"The Voice"

Okay ... I'm not one to watch "Dancing With the Stars" or "The Biggest Loser." I'll admit to occasionally turning in to "Extreme Makeover" (true confession: by the time the bus rolls up to unveil the house, I'm a complete wreck.)

But when my good friend announced that her son, Collin McLoughlin (and my son's first grade pal)

My son's first grade birthday party. Collin (third from left); my son (fourth from left).

was appearing as a contestant on the wildly popular NBC show, "The Voice," my husband and I were all ears. Longtime fans of Collin's amazing voice, we were tee-vee-side every evening at 8 p.m., dialed in to Channel 4, waiting for this young talent to blast the sound- and airwaves.

And there was Collin giving a blind audition on "The Voice." Singing Cat Steven's "Wild World" to a national audience with clarity, passion and soul, a pure tone and laser-sharp pitch.  My husband and I cheered like teenyboppers when three of the most famous names in music -- "The Voice" coaches Adam Levine of Maroon 5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUBPUi-gsnE&playnext=1&list=PLE60491425323F0E0&feature=results_main), 

Cee Lo Green (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-ujqp2qWxo) and Blake Shelton (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkoT1nZOexY) slammed their red buttons and begged, "Be on MY team!"

Here's the clip of Collin wooing the judges:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL4LrGZ18QQ

And if you're fettered by all the hooplah on "The Voice," here's another clip that shows Collin's talent with just him and his gee-tar: "Payphone": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpoMJhL3JJc&feature=fvwrel

Or try this: "Save the World Tonight:"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp4qoEfJHTM&feature=related 

Vote for Collin. Vote for artistry and following your dreams. Let McLoughin's inspiration burnish your soul to always reach for the stars.