By Krystle J Bailey
“They make them different in Jersey,” declared Niall Horan in his reaction to Mara Justine’s audition on Season 24 of “The Voice.”
The 21-year-old performer from Galloway, turned all four chairs with her rendition of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John on Week 1 of “The Voice.” With a standing ovation from Gwen Stefani, John Legend, Niall Horan, and Reba McEntire, Mara’s emotion-evoking performance is being described as “the best audition in ten years!”
Mara is no stranger to the big stage. At the age of 11, the Absegami High School graduate made her debut on “America’s Got Talent.” Making it all the way to the quarterfinals, Mara courageously performed the power ballad “Unconditionally” by Katy Perry live in front of Katy Perry. Mara made it to the Top 12 before she was ultimately eliminated during Season 9 of AGT.
By age 15, Mara stepped into the limelight again on “American Idol” with a little more experience and a powerhouse voice. She performed songs including “Love on the Brain,” “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” “Run to You,” and “Fight Song.” This time, she sailed through the Top 24 and the Top 14, ending her “American Idol” run right before making it into the Top 10.
Now, at 21, Mara told “NBC Philly Live,” “I feel like I’m ready now more than ever.”
After a friendly yet fierce fight between Legend and Horan during her audition and an impromptu duet with the “All Of Me” singer, Mara ultimately chose to work with the 12-time Grammy Award winner, John Legend.
When Mara took to social media decked out in her white “Legend” jacket to announce her decision, her new coach showed support by commenting, “Welcome to #TeamLegend! So fun singing with you!!”
NBC’s The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. and is available to stream on Peacock.
“I’m just so proud to be from Jersey,” declared Mara in an interview following the audition.
We are proud you’re from Jersey, too, Mara Justine! We look forward to watching you continue to wow audiences across the world while representing the place we call home, Atlantic County.
