A 2008 graduate of Smithville High School debuted on NBC’s "The Voice" Thursday night.
Dozens of people watched Casi Joy’s audition in the high school cafeteria.
"It's amazing,” said Donna Catlett, who is a school nurse. “We are just so proud of her here in Smithville."
Joy appeared in the last five minutes of the primetime show, gaining the affection of all four judges.
She ultimately chose to work with Blake Shelton.
“I've kind of known what happened with my audition, obviously, but what is more surprising, exciting and mind-blowing is just my town of Smithville coming through for me,” Joy told 41 Action News in an exclusive interview.
The 26-year-old is soaking in every moment, feeling the pride and pay-off of 20 plus years of perseverance.
“I eat, sleep, breathe, bleed music,” she said. “I only sing, it's what I do. To finally get some recognition, not only nationally, but musically and from Blake Shelton, and the music industry and in Nashville, it is everything. It is everything to me.”
You can watch Joy next Monday night on your 41 Action News station.
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Lexi Sutter can be reached at lexi.sutter@kshb.com.
