The NOLA ‘Voice’ contestant on what it’s like to be famous

C. Perkins: From Breaux Mart to ‘The Voice’

I had the pleasure of meeting C. Perkins (Craig) about a year before he got his big break on NBC’s The Voice. At the time, he was just a 17-year-old kid working at the local Breaux Mart, and I was a new talk radio show host looking for local undiscovered talent to interview. I remember him being reserved through my line of questioning, but coming into his own as soon as the music started to play.

Fast forward to today, when he has recently returned to LA by way of L.A. and millions of your television screens. I had the opportunity to speak with him again about what’s going on behind the scenes of one of the most popular shows on TV, celebrity, and what’s next for this young star.

Tell me one thing your fans would be surprised to know about you?
I am absolutely terrified of bees. I am sure that would surprise a lot of people.

How did you choose the song you did for your auditions (Because of you, NeYo)?
The Voice gives you about 200 songs and you choose 15 that you would like to sing. Then they choose for you out of those 15. I have always been a big fan of NeYo.

Did you have a particular coach in mind you wanted to work with before you got there?
I wanted to work with Usher before I even did my blind auditions. I felt like we would understand each other, since we are both R&B and he has been a big influence on my music since I was a kid.

Then you must have been stoked when he stole you from your original coach Shakira in the most dramatic steal in The Voice history. Did you expect that?
I was shocked. I had no clue that he was going to hit his steal button that late. Actually, I didn’t think that was even legal in the rulebook (he laughs).

I’m sure working with the gorgeous Shakira wasn’t too shabby either…
Shakira is as pretty in person as she is on TV, if not prettier. She had just had a baby and her waistline was incredible! She also gave me the best advice, which was that I don’t need to do so many runs and trails to sound good because I have such a unique tone. That was good to hear.

Which judge is the most down to earth?
Definitely Adam (Levine). He really credits you for the smallest things and knows how to make you feel better. He really pays attention to the details.

When we met a year ago you were performing with another artist, Buzy. What did he think of you doing the show?
Buzy wanted me to do the show as soon as he heard about it. He is very supportive of me. He just released a mixtape called “Fameless” that you can check out on Datpiff.com.

How have you changed since being on the show, and what is next for you?
I’ve changed a lot since being on the show. My singing techniques have improved as well as my confidence. It’s a very humbling experience. I worked at a local grocery store before I went on the show and I still work there today. I am releasing some singles, the first one being “Cakin’,” and there is plenty more to come after that. Stay tuned.

Are you allowed to vote, and if so who would get yours?
I am allowed to vote but it would be too hard because I am friends with all of them.

It’s almost over; who do you predict wins it all?
I’m not sure who will win this season. It’s so unpredictable; but my top 3 would be Amber, Danielle, and Michelle.

Tune in Monday and Tuesday nights @ 7pm (CT) on NBC to see if C. Perkins is right. To hear more about his life after The Voice follow him on twitter @Cperkins504

Rachel Kostelec writes about New Orleans for NolaVie.