Junior Lois Zozobrado has made a name for herself in the singing community by appearing at many local gigs, performing in theatrical plays, and even releasing an original album “Sunshine Boulevard.” Zozobrado took this talent to a new level by auditioning for the well-known television singing competition, “The Voice.”

In February, she and her mother traveled to the Las Vegas Convention Center for a chance to be part of the series. Thousands of young singers were there for the challenge, practicing song lyrics all the while.

“It was a little intimidating because you always heard good voices,” Zozobrado said.

The cattle-call audition itself – meaning a mass number of singers line up and are called in groups of 10 – lasts from about 5:30 a.m. until noon. Each group goes into different rooms to audition in front of both a panel of judges and other auditionees alike.

Once they enter the room, each individual is asked to state their name and sing the songs they’ve prepared – one fast and one slow in order to provide contrast. Because there are so many auditioning, feedback is not given.

“I met a lot of people from California to Texas to Colorado, we all just came together and sang… it’s fun,” Zozobrado said.

She has kept in touch with new friends; just over spring break she visited her friend Courtney in San Diego, California which can only benefit her in building connections, something that is vital in the music industry.

Singing was not simply weaved into her life, however. “It’s kind of funny because before – in elementary school – I never liked to sing in front of people. I would go on stage and I would just cry,” Zozobrado said.

On top of that, she had a vocal surgery prior to auditioning.

“I have mainly worked with her on her singing technique as she has been recovering,” vocal coach Jennifer Nagy said. Nagy has been a professional opera singer and voice teacher for 25 years, so the two have been working together since last summer.

“Lois is gifted as a songwriter and performer. She gives a lot of time and energy to her music… I see her able to succeed with her goals and dreams,” Nagy said.

With an abundance of practice and dedication, Zozobrado was up for any challenge, including “The Voice.”

Auditioning was “a really cool experience, you meet so many new artists [and] you can network with them too,” Zozobrado said. “Honestly I just wanted to take it as a new experience, I didn’t want to expect anything.”

As for the future, Zozobrado plans to demo a variety of new original songs before college in order to have them ready for any opportunities that await.