The Voice SA: Sam's Our Girl

From the very moment she first appeared on our TV screens during her Blind Audition on The Voice South Africa, Samantha Leonard has been the talk of the town.

I recently got to chat to the bubbly girl with the beautiful voice about her journey on The Voice thus far.

I will be honest with you, I don’t often support female contestants in talent shows purely because the majority of female voices don’t appeal to me. This year we are seeing a lot of very strong female vocalists. Do you think female contestants are at a disadvantage when it comes to talent shows because the majority of voters are generally young women who typically vote for good looking guys?

I definitely think it is in some way a disadvantage and challenge for female contestants, but I feel the time we live in now, woman (of all ages), especially our younger generation are looking to woman and role models for empowerment and to set an example. So if there's any better time for a female winner, it would be now.

You seemed somewhat surprised when you got the 4-chair turn during your Blind Audition. How did you mentally prepare yourself for this audition and did you do anything different for your battle with Armand?

I was very surprised and "over-the-moon" when I got a 4-chair turn during my Blind Audition. My past challenges and failures throughout my career is what mentally prepared me for that audition. I felt more ready than ever and knew I could only give it my best shot. Just having the opportunity to stand on that stage sparked a FIRE in me that was unstoppable! I definitely upped my game in my Battle round with Armand and pushed myself vocally by conquering my fear of singing in a difficult and challenging range I haven't done before under such intense pressure.

During your Battle insert on TV it was emphasized that you felt inferior to Armand. Was this really the case or was it just a general case of pre-performance jitters?

I wouldn't say I was inferior to Armand, but rather admired his talent and vocal range as a male singer. I had loads of fun performing that song with him, and enjoyed the energy he brought to the stage.

I am going to put you on the spot with this one, sorry girl. If Karen was the only judge to not turn for you during the blind auditions, who would your pick as coach have been?

This is a very hard question to answer, because I had my heart set on Karen from the beginning and have admired her throughout her career. But if that was the case, I would have chosen Lira, because she's grown in the industry to such a high level putting some amazing performances and achievements under her belt in our country as well as abroad, making a mark in the world for South African artists. She is filled with so much knowledge and experience about the industry, which could only benefit any artist.

You were obviously born to perform but should you have to pick another course in life, what would it be and why?

If I had to choose another course in life, it would definitely be Acting. I have been in countless musical theatre productions from a very young age, and enjoy playing different characters. So I would love to be in film industry.

A lot of viewers base their votes on whether they can visualize what type of artist a contestant will be after the conclusion of the show. What type of album can we expect from Samantha Leonard? Will you conform to mainstream preferences or will you remain true to yourself?

I would love to keep my "Album" a surprise at this stage, but I will ALWAYS remain true to myself as an Artist.

You have basically become an overnight celeb after your Blind Audition. Have you had any interesting run-ins with fans you would like to share with us?

I have not had any interesting run-ins with fans yet, but its been quite amusing seeing people stare at me in restaurants and malls with confusion whether it is really me or not (haha).

The SA music scene is pretty hot right now. If you could collaborate with any local artist who would it be?

If I had the opportunity to colab with an incredible local artist, it would with no doubt be my coach Karen Zoid. She is the most real and grounded person and artist I have ever met. Her drive and determination to be the best she can be in everything she takes on is impeccable and truly inspirational. I am already over the moon to have the opportunity to have her as my coach on The Voice SA, and that would just be the icing on the cake!

You seem like a nice girl. Any words of advice for your fellow contestants as you approach the next round of the competition?

If I could give any advice to my fellow contestants, it would be: Stay true to who you are as a person and artist, and just keep doing the best you can. Never give up on your dreams, because you have inspired not only me but so many young artists out there. You are all such beautiful people, and I have grown to love all of you as my family. You are all so talented and gifted in your own right.

There is a lot of drama surrounding the political well-being of South Africa at the moment. If you had to spend a week on a secluded island with a local politician ,who would you pick?

I would pick Mmusi Maimane, because of his pure love, honesty, and intentions towards our country and people, and also because of his intellect and faith.

Tune into Mnet Channel 101 every Sunday to follow the remainder of Sam's journey on The Voice South Africa!