Angie January, the mother of Tuscaloosa songbird Emma Caroline Warren, called into the Steve Shannon Morning Show on 95.3 The Bear to rave about her daughter’s recent success on NBC’s “The Voice."

“I am so proud,” January said. “I’m so excited for her.”

January said her daughter has always had a “naturally beautiful” voice. Warren discovered her passion for singing at church and eventually formed a group with her friends in high school. She continued to sing throughout her time as a college student at the University of Alabama, where she graduated in 2017.

After college, she moved to Nashville where she recorded a debut worship EP, “Pursue”.

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“The Voice” reached out to Warren to audition after she was rejected originally in 2014. Her rendition of Kacey Musgraves’ “Slow Burn” had judges turning their heads – and chairs – before she even made it to the chorus.

“I never thought she would do a show like that,” January said. “I used to tell her all the time to try out for 'American Idol,' but she said she didn’t want to be judged like that.”

“The Voice,” it turns out, was a perfect alternative because the blind auditions offer no pre-conceived notions about hopeful contestants.

Both Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton battled for Warren's talents but in the end, she chose the country-focused “Team Blake."

“Blake said Nashville is built on relationships,” January said. “He said 'I want to develop a relationship with you tonight.' I think that’s what really got her.”

January is thrilled with Warren's choice to join Shelton's team because of his connections to the country music scene.

“I could tell he really enjoyed listening to her,” January said. “I think it’s a great choice and he does seem to have a lot of confidence, so I love that.”

After her show-stopping performance, Warren couldn’t help but throw in a “Roll Tide” to show some love to her hometown, which all four judges happily reciprocated.

When Warren's audition aired for the first time, January was with her and a small group of close friends that gathered to watch the performance together.

“We were all going crazy, and she just sat there and stared at herself,” January said. “She is her own worst critic so we have to encourage her. 'Enjoy this. Enjoy yourself.'”

January and her family were so excited, they re-wound the performance and watched it several times.

“It was wonderful,” January said. “It was a great night. Se had a lot of fun and has a great support system.”

Warren will not be on for the duration of the blind auditions but is expected to return for the battle round. To keep updated on her progress, make sure to tune in to NBC’s “The Voice” on Mondays at 7 p.m.

Click here to listen to January’s full interview on The Steve Shannon Morning Show.

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