SOUND CHECK: SOUL SESSIONS WITH GRACE-MILLER MOODY

Florence, South Carolina native Grace-Miller Moody always loved music, but she never anticipated how it would transform her life. Before the young star’s breakout appearance on Season 27 of NBC’s “The Voice,” the 21-year-old singersongwriter mostly kept her talent to herself, singing casually around the house while focusing on sports and school. That changed the moment she stepped onto the stage for her blind audition performance of Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning,” earning a rare four-chair turn and introducing audiences to her smoky tone, raspy texture, and emotionally rich delivery. Since then, Moody has continued building momentum through performances across the state, studio sessions in Nashville, and the release of original music like “Outta Your League.” We caught up with her to talk about identity, artistry, faith, and the emotional depth behind her evolving sound.

Was there a moment growing up when you realized music could become something more than a private outlet?

Honestly, no. I only sang around the house, never realizing the thing I treated so casually was actually a gift waiting to be discovered. I didn’t know how, to get involved, and I definitely didn’t see music as a real path for me at the time.

How do you balance comparisons to other artists while protecting your own artistic individuality?

I’ve heard comparisons ranging from Amy Winehouse to Adele, and those compliments never go unnoticed. I’m incredibly honored because those artists paved the way for singers like me to explore emotion and individuality fearlessly. Instead of focusing on the similarities, I started asking myself what made me different. At the end of the day, I’m not trying to sound like anyone else. The raspy texture, smoky tone, andsoulful emotion in my voice feel the most authentic to who I am.

You’ve spent the last year moving between Charleston’s live music scene and Nashville’s writing rooms. In what ways have those two environments shaped you?

Charleston shaped me through experience and hustle. After “The Voice,” people suddenly started noticing my gift,inspiring me to work even harder, and teaching me discipline, resilience, and how growth comes from chasing something you deeply love. Nashville shaped me creatively in a different way, especially working with Austin Cain, who is equally passionate about music. Every session pushes me to become more creative and devoted to the craft.

Artists describe “The Voice” as career changing. Would you agree?

Yes, but when those chairs turned around, I also truly felt that God was telling me I was made for more. That moment wasn’t just about visibility or validation as an artist—it felt like confirmation. God was showing me that the dream placed on my heart as a child existed for a reason. I was finally stepping into the purpose He had been preparing me for.

There’s a strong emotional undercurrent in your songwriting, even when it sounds upbeat. What draws you to that contrast?

Emotion always comes to me first when I write, which is usually about things that personally affect me or emotions I see affecting other people. I try to turn those experiences into something listeners can connect to themselves. With “Outta Your League,” I wanted to write about the pressure of conformity in a way that still felt upbeat and energetic. I love that contrast because it mirrors real life—sometimes the heaviest emotions are hidden beneath something that feels light on the surface.

Your upcoming single ‘LEAN’ seems to move even further into narrative-driven songwriting. What stories are you hoping to tell through this next chapter of your music?

‘LEAN’ represents a deeper step into the kind of storytelling I feel called to create. The song follows four people connected through shared human emotion. I am challenging people not to judge others on appearance because you never truly know what someone is carrying. I feel my music evolving towards storytelling that’s more human, perspective-driven, and centered around connection. I want to create music that continues to mean something long after it’s released. 

SOUND BITES

• One word that defines your sound? Soulful.

• Favorite place to perform in Charleston? Anywhere the crowd feels connected and present.

• Artist you’re often compared to? Amy Winehouse—but I’m learning to embrace what makes my voice uniquely mine.

• Song that changed your life? “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5.

• What’s always in your studio sessions? Honesty and emotion.