Beverly McClellan has been singing in South Florida bars for 15 years. But this week, she captured America's attention on NBC's "The Voice," when she belted out Janis Joplin's version of "Piece of My Heart."
"It took my breath away." McClellan said. "It was the most rock star moment I've had in my career to date."
McClellan celebrated the moment with a viewing party at what she calls her "home bar," J's on Davie Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale. Then, she and her band entertained the crowd with a three-hour set that brought the house down.
"If people around here love it that much," she said, "why not try to let the world hear it?"
That's why McClellan specifically auditioned for "The Voice." Unlike other reality shows, it has no age restriction.
"I've been on Earth for 41 years, but I'm rockin' the 26-27 mentality."
And more importantly, the celebrity judges only judge her singing voice, not her bald head, piercings and tattoos.
"I've had some stares from grandmas," laughed McClellan. "Little kids are like 'aah!' in the grocery store, but it's Rock N' Roll!"
McClellan wowed the judges in Round 1, especially Christina Aguilera. And if she continues to advance and wins the grand prize, she gets a recording contract and $100,000.
"I haven't even put together a speech for that, I'm speechless on that note." McClellan said. "If that happens to me, well, I'm already blessed."
Follow Adam Kuperstein on Twitter at @akuperstein.
