Before The Voice Season 27 Knockouts aired, viewers were buzzing about contestant Nell Simmons for good reason. Hailing from the vibrant 7th Ward of New Orleans, Nell’s vocal range, presence, and authenticity have captivated viewers nationwide. But make no mistake: her journey didn’t start on the NBC stage. From a young age, Nell’s talent shined through in local competitions, where she began honing her unique blend of gospel, soul, and emotionally rich vocals. In 2004, she auditioned for American Idol, an early step that helped shape her as a performer. Since then, she’s headlined showcases and recorded music that reflects her growth as an artist. Nell’s resume includes performances at renowned venues across the U.S. and U.K., as well as a standout tour with Trombone Shorty. She’s graced national television screens with appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and Good Morning America. Back home in New Orleans, she holds acclaimed residencies at the Windsor Court and NOPSI Hotel, where her commanding stage presence and timeless sound continue to win hearts.
Now, Nell is entering a new chapter. On April 4, 2025, she released her highly anticipated debut single, “Therapy”. It is a vulnerable, soul-stirring track that blends her experiences with emotional depth. At the same time, she’s showcasing her extraordinary range as a contestant on The Voice, bringing her full-circle moment to a national stage. In our one-on-one conversation, Nell opened up about her musical journey, the heart behind “Therapy,” and what it means to show up fully and authentically as a Black woman artist in today’s music landscape. Candid, insightful, and inspiring, Nell Simmons proves she’s more than just a voice. She’s a story worth listening to.
Q&A with Nell Simmons
Mo: What’s the first song you remember singing as a child?
Nell: Probably “Silver and Gold.” It’s a gospel song I used to sing often with my siblings. Either that or “Amazing Grace.” Both bring back powerful memories of growing up, especially singing for our neighbor, who was also a pastor.
Mo: Do you still attend church?
Nell: I do! I’m a member of New Home Ministries in New Orleans, where Bishop Samuel R. Blakes is my pastor. I also sing at a local neighborhood church called Community Church. Even with my schedule, I stay involved musically and spiritually. Church is still a big part of my life.
Mo: If your personality was a song title, what would it be?
Nell: Whew! That’s hard because I’m composed of several songs. But now, my song, “Therapy,” holds all my emotions. But if we’re talking covers, maybe Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight“ or “I Get So Emotional.“ I have many sides, including playful, emotional, and soulful. Music helps me express each one.
Mo: Who would you swap voices with for a day?
Nell: Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and Sade. They each represent something unique that has influenced my voice. I admire how their voices told stories and evoked emotion. That’s what I strive for.
Mo: Tell us about your original single, “Therapy.”
Nell: “Therapy“ is deeply personal. I co-wrote it with my cousin, TL Cross, the producer. He’s written for major artists and understands how to bring a story to life. The song is about healing through professional therapy, love, community, family, and faith. I want listeners to feel encouraged and seen.
Mo: It has a very Amy Winehouse vibe, which I love. Are you working on an album?
Nell: Thank you! Yes, an album is in the works. I’ve always loved the 60s soul-meets-modern R&B sound. It’s timeless. Amy was amazing, and this sound feels honest to me.
Mo: How has being on The Voice shaped your approach to music?
Nell: It’s taught me to be strategic. When performing for a national audience, you must balance artistry with accessibility. I’ve sung in residencies back home, so I know how to read a room. The Voice is a larger version of that. You have to connect with people and then invite them into your world.
Mo: Why did you choose to stay on Team John Legend after he chose Olivia Kuper Harris over your performance in the Battle?
Nell: John picked me first. It was instinct, and I felt like I owed him that. I’m also a huge Adam Levine fan. I was a little torn at first. But I went with my heart.
Mo: What have you learned about yourself through this journey?
Nell: As a woman, I’ve learned the importance of being emotionally and professionally grounded. You can feel unseen sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you’re not valuable. As an artist, I’ve learned to see the beauty in every step, even the hard ones. My blind audition was “montaged,“ and that was tough. But it didn’t stop me. I’m still here, rising, and now I’m releasing music I truly believe in.
Mo: What advice would you give young Black girls watching your journey?
Nell: Keep going. Don’t tell yourself “no”. There are enough people who may doubt you; don’t be one of them. What’s for you is for you. Walk in your purpose, even when it’s hard.
Mo: How do your kids feel about seeing you on TV?
Nell: They’re so proud, my son especially. He’s 16 and just loving the attention. His classmates talk about me being on The Voice, and it’s a moment of joy for our family after some tough losses. I want them to see that dreams are worth fighting for.
Mo: Dream collaboration — who’s on your list?
Nell: Timbaland. I’ve always loved his production. I’d also love to work with Bruno Mars. But I’ll say this: a remix of “Therapy“ by TL Cross? That’s something that needs to happen.
Final Thoughts
Nell’s journey has been a testament to resilience. As a woman, she has learned the importance of emotional and professional grounding. Despite moments of feeling unseen, she has never doubted her value. As an artist, she has found beauty in every step, even the hard ones. Her blind audition was ‘montaged’; it was a tough moment, but it didn’t deter her. She’s still here, rising, and now she’s releasing music she truly believes in. Her journey is a source of inspiration for all, especially young Black girls watching her rise. She is also carving out a space that feels both refreshing and rooted. Whether singing from the pews or center stage, her voice carries legacy, light, and undeniable soul.
On the third night of Knockouts for Season 27 of The Voice, airing on April 13, Nell delivered a powerful performance of the song Sweet Thing by Chaka Khan and Rufus. Paired against tough competition from Renzo from Team Legend, coach John ultimately chose Renzo to move forward.
While her time on this season’s The Voice may have ended, this is far from the last moments we will hear from Nell Simmons. Several winners have achieved significant success after competing on the show. With her talent and passion, Nell Simmons is poised to soar even higher.
Keep your eyes and ears on her. This is only the beginning.
Stream her debut single, “Therapy,” now available on all music platforms.
Connect with Nell Simmons at https://www.instagram.com/_nellsimmons_bradley/
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