in an invitation to Los Angeles to the competition in the coming weeks.

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“I’m trying to find my pocket, to figure out what I want to do, where to go and get connected and I hope this is a move in that way,” Brown said.

Brown is used to interesting journeys, having lived in Zambia and Costa Rica with her missionary family, learning music at the encouragement of brother Zachary, and getting hooked on singing in her grandparents’ church.

She’s not an unknown to Springfield audiences, having earned a first place, two seconds and a third with her brother as a duo at Springfield’s Got Talent competitions in recent years.

Brown has also performed in local productions, and sang the National Anthem at Clark State Community College’s commencement ceremony and basketball games and at Shawnee High soccer games.

The push toward “The Voice” came last Thanksgiving when her grandfather asked “When are you going to do something with that voice of yours?” A support system emerged.

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Aspiring contestants can either submit a video or go to an open audition in one of four cities to audition for “The Voice.” Brown opted to go in person since she’s confident in front of an audience.

When Brown asked her dad, John, what he wanted for Christmas, he answered “I want to take you on an audition.”

John Brown toured with Christian band Church of Rhythm in the 1990s and endorses Harmony’s dream.

“We’ve always encouraged our kids to do what they love. Now’s the time to risk it,” he said.

Others have reached out. When they heard of her aspirations, Lindsay Moody from Springfield City Schools, where John Brown works, contacted John Legend Theater manager Terry McGonigle, who allowed Harmony Brown to rehearse and play the grand piano there.

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“That’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever done,” she gushed. Ironically, Springfield native John Legend will join the “Voice” judges this season, so there could be a connection there; she’s just eager to be coached and learn.

Harmony Brown describes herself as an indie/alternative acoustic performer and narrowed her song selection to “Touching Heaven” by Johnnyswim. Saturday’s preliminary audition will be done a cappella and the second on Sunday will allow for an instrument and she’s chosen the piano.

The chance to be on one of the highest-rated shows on television is just one of many 2019 milestones. This May she’ll graduate high school after being home schooled, and earn an Associate’s of Arts degree from Clark State. She also works part-time at Winan’s & Chocolates where her co-workers are caught up in her dreams.

Whether Harmony Brown makes it to L.A. or not, the music will continue. She hopes to study music in college and perform around the city.

“I just want to create music people care about. I love the experience of watching people be affected by the music.”

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