Chicago-native Whitney Reign has always had her sights set on becoming an international superstar. A songwriter and vocal phenomenon, Reign’s voice has been captivating the entertainment world since she was only eight years old. After years of sweeping the competition at local talent shows, she earned the attention of several music executives and signed to Island Def Jam when she was 8. But Reign hadn’t truly caught the public’s eye until she appeared on Season 2 of FOX’s The Four. Entering the show as a challenger on Week 2, she did not initially wow the judges with her rendition of Julia Michaels’ “Issues.” However, when she received a second chance, Reign poured her heart into a performance of James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” earning her one of the four elite spots. Although she was replaced by fellow powerhouse Ali Caldwell during Week 4, Reign earned her place back during the comeback episode of the show in a striking rematch with Caldwell. In the finale, Reign gave a powerful rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Million Reasons,” but unfortunately lost to rapper Sharaya J. At the moment, in addition to mothering her two-year-old child, Reign is in the studio building a catalog for her upcoming EP. Filled with honest lyrics backed with her wide-ranging, transcendent voice, it seems that her reign over the music industry is soon approaching. In an exclusive with Carrie’s Chronicles, she reflects on The Four and gives a glimpse into her future:

Why does music have such a special meaning in your life?

I come from such a musical family, so music is all I’ve ever known. It means the world to me. It’s been a part of me since birth. My dad said I came out the womb singing.

What or who inspired you to audition for The Four?

First and foremost, my son Levi inspired me--I want to give him the world. I also was working as a waitress at the time, and I knew that wasn’t what I was placed on this earth to be.

How would you describe the experience coming in as a challenger on the show? Did you feel intimidated?

Coming in as a challenger was definitely scary. I wasn’t intimidated by “The Four,” more so the judges, since I didn’t know if they would like me or not.

Describe what a week was like when you were a member of “The Four.”

Busy, busy, busy. You wake up and get straight to work. Rehearsals over and over. B rolls, press, photo shoots, and just finding the best strategy to keep your seat the next week.

You got eliminated but then earned your seat back later on. What was your strategy the second time around? Did you have a different mindset going into it?

I felt like because I got eliminated so early, I wasn’t able to show who I was as an artist/performer. Coming back, I had to give them something different. I’m not only a singer, but I’m also a great performer. I knew how to own the stage and that I belonged back in my seat.

What was your hardest vocal battle of the season and why?

Definitely the finale because I was sick and on vocal rest. It was more difficult because I couldn’t sing until show day. But either way, I gave my best. No excuses, no regrets.

What is the best piece of advice you received from the panel of judges?

To pick songs that are in my pocket and just find the right song that works for me.

Is there a particular judge you connected with the most? Who and why?

Meghan [Trainor], of course, because I’m the same age as her. She’s just a vibe. Her spirit was so humble and she connected with all of the contestants. I would definitely add her to my squad--lol.

What’s the most important lesson you learned overall from being on The Four?

To get more rest, since I worked myself super hard. I didn’t get a lot of sleep because I worked so much, and that lack of sleep caused me to get sick at the most important moment.

What are your future plans?

Grammys, albums, a tour, and continuing to be a kick a** mom for the rest of my life.