Since winning "The Voice" in 2012, Cassadee Pope has toured the country with the likes of Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts. Her debut album "Frame By Frame" produced the single "Wasting All These Tears," which sold over one million downloads.
Pope will be joining country star Chris Young on his I'm Comin Over world tour, commencing in January. Her duet with Young on "Thinking Of You" is a standout track on his album.
As a winner of "The Voice," Pope is no stranger to awaiting news about making the show's finale. So she understands what tonight's Top 9, who will be reduced to four, are going through.
"I know what they are feeling and it's a lot of mixed emotion," she revealed. "You want grateful, but you're also competitive and want to beat these people that you have connected with and are friends with."
Pope's biggest advice to the contestants going into tonight is watch your nerves — they can be your downfall.
"Before getting on 'The Voice,' I was very critical and judgmental of people's vocals," she admitted. "After getting on the show, I was so nervous, I realized my low notes were gone, so nerves do take a big toll on your voice."
Now a certified star, Pope admitted returning to "The Voice" stage is never daunting. It's an experience she actually relishes.
"I'm always excited to come back because they always make me feel like a star when I do," she said. "I love seeing the glam team, the coaches... Everyone gives me such a warm welcome."
Pope, along with country superstar Dolly Parton, will perform on tonight's episode of "The Voice," which airs at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
Read more of Pope's interview with Headlines & Global News below.
Welcome back! Does it feel like you ever went away?
Not really. I can get slapped right back into it, and it's kind of crazy.
Who are your picks for the Top 4?
It's really hard for me to choose. I think Emily Ann [Roberts]. I love her voice and haven't heard a voice that pure in country music in a long time. It reminds me of Lee Ann Womack and her voice is amazing! As for the others, it beats me.
What are you performing tonight?
I'm singing my single "I Am Invincible." The production is beautiful. I'm always excited to come back here because production blows it out of the water.
Are you excited to see Dolly Parton?
Yes! I can't believe I'm on the same night as her! That hasn't really sunk in yet. I was on the same tweet as her and I almost lost my mind. Meeting her will be incredible. I'm like, "Please! I have to meet her!" My camera is ready to go and snap that picture. I'm not giving her a chance to say no.
What's your advice for this season's contestants
advice is to strap in because the real hard work comes after the show. I know the schedule here is grueling and can get tiresome. You think it's the hardest thing you've ever done, but just wait. When you get out there, you are taking 4 a.m. flights every morning and hanging with people at all hours of the night creating relationships. You don't really know how to build your endurance until you go out on the road. My advice is pace yourself for all of that.
In retrospect, is there anything you would have done faster to get to where you are now?
I think you can only prepare yourself as much as you can, but no matter what, there will be curve balls. I had no idea I'd be taking a flight, landing and heading straight to a radio station. I thought I might have time to curl my hair, have something to eat. No! You go right into things. So, maybe, mentally prepare yourself that anything can and will probably happen.
What has been your proudest moment since the show?
Probably my single going platinum. That was amazing! I think I was presented with a plaque on "The Voice" when I came back the second time. That was a huge accomplishment, especially it being my first single off the show. I worked really hard to get that song out there, and my whole team was incredible. It was a group effort, and it felt good to get that recognition.
