By  Curtis Campbell, Jamaica Gleaner From Voice

The Voice USA contestant says her success on the popular show does not discredit her achievements in Jamaica

Jamaican singer Tessanne Chin says while her experience as a recording artist should help her chances at winning American TV talent show The Voice USA, the nature of the competition levels the playing field.

Her comments come after many people in the singer’s Caribbean hometown said they thought Tessanne’s decision to enter the popular show discredited the work she has done to build her reputation in Jamaica.

But Tessanne says she has yearned to take her musical exploits to a global platform and being a part of the competition provides that opportunity.

“I have always dreamed big and I always knew that I wanted to have an international career. I don’t think anyone would pass up the opportunity to have a platform to reach so many people,” she said.

The songstress also disclosed that even though she is no stranger to performing for large audiences, she was just as nervous as the other contestants.

She said the status of the judges, which include singers Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, was enough to intimidate the most experienced of people.

The show, she said, would provide no small assistance in terms of her development as an artist and performer.

According to Tessanne, being a part of The Voice does not discredit her achievements in Jamaica and she has vowed to remain true to her brand.

“I’ll always be Tessanne. I can’t be anyone else, but, hopefully, the new and improved version, like a software update,” she said.

The singer also told The Gleaner that she was overwhelmed by the support of her fellow Jamaicans following the airing of her audition.

“I am absolutely floored and overwhelmed by the love and support I have been shown. Nothing could’ve prepared me for that and it’s truly breathtaking. I’m so very grateful to everyone who took the time to write me, tweet me or hail me up in the streets and to all the TV stations and radio stations showing their support. It’s unreal,” she said.

“Jamaica has definitely prepared me for this, but I also feel like I’m in the same boat as everyone who has auditioned, simply because this is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this on such a level and also because I am entering new territory so I have to prove myself in this arena,” she said.

For more on this story go to:

http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/tessanne-chin-i-have-always-dreamed-big