Hersey Alum to Appear on 'The Voice'

Twenty-four-year-old Hanna Ashbrook, a Hersey High School and Columbia College graduate, has been chosen to appear on The Voice.

Ashbrook, of Mount Prospect, had just sung a couple words of the Tegan and Sara song, “Closer,” in front of the celebrity panel of judges when she heard the crowd screaming, according to the Daily Herald. At first she didn’t understand what the commotion was about but then realized judge Gwen Stefani had swung her chair around to signal that Ashbrook had been chosen for her team.

“That’s probably one of my favorite memories I will ever have,” Ashbrook told the Daily Herald.

Hanna started singing at a very young age. After performing an original song at a high school talent show, she realized she has a huge passion for writing, according to her biography on The Voice website.

She went on to attend Columbia College for music and writing. During college, a bout of bronchitis turned into nodules on her voice cords. She underwent surgery that was unsuccessful in removing the nodules and also left Hanna without a voice.

Unable to speak, she took a job bussing tables at a restaurant. She then took a gamble on a second surgery and was able to successfully regain her voice.

The winner of The Voice wins a record deal and $100,000. Hannah is confident she will fare well on the show.

“I definitely think I can win,” Ashbrook told the Daily Herald. “I got this.”

Other local singers to make this year’s reality TV show include: Jeffrey Austin of St. Charles, Mark Hood of Chicago and Keith Semple, former lead singer for 7th Heaven.

The Voice airs every Monday and Tuesday at 7 p.m.