Virginia Belle Takes on Knockout Challenge on ‘The Voice’

University of Virginia third-year student Simone Marijic’s journey on NBC’s singing competition “The Voice” came to an end Monday night as the member of the Virginia Belles lost in the knockout round to her Team Bublé teammate and friend Barry Jean Fontenot.

“Thank you, Michael. I’ve learned so much and I’m very proud of myself,” Marijic said to coach Michael Bublé following the announcement Fontenot would be moving on in the contest.

‘On a Whim’

Marijic’s journey on the show began more than a year and a half ago when she received an email announcing auditions for the show’s 27th season. She said, “on a whim” she decided to give it a try and sat in the bathroom of her 14th Street apartment in Charlottesville and recorded a one-minute video singing Sara Bareilles’ “Gravity.”

On her final appearance on “The Voice,” she turned again to Bareilles, who she says is one of her “musical inspirations,” selecting the song “She Used To Be Mine,” from the singer’s musical, “Waitress,” for the knockout round.

Coaching Sessions and Knockouts

In the show’s knockout rounds, coaches pair two contestants from their team to go head-to-head, performing songs of their choosing. The coach then selects a winner to continue in the competition.

Before the performance, Marijic and Fontenot had the chance to work with Bublé. The contestants sang their songs for their coach and then received notes and suggestions on how to improve their performances. While Bublé was not familiar with Marijic’s song choice, his feedback helped.

“He really helped me see there was more emotion in the song, more joy in the song and light. He helped me see it from a new perspective,” Marijic said.

Barry Jean Fontenot and Simone Marijic await the knockout round results for Team Bublé on NBC’s “The Voice.” (Photo courtesy of NBC)

Show Time

With her family in the audience, Marijic gave an emotional performance, even tearing up toward the end of the song.

“I was so happy with the performance. I wouldn’t have changed anything. I felt completely transported, fully immersed in the song,” Marijic said.

And the coaches agreed.

Marijic prepares to release her debut EP, “The Hearkening,” later this month. (Contributed photo)

“Simone, it was heartfelt. It was dramatic. I loved the little cracks in your voice,” John Legend said.

“Great performance, it was really emotional. It was awesome. You were so connected. Just overall, really great,” Adam Levine said.

But Bublé, who described Marijic’s performance as “pretty and effortless” and complimented her growth since arriving on the show, selected Fontenot as the winner of the knockout. 

“It was really sad for me to see Simone go, and there wasn’t a right or wrong choice. My journey will be with Barry, but outside of the show, I’ll continue the journey with Simone,” Bublé said, even giving her his phone number. “I put my phone number down here because I think the journey continues for you. And while it might not have been your day, this is not the end.”

What’s Next?

It is not the end for Marijic’s musical career. She and Bublé have stayed in contact since her final appearance was taped in September, and Marijic says the Canadian crooner offered advice as she put together her first EP, “The Hearkening,” which will be released later this month and features her recently released single, "Until the Morning Dew Arrives."