A unicorn. That’s what she has been dubbed — a unique voice among many.
This year, Concordia Lutheran High School junior Addison Agen took the popular NBC show, “The Voice,” by storm. She came out as an early favorite and went on to finish in second place.
“It wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t go to Concordia,” the 16-year-old said about her experiences this year on the NBC television show.
Her journey began over a year ago when she sang the National Anthem at a Cadets volleyball game.
“When I listened to her sing the national anthem at a volleyball game, my jaw dropped,” said Lizette Pierce, a CLHS Spanish teacher. “She had the most beautiful voice I had ever heard.”
Shortly thereafter, Pierce with the help of Agen’s friend, Jacob Bryant (Class of 2017), found information about open calls for the 13th season of “The Voice” and convinced Agen’s mother to sign her up.
“Sure, let’s take a leap of faith and go,” Agen recalled.
Pierce then drove Agen and her mother to Chicago for the auditions, and next Agen knew, she was making her debut on national television.
The season kicked off on Sept. 25. She sang a studio cover of “Jolene” by Ray LaMontagne. As the song progressed, she got one chair turn … and then another. At a watch party in the school’s auditorium, the crowd was going nuts.
“She has a passion for what she does, and it shows in every vocal performance she gives,” said junior Noah Snyder, who has been friends with Agen since freshman year. “Seeing her do so well on ‘The Voice’ is just what’s expected. I’m so glad that others are noticing how talented and amazing she is.”
By the end of the episode, she had been one of the few chosen for Team Miley (Miley Cyrus, a pop singer and judge on the 13th season).
“It’s just a pleasure to listen to you sing,” said Jennifer Hudson, another singer and judge on the show.
The Battle Round was the next challenge for Agen. She was paired up with fellow contestant Karli Webster singing a slower version of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”
A loss in that battle first seemed like a disappointment, but quickly turned into a lucky surprise — a double chair turn for a steal. Agen then joined Team Adam (Adam Levine, a pop singer in the group, Maroon 5).
Over the next few rounds, Agen outshines the competition and earns the hashtag, #TeamUnicorn.
“I want to see you succeed,” Levine said during the show. “You are truly a ... unicorn.”
Agen took to the stage on the finale on Dec. 18 and gave a heartwarming rendition of Tim McGraw’s hit song, “Humble and Kind.” Agen was in tears and so was all of Fort Wayne.
She followed that performance with a duet with coach Adam Levine, “Falling Slowly” and then performed her amazing original single, “Tennessee Rain.”
Before the results had even come in the next day, Agen’s single had reached No. 1 on the iTunes charts.
Agen finished the season in second place behind Chloe Kohanski from Nashville.
“It’s been amazing,” she said upon her return home. “I feel the love in Fort Wayne.”
Agen was welcomed home on Dec. 20 at the Fort Wayne International Airport by friends, family and numerous adoring fans.
“This would not have happened without you guys,” she told the crowd.
For Agen, the show has been one adventure after another. She sang with superstars such as Norah Jones and Adam Levine. She’s appeared in a music video for “Pitch Perfect 3” and commercials for Toyota. She’s worked with stars of the industry, but all in all, she’s the same, hometown girl through it all.
“I think people need to know that the Addison they see on television is the same Addison we see in ‘real life,’” said Chris Murphy, drama teacher at Concordia who has worked with Agen in multiple productions. “She is gracious, sincere, humble, caring. She is someone I very honestly admire.”
She said that her next step is to figure out her team and continue to pursue her music career.