At 63, Mechelina takes on Etta James’ iconic “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” on The Voice Senior stage, delivering a captivating and powerful performance. The Voice Senior offers singers over sixty a unique platform to showcase their talents among peers, emphasizing the pure quality of their voices without the need for “auto-tune” adjustments often seen with younger artists. Here, audiences witness raw, authentic vocal talent in its truest form.
When Mechelina steps onto the stage, she might look like a typical grandmother, but her commanding voice tells a different story. She takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and launches into Etta James’ timeless tune, capturing both the audience’s and the judges’ full attention. Her voice carries a rich, soulful quality reminiscent of the sixties, guiding listeners on a spiritual journey with lyrics like:
“Let me tell you now that I have never felt like this before. Something’s got me by the neck and won’t let go…”
Written by Etta James, Leroy Kirkland, and Pearl Woods, “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” combines blues and gospel influences and reached high rankings on the R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts. James once shared that the song was inspired by a gospel hymn of the same name, which added an even deeper layer of emotion to the song.
Standing on The Voice Senior stage, Mechelina had high expectations to meet, especially given the comparison to Etta’s original gospel and blues voice. Even if the judges were divided, her performance made a lasting impression. We look forward to hearing her remarkable voice again in future competitions.