In an interview almost a year ago on “The Ralphie Show,” Adam Levine made it clear that when it came to the music industry, he was a fan of second chances.
“If I had to choose between something to watch, it would be the person that had been knocked down a couple times, where you’d want to see, ‘Oh my God, is this person going to finally do it?’” “The Voice” coach responded after I asked him about Cassadee Pope, the former Hey Monday lead singer who was shooting for higher stars after a first attempt under Columbia Records. “If it’s someone’s first chance, sorry kid, yunno, tough call. Who cares? You’re going to have ten more.”
Pope was happy enough just to receive that second opportunity, and was also pleased to hear Levine’s comments.
“I got a lot of comments when I was on the show about how I already had my chance; I should not be doing a show like that, I already had some success,” the season three winner recalled during an interview with “The Ralphie Show” that aired Thursday. “Hearing him say that means a lot because I felt like I had been through the grind. I had worked really hard, and it didn’t work out, and this was finally a chance to really knock it out of the park.”
In the process, Pope would transform from a pop-rock princess that played rough with the boys on stage to a solo, country artist who felt comfortable performing in front of teenagers and senior citizens alike.
“The only thing that has really stayed the same are my friendships, and my relationship, and my family; we’re still very close,” Pope remarked. She has dated All Time Low drummer Rian Dawson since her days as the front woman for Hey Monday. “But, everything (else) is different.”
Pope was down in the dumps after leaving her band. She packed up and moved to Los Angeles, where a not-so-successful solo EP and acoustic tour would await her. Teaching vocal lessons for extra cash, Pope received a call one day from her former manager. “The Voice” wanted her to sing in a private audition. She shunned the opportunity for season two but then agreed the next time around. As a member of “Team Blake,” Pope became the early favorite to take home the show’s top prize.
Pope’s debut album, Frame By Frame, comes out October 8.
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