MTSU Recording Industry student Kristi Hoopes appeared on NBC’s “The Voice” this season, and she was chosen to be part of Blake Shelton’s team moving forward in the competition. Unfortunately, she was eliminated the following week, but not before wowing the crowd with her rendition of Trisha Yearwood’s “Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love” during her blind audition on the musical reality competition.
Beverly Keel, chair of MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry, got a chance to spend time with Hoopes later during the Pandora Challenge: Music and Social Impact event.
“She’s immediately impressive in every way,” Keel said during a phone interview Wednesday. “She’s smart, poised and very serious about her career. There’s not a better person to represent MTSU and Middle Tennessee.”
A native of Parker, Colorado, Hoopes became interested in music after hearing Loretta Lynn’s version of “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” which inspired her to perform the song at her third grade talent show, which she won. Currently, Hoopes is pursuing a music business degree. To see her audition, click here.
The Leading Edge 
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