April 11, 2023

By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources

WALNUT, CA--Walnut Valley USD alumna Alyssa “Ali” Ibarra is proudly using the national stage to share her message of defying the odds.

During her blind audition for this season’s  “The Voice” NBC singing competition, stars Kelly Clarkson and Chance the Rapper turned their seats around after listening to Ali’s powerful rendition of “Killing Me Softly With His Song.”

The celebrity judges were in awe after learning the 24-year-old soulful singer was born deaf in both ears and deemed that she had a “superpower!”

Ali joined Team Kelly becoming the first deaf singer to appear on the Emmy-Award-winning television show.

The 2016 Walnut High School graduate also attended Suzanne Middle School and Collegewood Elementary.

On April 11, she surprised Suzanne drama students to share her story, perform songs, and offer behind-the-scenes details about her journey on “The Voice”.

Despite facing the challenge of being deaf, Ali has embraced her uniqueness and transformed it into her greatest strength.

And it has fueled her creativity and determination.

“I never let this stop me!” the pitch-perfect singer said to the group of seventh and eighth graders.

“So, whatever you are going through, or whatever you have that you feel could be an obstacle in your way – it’s not!” she added.

“Whatever you want to do, you can do it as long as you keep working hard for it!”

“Not only is Ali extremely talented, but she is one of the kindest and most sincere people I have ever been blessed to know,” said math and drama teacher Helen Papadopoulos who coordinated the special appearance.

“She lights up any room she enters, and you always come away from a conversation with her feeling a sense of happiness and joy. Ali is a wonderful example of knocking down obstacles and chasing your dreams no matter what. We love her so much and are incredibly proud of what she has accomplished. Can’t wait to see what comes next!”

Ali said she “cherishes” her childhood memories growing up in Walnut.

“I am so proud and honored to represent my hometown. Go Cougars, go Challengers, and go Mustangs!” she said.

Ali is excited to use this opportunity to shine a light on how she is developing her singing career despite her disability.

“It means the absolute world to me to inspire other deaf/hard of hearing musicians to pursue their dreams,” she said.

“It’s all I have ever dreamed of and I thank “The Voice” for giving me such a large platform to share my story that I know so many can relate to.”

Ali developed a love of music early on, feeling the vibrations of the beat of her father who is a professional drummer.

“Music has always been a part of me. No matter the obstacle, it didn’t keep me from doing what I was passionate about,” Ali said.

She relies on hearing aids and lip reading to pick up sounds around her.

 By age 7, she was playing the guitar and drums.

“When I was little, I worked with a speech therapist and she had me singing songs. I’d sing on pitch, which surprised everyone!”

Ali has learned to navigate the world in her own way and found innovative ways to communicate with others.

“It’s valuable to own your shine!” she said.

Follow Ali’s musical journey on Instagram at: @alicanyouhearme.

Shown:

Walnut Valley USD alumna and NBC “The Voice” contestant Ali Ibarra makes a surprise appearance at her alma mater, Suzanne Middle School on April 11.