The Voice 2013: Sasha Allen, Former Team Shakira Season 4 Contestant, Talks Steals, Song Choices, More

Sasha Allen was one of the older competitors on Season 4 of NBC's "The Voice" at 31 years old. The mother of two made it all the way to the Top 5 before America finally sent her home.

Allen started on Team Adam Levine before Shakira stole her away from the Maroon 5 singer. The former contestant sat down with TVLine to talk about her experiences during Season 4. Here are some highlights from the interview:

BI think it's safe to say you were a front-runner going into the Battle Rounds, but Adam wound up choosing Amber Carrington over you. Was there a moment of panic before Shakira hit her button and used one of her "Steals" on you?
There was no panic - and not because I [assumed] that I was going to get stolen. The only panic that there possibly could have been - and I don't remember the exact feeling that I had at that moment - would've been the feeling that I hadn't gotten the chance to show what I was able to do yet. And that would've made it all a waste, you know?

For Top 6 week, the race was super tight. You chose 'Ain't No Way' for yourself, while Shakira gave you 'Before He Cheats.' Was there any intimidation factor in covering Aretha Franklin?

That's one of those amazing songs that there is no competing with Aretha Franklin, so the best you can do is do a tribute, maybe put a little bit of your own stamp on it. I didn't have to change the music on that at all; it was perfection as it was. But sometimes the spirit just moves you, and you hear something else when you're out there singing, and it makes you take the song somewhere else. It's about knowing where the song is going to go, then finding a tasteful ad lib you can add.

Your final week on the show, you tackled Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You,' maybe one of the biggest, most iconic ballads ever. Why did you choose it?

It's a great song. And I'm madly in love with Whitney Houston. Her voice was angelic and amazing. She was an idol of mine. So, yes, it is an iconic song and it is an extremely hard song - and like with Aretha Franklin, I cannot compete with them. All I can do is do my best with it and just be really happy singing it. I also thought about the message of the song, which really has to do with unconditional love, and that's a great topic to talk about. That's something that touches my heart. I enjoyed it."

Check out the full interview here.