Bend teen gets to try out for ‘The Voice’

Thousands of singing hopefuls all over the country try out every year to be on NBC’s hit series “The Voice.” One of those hopefuls, awaiting her big chance next month, lives here on the High Desert.

Jade Schalk, 18, of Bend has been singing ever since she could remember. With a growing interest and passion to go with her talent, she believes she’s ready for the big stage.

After almost two months, Schalk received the call she had been waiting for–an audition for the show.

“I got it, and I was super-excited, but I had to keep it in though because I was in class, but yeah it was really exciting,” Schalk said.

Schalk is a senior at Summit High School, and has been working toward her dream of being a singer since infancy.

“Before I could say words, I would try to sing and keep a tune in the car in the back seat,” she said.

Her mother, Karrie Schalk, said, “Actually, when she was born, the nurses would laugh because her cry was like, ‘laahh.’ She would, like, sing instead of cry.”

It should come as no surprise, but her mother is Jade’s biggest fan.

“When she works hard and is fearless and auditions and applies and does whatever she can, to follow her dreams, I’m always proud,” Karrie said.

Jade said she sings every chance she can get, such as during First Friday every month at her job at Gypsy Soul, a downtown store.

“I try to sing with as much emotion as I can, with every word that I sing,” she said. “I want them to feel something and understand, because that’s why I love music. It’s the feeling that comes with it.”

If she makes “The Voice,” Schalk will get to be mentored by music royalty. She said working with any of the judges would be a privilege, but she does have a favorite.

“Truthfully, I love Blake Shelton and I think he has a lot of knowledge to give, so I’d probably pick him, if I get the chance,” she said.

That chance starts with a private audition next month in Portland. Regardless of what the future holds, she believes just getting the opportunity qualifies as a win — and so does her mother.

Karrie Schalk said, “You know, wherever this journey ends, it will be a lot of good life lessons along the way. Create some great memories, and hopefully all her dreams come true.”

Jade said, “Even getting this far, I’m going to gain so much knowledge and experience, and every opportunity that I get is just something I can take positively and grow from it”

June 27 is her big day in Portland. She told NewsChannel 21 she hasn’t decided what songs she will sing, but you can hear some of her cover songs on iTunes under the name, Jade Logan.