Local group Girl Named Tom performs on NBC’s “The Voice” Monday.
Trae Patton | NBC
Dedicating Monday’s performane to their Grandma Jean, Girl Named Tom took the stage on NBC’s “The Voice” and blew away the audience and coaches with a “haunting” performance. The Pettisville natives performed “Dust in the Wind,” which was made famous by Kansas.
“We’re dedicating this song to Grandma Jean,” said Caleb Liechty. “She was in a duo with her sister, so you can imagine how excited she gets watching us sing with our siblings.”
Grandma Jean and her twin sister Shirley were popular in Lucerne, Indiana, according to the Girl Named Tom Facebook page. They sang at church, weddings, school plays and even took their talents to the “Morris B. Sachs Amateur Hour” show in Chicago, and earned second place in the singing competition.
“Dementia has taken a lot from her, but when she sees us on “The Voice” she just glows. And it’s the best feeling in the world,” said Bekah Liechty.
“The song suggests that everything has a time and then passes and fades into nothing, even memories and for our Grandma Jean that’s the case right now,” said Caleb Liechty.
Following their performance on Monday, John Legend said their performance of Dust in the Wind was “stunning” and their best so far.
“I think (Bekah’s) lead voice was just haunting, it was like magical, beautiful and I’ve never heard you sound better as a soloist. Then when you all come together it’s just, woo,” he said.
Their coach, Kelly Clarkson, who won the first season of “American Idol” and went on to have a successful singing career, expressed optimism about their future on the show.
“I don’t know if a trio has ever made it this far, but like, I can see them winning the show,” Clarkson said on Monday’s episode. “They’re incredible.”
Clarkson told the group, “Every single one of you is so gifted as their own individual artist.”
Viewers casting their votes agreed and just minutes into Tuesday’s elimination episode it was announced that Girl Named Tom was moving on to the next round.
“The trio from Ohio, did a heck of the job with the Kansas classic “Dust in the Wind” last night, moves on, saved by America’s overnight vote,” said host Carson Daly.
Area residents have been able to show their support for the group at Pettisville schools watch parties. Superintendent Josh Clark tweeted that there would be another.
He also tweeted, “And we have some huge news about next Monday’s watch party. Hint…. we hope to be N-B-C-ing you there.”
Girl Named Tom will now compete against 10 others in the Top 11. The next episode of “The Voice” will air on NBC Monday at 8 p.m. with an elimination episode to follow on Tuesday at 8 p.m.
