By Sara Paul
It was late one evening when Denisha Dalton bolted from the shower to answer her cell phone. Soaking wet, she hurriedly returned the missed call. The aspiring singer never expected the voice on the other end to confirm that she, in fact, had been chosen to blind audition on NBC’s The Voice.
“I was so nervous… I couldn’t believe it… It was crazy!” exclaimed 22-year-old Denisha, a Warwick resident who now resides in McKinney, TX.
“I was always into being on the show and working with big names. It’s something every artist wants to do… to be able to grow and to have America being able to see me grow,” said Denisha, who majored in music business at Belmont University.
After a crowd gripping performance, which quickly won over three of the show’s four judges, including Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend, Denisha chose John Legend to be her coach for the competition.
“John is just so smooth and so charming… He read me up and down as an artist,” admits the talented vocalist, who is beyond excited to receive critique and feedback from Legend, who shares her musicality, and will also be different enough to help the young artist move beyond her comfort zone, according to Dalton.
A graduate of Kings Elementary and Warwick Middle and High Schools, Denisha is grateful to all of her teachers, in particular her music and drama instructors. She also speaks fondly of her family, friends and her community “… for always being by my side and encouraging me to do what I am doing… I love you guys so much… always love and support from the 845!”
Denisha has eight siblings and has always loved both music and basketball. Nearly her entire family plays basketball, but this sweet singer was always inspired to pursue her melodic passions by her mother, Helen.
With iconic influences (besides Mom) from Etta James to Beyonce, Denisha often found music a medium in which to address her own complex sensibilities.
“For me, vulnerability is a big thing… going to Warwick schools, I wasn’t that open… Then I went to college and thought I need to work on that… Music has been a gateway to help me address vulnerability and express it,” reflected Denisha, who chose the song “Pillow Talk” by Zayn for her audition piece.
With her mom, Helen Bentley, sisters Shernai Bentley and Dashay Dalton, and niece Audrey, who emphatically cheered her on during the audition, Denisha is looking forward to a transformative experience on The Voice.
In addition to pursuing her own dream, it is also Denisha’s “…passion to inspire the young kids of Warwick to continue to go against the grind and be you. Unapologetically. Especially, if you are different and stick out from the majority. Embrace those differences and dig deep into your passions. You will succeed!”
A hometown Warwick gal always at heart, she has two simple, final words to her local fans: “Go Wildcats!”
Warwick resident Denisha Dalton is a contestant on NBC’s The Voice.
Denisha Dalton celebrates her 2016 graduation from Warwick Valley High School with her niece Sahony-Renee Flowers (who is now an eighth grader at Warwick Valley Middle School).
Denisha Dalton is pictured participating in the Spirit Week Pep Rally at Warwick Valley High school in 2016.
