Jill O'Rourke
Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
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| May 18, 2021 SIGN IN TO SAVE POST
NBC / YouTube, @thedanamonique / InstagramReading Time: 3 minutes
The Voice Season 20 contestant Dana Monique has been wowing us since her first Blind Audition. The 41-year-old was recently chosen by coach Nick Jonas to remain on his team for the Semifinals.
Dana’s recent performance in the Top 17 was so impressive, coach Kelly Clarkson actually started throwing things at her. Now she’s hoping to make it to the Finals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnh5QR2rElg
‘The Voice’ Star Dana Monique Comes from a Musical Family
Dana, who is from Houston, Texas, grew up singing in church, and comes from a very musical family. As she shared with Houston Life, her grandfather was a quartet singer and pastor, her mother is a singer-songwriter, her father used to play in jazz bands and with gospel artists.
“That’s how I grew up,” Dana said of her musical upbringing. “That’s what I know.”
SEE ALSO: MEET ‘THE VOICE’ STAR RACHEL MAC, TEAM NICK’S ‘DARK HORSE’
She’s Been a Background Singer for Many Years
According to her The Voice bio, Dana was touring as a background singer at the age of 15. She’s continued singing background vocals for other artists for most of her career. This experience influenced her decision to join Jonas’ team on the show.
“Nick said this one thing that kind of resonated with me. He said, ‘Dana, I have something to prove,'” Dana said to Houston Life. “In that moment, everything in my head and my heart started rushing to when I have sang background for so many people … How I’ve done things for other people. And in this moment, it’s my turn.”
Dana said she also had something to prove, so Jonas’ comment “touched my heart.” She’s remained on his team through the Battles, Knockouts, and Live Playoffs. And Clarkson has said she wants to sing backup for her.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COqOTOhB0E7/
Dana Has Two Kids Who Are Also Artists
Dana has a son and a daughter, both of whom are artistic like their mother. Her son is a rapper who goes by the name Salvatixn. Her daughter is a makeup artist who does Dana’s makeup for her. She’s also a visual artist who enjoys painting. Dana joked to Houston Life that her house is “crazy,” as it’s so full of artists.
Dana is a single mother to her two kids. Before her Blind Audition on The Voice this season, Dana shared that she and her children had previously struggled with homelessness after her divorce.
SEE ALSO: COMMENTS ON KELLY CLARKSON’S ‘THE VOICE’ STYLE RAISE DOUBLE STANDARD
She Has Performed on a Cruise Ship
In addition to singing background vocals, Dana has also worked as a cruise ship singer. She’s performed as the lead singer of the B.B. King All Stars band on the Holland America cruise line. Last year, former Voice contestant Shawn Sounds posted a Facebook video of Dana singing “Think” by Aretha Franklin on the cruise.
Dana told the Houston Chronicle that passengers on the cruise would suggest that she audition for The Voice. She wasn’t sure she would be good enough, but she’s proven herself to be a frontrunner in the current competition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQSyoHPSumM
Dana Monique Has Some Amazing Music Idols
For her Blind Audition, Dana performed “Freeway of Love” by Aretha Franklin. When asked about her musical influences by coach John Legend, she described herself as an “Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner kind of girl.”
Dana covered “Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan last year, and she sang “Nutbush City Limits” by Tina Turner during the Knockouts, so she’s performed songs by all three women.
We’ll find out soon if Dana’s show-stopping talent is enough to get her to the Finals for Season 20. Either way, we’re so glad we know her name now.
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