We McDonald talks 'The Voice' Battle against Lauren Diaz: I definitely knew neither of us were going home

We McDonald is inarguably a special talent and unique performer, so if she continues to deliver performances like her Blind Audition and Battle, her The Voice competitors may need to work harder.


For the "Battle Round," The Voice coach Alicia Keys paired We with Lauren Diaz for a performance of "Maybe" by Janis Joplin.

Alicia was so proud of both of her "bonafide artists" but chose to keep We on her team due to her amazing gift and ability to channel her soul. We's quirky personality -- not to mention the shocking difference between her powerhouse singing and her sweet and meek speaking voice -- is also very endearing.

But the coaches didn't want to see Lauren go. After both Miley Cyrus and Adam Levine attempted to "steal" Lauren, the artist decided it would be best for her journey on the show to join "Team Miley."

Below is We's post-Battle interview in which she discusses her experience thus far and what's next.


Reality TV World: We, tell me about your experience going into the stressful "Battle Round" after turning all four chairs during your first audition. Did you feel you were at an advantage? Would you have been frustrated if Alicia let you go since all the other coaches wanted you on their teams?

We McDonald: I mean, I was definitely really, really happy about the four-chair turn. I was as excited as anybody else could be, but it wasn't much of an advantage because you still have to go up against a competitor and you're going to be on the same playing field because you're both on that team.

It doesn't leave you with a higher [chance to stay] just because you got the four chairs to turn. If my coach didn't take me going forward, I would not have had a problem with it because I would know that she picked the other person for [good] reasons.

It would be a good enough reason that she picked the other person and it wouldn't be out of malice to me. I mean, of course I would have been disappointed if I couldn't be on her team anymore, but I know that I did my best onstage, and that's definitely what it should be all about.

Also during the Tuesday conference call with reporters, We discussed her level of confidence in the "Battle Round" as well as the advice she received from her coach and team adviser Charlie Puth.


What did you think your chances were of staying past the "Battle Round?"

We McDonald: I thought my chances of staying were really strong, and I also thought that Lauren's chances of staying were really strong. I definitely knew that neither of us were going home that day because we fought so hard for everything and we were very strategic with how we sang our song.

We sang it with power and we knew that that was going to resonate with all of the coaches, so one of us was going to get a "steal" and one of us would stay on the team regardless.

What was it like having Charlie Puth as your adviser?

We McDonald: Oh God, he is -- he was really, really cool, actually. It's kind of nice to get, like, a new generation's [perspective] sort of a thing because everybody did bring in older souls for their guest coach. But, it was nice to kind of have a new perspective on somebody that we can relate to. So, it was cool.


What did you learn from this round that you're going to take forward in the competition with you?

We McDonald: This round taught me that when you put your all into everything -- the outcome kind of is so minuscule because you feel so much relief, you feel so much power. And I feel like moving forward, it's going to make me even stronger in every performance that I do.

Because that's what all of us have gotten to do so far. We've gotten to leave our emotions, our hearts, our power on the stage that we're so blessed to be on and sing in front of people, and notable people at that. So, I definitely want to make sure that I maintain that strength and I gain more confidence as I keep going.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski