Season 17 of NBC’s The Voice was monumental, to say the least. Each week, artists performed across a wide variety of genres—from country to pop to rock to soul—in hopes of earning America’s vote, with coaches Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, John Legend, and Kelly Clarkson guiding them along the way. In the end, 31-year-old Jake Hoot came out on top, mentored by Kelly Clarkson. Below, some of the show’s most memorable top 13 contestants from this season share what being on The Voice meant to them.

Why did you decide to audition for The Voice?

Katie Kadan: My friend, Sarah Potenza, from Season 8 encouraged me to audition. At first, I told her “absolutely not.” Competitions aren’t really my thing, but she told me to get over it because [being on the show] would be the time of my life! I gotta admit...she was right!

Kat Hammock: I was prompted to audition for The Voice after an email that led to a preliminary audition. While I was definitely nervous to put myself out there, I realized there would be no harm in giving it a shot. The worst thing that would happen is that I wouldn’t get a callback or, eventually, a chair turn. Seriously, there are still times when I can’t believe I actually made it onto the show!

Marybeth Byrd: It was actually a spur of the moment idea that came about when I was working with my good friend, CJ Wilder, in Nashville! At the time, I was grieving the loss of my cousin, Luke. I wanted to follow my dreams for him, for G-d, and for my family.

Hello Sunday (Chelsea Glover and Myla Finks): We thought it would be a great experience for us. We’ve been training and doing local shows for years and wanted to see if we belonged on the big stage.

Shane Q: Honestly, I just wanted to see how far I could go, but getting exposure and learning my craft at such an intense speed was also interesting to me. 

Myracle Holloway: McNulty Casting found my YouTube and singing videos on my social media, and they DM'd me an audition invite for The Voice. At first, I said, “no thanks,” because I had gone through similar auditions and I was turned down, but a strong voice inside of me said to give it one more try. 

Who is someone you admire in the music industry?

Kadan: Carole King. Her Tapestry album changed my life. I grew up listening to her on my brother’s stereo and would imagine myself on stage at Carnegie Hall [playing] a beautiful Steinway!

Hammock: Other than my wonderful coach, Blake, someone I really admire in the music industry is Kacey Musgraves. She’s so unique as an artist, which is difficult to come by in the modern world of music. As a singer, I admire her beautiful melodies and sweet voice, but as a songwriter, I’m blown away by her incredible lyrics and creativity.

Byrd: Adele because every time she sings, she puts 100% of her heart and soul into it. You can just hear the passion in her voice. I also love Lauren Daigle and Chris Stapleton. 

Hello Sunday: Chloe x Halle. They’re great role models for us because they express themselves in a creative way and are very inspirational. We also love Ariana Grande. 

Q: I admire all artists. It’s amazing how much work is involved, and I give mad props and respect to people in the music business.

Holloway: Bruno Mars for his performance, singing, and amazing writing skills; Beyonce for her amazing work ethic; and Babyface for the timeless songs that he has written.

What is your most memorable behind-the-scenes moment from The Voice? 

Kadan: The day of the blind audition, I was encouraging other contestants to not be nervous. I tend to worry about how others are feeling and make sure they’re okay. Trelawny, the head vocal coach, pulled me to the side before the audition and said, “Katie, I know you want to be there for others, but you need to take time for yourself. This is your time.” It was a sweet and gentle reminder to take time to focus so that I could be my best self! I just love The Voice staff—they are such lovely people. 

Hammock: One week, when I went to a band rehearsal with Blake, just before walking in, I stumbled upon negative comments about my performance from the previous week that were really getting to me. Before I even had the chance to sing through my new song, Blake brought up facing negativity and reminded me of how much he believes in my artistry. We had a lengthy discussion about dealing with people who aren't my biggest fans and not taking their words to heart. He didn't know that I was just beginning to beat myself up over the comments, so it was such a sweet moment for me that changed my whole attitude about the feedback I'd been receiving. The conversation we had didn't make into the that week's episode, but it has really stuck with me since.

Byrd: There have been so many wonderful moments with the other amazingly talented contestants and coaches, but I’ll give you one funny, personal one. Walking backstage after a rehearsal, I tripped and fell in front of one of the crew members. I’m so clumsy. More like memorable and embarrassing!

Hello Sunday: We were doing our elaborate vocal warm up and all of our Team Kelly teammates came out of the artist tent one by one mimicking us. Classic!

Q: There are too many to name, so I’ll just say I am going to miss all of my Season 17 family. I hope we see each other soon.

Holloway: The first time I stepped onto the big stage for the stage rehearsal for my blind audition. Being on that stage and seeing the four empty chairs made my heart race. I imagined all the coaches sitting in the chairs watching me as I sing. 

What’s something people may not know about working with your coach?

Kadan: Every time I work with John, I get super nervous before our session. He helped me break down walls of insecurities. He has a calming way about him that’s super encouraging.

Hammock: Everyone knows how funny Blake is, but they might not know how down-to-earth, genuine, and encouraging he is. Every time I got the chance to work with him, I left with a better sense of who I’m becoming as an artist and more confidence in my abilities. Blake is so kind—he constantly built me up and gave me such helpful and positive feedback. I’ve grown so much since my blind audition because of him. I couldn't have asked for a better coach!

Byrd: Working with John is the same off-camera as it is on-camera! He’s so personable, sweet, talented, and always knows what to say. I learn so much from him!

Hello Sunday: Kelly never sugarcoats any notes, even when we’re off camera. She nevers fakes anything--what people see on TV is what she’s really like.

Q: Kelly is the real deal. She genuinely cares about you and she pushes you to be your best.

Holloway: People think it's easy, but it’s not. A lot of work has to be put into singing. It takes a lot of hard work and practice. 

How did you collaborate with the wardrobe team?

Kadan: I love everyone in wardrobe! They’re a great bunch! Everyone is super creative in their own way. My stylist, Marta, totally got me. I know what looks good on my body, but she challenged me to try new things. I found out I can rock a lot of different looks! 

Hammock: The wardrobe team is amazing. Every week, we had fittings for the performances and results shows. It’s remarkable how fast our stylists were able to shop for us and find outfits that match who we are and what we were singing! My shopper/stylist, Andrea, really understood my personal style and did such a great job every week. The whole wardrobe team is so hardworking and kind, and they put so much time and effort into every little detail. I'm so honored to have worked with such a wonderful team of professionals.

Byrd: The wardrobe team always cares about how you feel and values your opinion. I loved going to my wardrobe fittings and collaborating with them.

Hello Sunday: The wardrobe team really studied us so they could understand our styles. They’re amazing individuals and were always open to our ideas of what we wanted to wear.

Q: The wardrobe team is amazing. They’re some of the sweetest and most patient people I’ve ever met. They’re so professional!

Holloway: I showed them things I liked and allowed them to do what they do with the ideas I've given them. When I tried on outfits and added accessories, I tended to suggest ideas, and if that didn’t work, we tried other things.

What is your favorite outfit you wore for a performance and why?

Kadan: I loved the white flower and polka dot outfit. It was super fun and whimsical, just like me. It also looked really classy on camera. 

Hammock: My Top 13 outfit. I got to wear a beautiful black top/skirt set that was so elegant and beautiful. I loved it because I felt it perfectly matched my song selection. It was dedication week, and my song, "Danny Boy,” was dedicated to my grandparents who passed away. I’d envisioned a long dark gown to match the feel of the song, and the outfit the stylists chose fit my vision perfectly! I was always happy with what I got to wear on the show!

Byrd: I’ve loved all of my outfits, so it’s hard to choose just one. My absolute favorite was probably my outfit for the battle round and my first live show outfit.

Hello Sunday: I really liked the purple suit that I wore for the final 13 results night (Myla). I liked the rainbow dress I wore for top 13 results show (Chelsea). 

Q: I loved all of my outfits, but I really enjoyed the outfit I wore when I sang “Mercy.” I also loved the black leather bomber with the gold wings for all my “Shane-gels” out there!

Holloway: My favorite outfit is my jumper with white pants, a cape, and thigh-high snakeskin boots that I wore for my knockout round. 

What are your future plans in the music industry?

Kadan: I want to hit the road and go on tour. It’s always been my dream to go on tour and live on a bus like the Partridge family. Meeting new people and singing in different cities would be delightful!

Hammock: To release music and start performing all over at shows. I'm always writing songs and working on projects, and I can't wait to share them with the world!

Byrd: As of now, I’m still finding my way as a musician. I just hope to get picked up by a record label in Nashville and be a successful singer and performer.

Hello Sunday: We’re ready for whatever comes next. We really don’t have a plan, but no matter what happens, we will remain grateful for everything. We hope to become artists who make records that inspire people. We want good, clean, fun music.

Q: I plan to continue performing and start getting into writing and recording.

Holloway: My future plan is to release a music project, write jingles, do voice overs, produce songs, and have placements in movie soundtracks. I also want to travel all over the world in my tour bus on my own tour! 

Follow the Top 13 on Social Media:

Katie Kadan: @katiekadanofficial

Marybeth Byrd: @marybeth.byrd.music

Kat Hammock: @kat.hammock

Hello Sunday: @hellosundaymusic

Shane Q: @shaneqofficial

Myracle Holloway: @myracleholloway