“The Voice” Season One Finalist Beverly McClellan performs at multiple Girls in Wonderland events this weekend.
It’s not her first trip to Gay Days”¦
I saw Halycon a few years ago, that was before I played out, and then I became one of those people, who entertain. And then I ran into them after I did “The Voice,” over at Pensacola Beach. Everything has come full circle, it’s so cool.
What’s on her “must” list each time she comes to Gay Days”¦
I have to freak myself out and ride Space Mountain. I’m not a ride person and since that one’s completely in the dark, and you don’t see what’s coming, it’s kind of fun. That and get a turkey leg. I’m straight from Tennessee; anybody that can make turkey taste like ham”¦ that’s crazy! It’s magically smoked by Magic Kingdom fairies or something. It’s just awesome.
That she still laughs at the notion that Christina Aguilera was actually her coach…
She told me, “Go, Beverly, go do you, honey. You are already somebody! I don’t need to direct you, you already know what you’re doing. I’m so happy you’re with me and you’re on my team.” But I did end up breally good friends with Cee-lo (Green), Adam (Levine), and Blake (Shelton), too. I can’t say it was just one mentor, it was everybody. They’re all just really cool people.
What producers of “The Voice” told her about being lesbian”¦
They never, ever tried to put a cap on gay, not gay, whatever. There was a nice little family group of us that were very grateful they never tried to make sore thumbs of us or anything. It was all done in taste, it was all about talent. (Producer) Mark Burnett pulled me aside and said, “I know you feel different, I know you feel a lot of things. But this is the beauty of you. I am glad to have someone as beautiful and talented as you are. So go shine, baby.” I’m the only one that had my girlfriend there in the hotel room, and they knew it. I told them I need her for a support agent, and they were all 100% for it. It was beautiful to be treated like that.
Though she can play a dozen instruments, there’s one she won’t”¦
It’s all home taught. I’m not Beethoven on every instrument, but I can make a song with anything I sit down with. I play by ear. I can’t play flute because I have a labret and I refuse to take it out. I like it! And you can’t play flute and sing, anyway.
Where she sees herself in ten years”¦
I’d like to be a household name, but not famous, you know? Like the Indigo Girls. Everybody knows who they are, but you don’t hear them really on the radio. They’re Grammy winning artists, that don’t necessarily fit in with the pop culture of everything, but they change people somehow when they hear them. I think that way about Bonnie Raitt, too. People know all her stuff, but she’s not really on the radio, but you know who she is, and you know she’s an accomplished, beautiful person that has put out meaningful stuff in the world. I don’t need to be a big fish, but if it happens, that’s cool. As long as my message is heard and received, as big as I can put it out there, that’s all I can do.
And her message is”¦
It’s love yourself, and love each other. Life is short. Everytime you fall down you should get back up. That’s one of my songs right there: “Everything in me won’t let me give up. And even though I’m hurtin’ and everybody goes South, love will always find its way out.”
Though she’s Irish and a musician, and yet doesn’t drink alcohol, she does have alternate sources of finding creative inspiration”¦ Â
(In a Jamaican accent) Bob Marley is in my life, man! That’s how! And the House of Blues in Chicago, they remember me. They’ll bring me Mountain Dew, even though they don’t serve it, because they know it’s my favorite-est thing ever!
Chances are strong you won’t just see her at lesbian events this weekend”¦
(Fellow “Voice” contestant Nakia) took me to bear parties all over when we went on tour. It was crazy! I didn’t know! You know the good thing about bears, honey? You’re gonna have a good time, and you’re gonna eat! They don’t starve you and give you salads and too much liquor!
BEV MCCLELLAN
Performs at Boogie Girls in Wonderland, House of Blues, Saturday, June 1, 9 pm &
Indie Rock with Bev McClellan, Kitty O’Shea’s, Sunday, June 2, 6 pm
Your celebrity crush? Halle Berry. She’s breathtakingly gorgeous and talented.
Favorite snack? Peanut butter filled pretzels!
Favorite theme park attraction, ride or show? Dollywood, because it reminds me of home and, of course, my admiration for the incomparable Dolly Parton.
Last book you read? “The Hobbit.”
Favorite ice cream/frozen yogurt flavor? Favorite ice cream is Heavenly Hash or anything chocolate riddled!
Superpower you’d like to have? I’d like to crinkle my nose like Samantha Stevens and displace myself anywhere I imagine instantly. I love to go to new places, but I don’t like the travel of getting there.
Favorite TV show/Guiltiest TV pleasure? My favorite TV show WAS Weeds; I’ve loved Mary Louise Parker since ‘Fried Green Tomatoes.’ There’s nothing Nancy Botwin couldn’t battle. Am I guilty to admit I love “Trailer Park Boys”? Not enough! The characters are so dumb and so loveable for it.
Who should play you in the motion picture of your life? This question stumps me. If anyone would like to write a film about my life ““ I suppose any actor that’s convincing and willing! Ellen Page, maybe, with LOTS of physical alterations. She’s an incredible actress with a dedication to off-the-wall characters.
Something about you people are always surprised to learn? People often seem really surprised that I don’t drink alcohol. I’m Irish and I’m a musician.
A typical night’s sleep for you lasts how long? However long I can manage! I really appreciate a restful night’s sleep.
Fallback karaoke track? “Shining Star.” The song reminds me of my Mom.
Competition reality show, real or imaginary, you’d certainly win? If there was a ‘Name-That-Tune’ show devoted to 80s music, I’d have it in the pocket. “Name That 80s Tune!”
