A Star by DESIGN
After her band broke up, graphic designer Kat Robichaud got the invitation of a lifetime.
Through a connection with a casting agency, Kat Robichaud [‘06 GD] was asked to audition for NBC’s hit reality show, The Voice, where singers compete for a place on teams led by musical industry giants, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. She was quickly selected at the opening audition and rocked her way to the Top 10 before being eliminated in the final rounds.
Despite the flawless glitz and glamour viewers see on the weekly live shows, Kat describes filming as stressful, but also very rewarding. “Every day you have a schedule that keeps you busy from sun-up to sundown,” Kat said. “You’re working with vocal coaches. You’re working with your actual coach. You’re working with choreographers and the band and then it’s up to you during your own time to work on your song yourself and make sure that you’re confident with moving forward.”
On a live mid-November TV interview with NBC Charlotte, Robichaud says in addition to the coaches, who’ve been fighting for her, she’s had huge support from Raleigh and Charlotte. A native of Concord, NC, she attributes part of her popularity with voters to touring the South and nationally with her [appropriately named] glam rock band, “The Design,” which she joined during her time at the College. Kat believes her experiences at the College helped her learn what kind of artist she is, describing the College of Design as a “creative hub.” “It was just a great experience, because it really showed me that I could be this weird different person and it was okay. I learned to embrace certain things because every little thing about yourself, good or bad, makes you your own person. I really love that about the College of Design. It was a very nurturing environment.”
The media refer to Robichaud as “the season’s rocker girl.” In contrast to other contestants, she focused heavily on the theatrics of performing, having grown up watching musicals. She’s belted out songs including Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” and Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” complete with backup dancers, standing on pianos and kicks in high heels. Despite being eliminated, Robichaud will always be remembered as the first contestant to crowd surf on The Voice. She went on the show to further her music career. “Moving forward, what I’d really love to do is to put out a new album and tour and just play a bunch of fun rock n’ roll shows, because that’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Follow Kat as she continues to follow her dream:
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