By Kate Bartlett
Western New York native Sydney Sterlace made it to the final round of the most recent season of The Voice, coming in third place on season 26. Sixteen-year-old Sydney was on team Gwen (Stefani, pictured right), and learned many valuable lessons she plans to carry along in her singing career.
Sydney was born and raised in West Seneca, a suburb of Buffalo, along with her two younger sisters, Sienna and Shae. Her parents, Anthony and Stefanie, noticed Sydney’s voice was special, and enrolled her in voice classes at a young age. “My parents say I was singing before I could even talk,” laughs Sydney. She took classes with Bello Voice, a local studio, and sang at various venues in the area including coffee houses, Darien Lake, and the Erie County Fair. Sydney has also participated in many school musicals and choirs both during and outside of school.
set of The Voice in Hollywood, California where she
participated this past season.
gained a lot of confidence
as a singer along with valuable
advice. “Gwen told me
to be true to myself, and trust
my instincts as a singer. She
encouraged me to know who
I am as an artist, and to stay
true to that person.”
As Sydney watched The Voice with her family, she always dreamed of being on the show. “My mom and dad always encourage us to chase our dreams, so I decided to take a chance and gave it the best I could,” says Sydney. While on the show, Sydney was away from home for more than 2 months, but kept up with school work. “We never knew if we’d be going home or not; things were very uncertain week to week. I’m so thankful I had my mom with me. She kept me grounded and supported me unconditionally.”
Sydney formed friendships with other contestants, who she still keeps in touch with. “We became like family,” explains Sydney. “It’s an incredible journey and we were all going through it together, bonded over this common interest. I’m so grateful to have met so many incredible people. We got through it together. We loved hanging out together, just going to the mall and being teenagers.”
Sydney describes all the judges as very down to earth and humble. “Gwen (Stefani), Michael (Bublé), Snoop, and Reba (McEntire) are all the sweetest people ever. They really care about us and want to help us reach our goals. Every time Snoop would always wish me luck, I’d have a ‘pinch me’ moment; it was surreal.”
As a part of team Gwen, Sydney gained a lot of confidence as a singer along with valuable advice. “Gwen told me to be true to myself, and trust my instincts as a singer. She encouraged me to know who I am as an artist, and to stay true to that person.” Sydney as also inspired by the other contestants, who were all striving for the same goal. “We really inspired each other,” recalls Sydney. “I’m so grateful for the experience.”
While the experience was invaluable, Sydney was happy to return home to her friends and family. She is currently involved in the West Seneca West production of Les Misérables, and is working on her songwriting. “I’m focusing on developing my songwriting, working with as many people as possible to learn about the process and who I am as an artist.”
Sydney loves to express storytelling in her songs, and explains her style as emotional and storytelling with influences from country and pop. A few musical idols include Megan Moroney, Benson Boone, and Avery Anna. “These musicians all started small, and have grown into bigger artists. That’s something I admire and hope to learn from.”
Sydney encourages others to take chances and chase their dreams. “You are your own biggest supporter,” encourages Sydney. “Find that confidence, and believe in yourself, even if no one else does. Be true to who you are, and you’ll go far.”
For more information on Sydney Sterlace, watch on YouTube and follow on Instagram @sydneysterlacemusic and tiktok @sydneysterlacesings. Watch her incredible journey on this past season of The Voice, Season 26, on NBC. Sydney also wants to thank everyone for their support during her time on The Voice. “I’m still amazed at how many people voted, and how much support I received from the Western New York Community. It really is the city of good neighbors!”