Izzy A’more sings “Who Would I Be” before Sunday’s audition for “The Voice” at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. David Lindquist / IndyStar
Bankers Life Fieldhouse auditions expected to attract thousands
One has a recurring presence on rap-themed TV show "Empire," the second is a former "karaoke queen" and the third once sang on a bill with rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars.
Indianapolis singers Izzy A'more, Shelby McMahon and Joe Miller now have a chance to make music an even bigger part of their lives.
A'more, McMahon and Miller, along with thousands of other hopefuls, will try out for NBC series "The Voice" Sunday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It's the first time the show has staged open auditions in Indianapolis.
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Several thousand people stood in sub-freezing temperatures in downtown Indianapolis for a shot at impressing judges for The Voice, an NBC reality show, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. Robert Scheer/IndyStar
With local auditions, odds are looking good for more Hoosier voices to land on the televised talent search.
Anyone who's at least 13 years old by March 26 and "legally present" in the United States is eligible to audition, barring a conflict of interest with the show.
Pre-registration is required for the two Sunday sessions (7 a.m. and 2 p.m.) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. For more information, visit NBCTheVoice.com.
Learn more about A'more, McMahon and Miller before they try their reality-TV luck:
Izzy A’more
It's unlikely any other singer at the auditions will have a biographical note identical to one on A'more's resume: acting role as a bodyguard on Fox network's "Empire."
A'more, a Michigan native who moved in Indianapolis in 2001, has shared screen time with lead actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson in about 10 episodes of the show based on a drama-fueled record label.
He travels to Chicago for the work, which began with a 17-hour shift featuring scenes at an all-white party.
“This is work and it’s crazy, but it’s fun in its own weird way,” A'more said.
As an R&B artist, A'more once was invited to Atlanta to sing in front of "America's Got Talent" judges when Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne were part of that show's cast.
Although that tryout generated a standing ovation at the Fox Theatre, A'more didn't advance in the competition.
He said success on "The Voice" would be special because it's a show his grandmother loves to watch. Anna Mathis has never attended one of her grandson's local nightclub appearances, A'more said.
"How crazy would it be? She could finally see (the result of) all of her support and encouragement," he said.
A'more said he appreciates "The Voice" — known for not allowing celebrity coaches to see initial "blind audition" performances — as a contest in which a singer's age and physical appearance aren't factors in success or failure.
"For a lot of artists who have that desire and that hunger, it gives you that platform: ‘If you have it, here’s the mic,’ " the 36-year-old said.
Shelby McMahon sings “The Way You Looked at Me Tonight” before Sunday’s audition for “The Voice” at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. David Lindquist / IndyStar
Shelby McMahon
Three previous auditions for "American Idol" haven't dashed the dreams of University of Indianapolis alum Shelby McMahon.
"I heard some really talented people told, 'No.' You just don’t know what they’re looking for," McMahon said.
A sole emphasis on singing sets "The Voice" apart from "American Idol," but the original "American Idol," Kelly Clarkson, is joining the lineup of "Voice" celebrity coaches when the 14th season debuts on Feb. 26.
McMahon said she displays a signed, framed photo of Clarkson and 2002 "Idol" runner-up Justin Guarini in her home. So it's not surprising to hear McMahon say she'd love to compete for coach Clarkson on "The Voice."
"She’s still the same normal gal from Texas," McMahon said.
McMahon, a 1998 graduate of Franklin Central High School, said she recalls singing along to a 7-inch record of Nick Gilder's "Hot Child in the City" as a pre-schooler.
The self-described "karaoke queen" has won multiple singing competitions, including the "Can You Rock?" contest sponsored by Blonde Entertainment and a Claddagh Pub contest in Plainfield that delivered $5,000 as top prize.
McMahon, previously known as Shelby Jones, sings in the band First Time Caller after a previous stint with Lemonwheel.
She said advancing to the televised portion of "The Voice" would mean "everything."
"Even if I made it to the show and no one turned around, I’d still be so excited to get to that point," McMahon said. "Music has been my life."
Joe Miller sings “Made for Me” before Sunday’s audition for “The Voice” at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. David Lindquist / IndyStar
Joe Miller
Similar to A'more and McMahon, Miller has previous experience trying out for reality-TV shows.
He auditioned for "The Voice" in Chicago in 2013, when he advanced past initial tryouts.
“I try to make eye contact and show my personality as much as I can," Miller said of his strategy when singing for show producers.
As vocalist in Indianapolis rock band Standout Story, Miller has performed as a supporting act for Panic at the Disco and Thirty Seconds to Mars.
The 28-year-old alum of Covenant Christian High School said confidence is an important trait for a singer.
“I think this is what I was born to do,” Miller said. “I think the only way I can be successful in doing this is to believe that.”
He and his wife, Kimmi, have two daughters and a son younger than 5 years old.
"The Voice" represents a path to music success that doesn't rely on devoting late nights to shows in bars.
Miller said that lifestyle caused him to exit a pre-Standout Story band.
"It wasn’t working for me as far as having a family and having young kids and a wife," he said.
Call IndyStar reporter David Lindquist at (317) 444-6404. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist.