7th Time's The Charm: Bella DeNapoli's Journey To 'The Voice'

WEST ISLIP, NY —Bella DeNapoli, 22, wowed the judges at her blind audition on NBC’s "The Voice" last week — but it took her a long time to earn a spot on the stage she’d dreamt of for years.

The West Islip native told Patch that before she appeared on the television screen, she had previously auditioned for the singing competition show seven times.

“I would be like, ‘What do I have to lose?’” said DeNapoli. “Every year, I learned something different about myself as a person. So why not try and just get stronger and stronger each time?”

DeNapoli claimed the support of her family was crucial for following her dreams. In her audition episode, she explained that her parents are avid musicians and that her family performs together “all over Long Island” on the weekends.

“It's one thing to be supportive parents and love music and love the industry and know all about it. It’s another thing to have that hands-on support. They are part of my journey,” she said.

DeNapoli said she first realized she wanted to pursue music as a full-time career when she joined a girl group at the age of 15. After the group split, she continued to write and record songs as a solo artist. She later went on to work with Loft Sound Studio in Syosset and release music on Spotify.

DeNapoli got the idea to audition with a slower version of “Damaged” by Danity Kane after her producer, Donnie Klang, suggested she sing an early ‘00s pop song. Klang also worked on the reality show Making the Band, where Danity Kane’s career first began. They went through a few song options, but nothing clicked until DeNapoli heard “Damaged” on the radio.

“The lyrics were piercing through my heart”, said DeNapoli.“I thought to myself that if we strip it down, maybe that would give it more authenticity.”

DeNapoli then enlisted her father to co-create the arrangement. Although he wasn’t familiar with the song, she said their cover worked to their advantage because he could tap into his creative outlet.

“He said: ‘I don't know these words, but I'm going to go based off of what you're doing,’” said DeNapoli. “It was a really special moment."

And it worked — three out of four of “The Voice” judges invited DeNapoli to join their teams after being impressed by her audition. Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande, and John Legend simultaneously hit their buzzers as DeNapoli belted the chorus, making it one of the most memorable moments of her audition.

“I had no expectation that they would turn around,” said DeNapoli, who kept her eyes closed for the majority of her performance. “I got goosebumps when I actually saw them all at the same time.”

Grande, Clarkson and Legend all praised DeNapoli for her range and vocal talent.

"It's great to have the ability to do a lot of different things with your voice," said Grande. "All of a sudden your tone switched into this goddess."

DeNapoli said she was honored to have so many offers, but was thrilled to join Grande’s team for multiple reasons.

“She has been through so much and she has come out the other side an even more powerful, stronger woman and artist, '' said DeNapoli. “I can learn so much about who I am through her.”

DeNapoli also said she’s proud to represent Long Island and credits the West Islip High School Music Department for nourishing her craft.

“I could not ask for a better support system. The school district has been so, so phenomenal,” she said. “Without the music department, I would not be where I am (today).”

DeNapoli said that wherever her journey takes her, she knows she knows she’ll succeed because of the support of her community.

“Home is always home,” she said. “No matter where I go, this is always going to be home.”