(WBIR - KNOXVILLE) "The Voice" contestant Emily Ann Roberts says she's grateful for the support she's gotten from her community and school as she pursues her singing career.
Roberts, a 16-year-old junior at Karns High School, passed a blind audition Tuesday night on NBC's "The Voice."
"I was so excited to sing that day that it was more adrenalin and excitement than nervousness," she recalled Wednesday.
She chose Blake Shelton to be her coach. When he turned around to look at her as she sang, she had to stay focused on the song.
"I can tell that he actually cares and wants to help and guide us and help us grow as much as he can and that's awesome," she told 10News.
Roberts spoke with WBIR's Russell Biven on Wednesday and then took time to speak with Russell and Beth Haynes on "Live at Five at Four."
Family members and the community have been instrumental in encouraging her to pursue her love, she said.
"Emily and her daddy have shared this love for bluegrass," said mother Kelly Roberts. "She's been singing bluegrass since she was in a car seat."
Roberts, a junior at Karns High School, also appreciates her friends and teachers at school.
"Karns High School has backed up me so much. I love my school," she said.
WBIR's Rachel Wittel talked with Roberts's friends and family, who said the support is overwhelming for the young singer.
"It's super exciting to see everyone get behind Emily and support her because we love her," friend and Karns senior Kaci Bowerman said. "We've been waiting for this for a while."
"We just enjoyed watching her so much," Roberts's Aunt Brenda Story said. "She's just so precious and such a strong Christian that you can just see her shine through her music."
Friends and family said they think this competition is only the beginning for Roberts.
"I really think that she can carry on her music for other than just 'The Voice'," Story said.
However, Roberts said her dad wants to make sure attending college stays in her plans for the future.
Late Tuesday she gave a shoutout to the school mascot, the Beavers, on her Twitter account.
"The Voice" airs Mondays and Tuesdays on WBIR.
Roberts isn't the only singer with area ties competing on the show.
This week we told you about Jordan Smith, a Harlan, Ky., man and Lee University student who had all four judges turning their chairs during blind auditions Monday night.
