Chicago Woman Competes In 'The Voice' Battle Round Monday

CHICAGO, IL -- Meagan McNeal, hailing from the city's South Side, is set to compete Monday on NBC's "The Voice." Jennifer Hudson, who's also a South Side native, was the first coach to turn her seat around and choose McNeal during the show's Blind Audition earlier this week. McNeal will now advance to the Battle Rounds, where she's paired with fellow competitor Lucas Holiday.

Here's a sneak peek:

McNeal moved between several different neighborhoods growing up on the South Side, but currently resides in Evergreen Park. She said she's played many gigs around Chicago for years, but none of them were like her audition for "The Voice."

"It's a completely different type of pressure when there's cameras and superstars right in front of you. It was just completely surreal. I just remember being so excited and grateful, because so many people audition for this. I think they said over 60,000 for this season, and to just be one out of 48 is a huge honor," she explained.

The first time McNeal ever sang was at her aunt's wedding when she was nine years old.

"I did Stevie Wonder's 'You And I' as she came down the aisle," McNeal said.

She said her family inspired her to enter the competition.

"I'm doing this for my son, who's four, but also my siblings. I'm the oldest of four, so I just like to show them that they can do anything--things that seem impossible."

You can cheer on Meagan McNeal on NBC at 7 p.m. Monday.

Image courtesy of Meagan McNeal