Former Bucs Cheerleader on The Voice
A former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader is getting her next chance in the spotlight on NBC’s “The Voice.”
The R&B singer Donna Allen, 54, grew up in Tampa and now lives in Hollywood, Fla. Allen spent nine years working with Gloria Estefan and The Miami Sound Machine. About 25 years later, she’s the oldest contestant on NBC’s hit singing competition show.
Monday night on NBC, Allen talked about her experience with Estefan.
“I’ve learned so much from her,” she said.
Allen stopped touring to raise her son Marcus, because she wanted to see him take his first steps and watch him go to school. But a family did not stop her love of music.
“I did sing while I was raising my son,” Allen said. “So, I never gave up on myself.”
Her son, Marcus, is thrilled for his mother’s next step.
“It’s nice to see you’re finally getting on the next level,” he said.
Monday night, she impressed judges Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera with her rendition of “You Are So Beautiful.”
Seconds into her performance, both Levine and Aguilera signaled they wanted Allen for their singing competition teams. Both showered Allen with compliments in hopes she would pick them.
“You are so beautiful to me,” Christina Aguilera said. “That voice was like the heavens opening up. I hope your journey is with me.”
Adam Levine compared her to Whitney Houston and Tina Turner.
“I felt like we were at the end of the season. I want you on my team,” said Levine.
After a few tense moments, Allen picked Levine to be her coach on “The Voice” and leapt into his arms when he hugged her.
“I’m hoping ‘The Voice’ will help me complete my journey,” Allen said. “It’s been 25 years. I’ve waited long enough. This is for me and my son.”
