Local singer Zan Fiskum advances to final 9 on ‘The Voice’

Maple Valley singer has ties to Kent

As one of nine finalists on NBC’s “The Voice,” Maple Valley’s Zan Fiskum also has ties to Kent.

Fiskum, 22, is the daughter of John Fiskum, a program coordinator at the Kent Senior Activity Center for more than 30 years.

“She has participated in classes in Kent Parks and performed on the Senior Center stage several times over the years,” according to a Facebook post by the city of Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.

Fiskum advanced to next week’s round of nine when her coach John Legend selected her to move forward during Tuesday night’s Season 18 show.

“Not sure if you could tell but when @johnlegend said he picked me I was bawling like a baby,” Fiskum said on Facebook. “I’m SO excited! And just so honored. …Also, thank you John for believing in me.”

Fiskum, a Tahoma High School graduate, will sing again on Monday, May 11. The show airs at 8 p.m.

Contestants and coaches were at home during the live rounds on Monday because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier rounds were previously recorded in Los Angeles. Fiskum delivered a performance Monday of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,” from the RV she lives in at her parents’ backyard.

“What an amazing experience this has been, I am so grateful,” Fiskum said in a Facebook post last week. “Today (May 1) The Voice announced our remote recordings for the live shows. At first It was really hard to know we wouldn’t be going back to L.A. but it’s ended being a great thing!! I feel like my artistry is shining even more. I got to make my own track for this next performance and take a unique spin on a classic song. I have so many more ideas for creating my own take on some amazing songs.”

Fiskum grew up surrounded by music through her mother being a piano and vocal teacher, according to her bio on “The Voice” website.

“The whole family participated in a local dinner theater – from helping backstage to performing – which began her love for music and the arts,” according to the bio. “Zan started gigging at 16 and dedicates most of her time to music. She is also passionate about minimalism and likes to keep everything Zen and mellow. Zan is a worship leader at her church and currently lives in her parents’ backyard in an RV she renovated herself.”

Fiskum is a worship leader at the Renton-based New Life Church. She joined the church’s worship team at age 12, according to her Facebook bio. She had planned a free concert in April at the church to thank everyone for their support, but the concert was cancelled because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

In addition to her performances at the Kent Senior Center, Fiskum performed in 2018 at the city of Kent’s Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian Park as part of the Alec Shaw Band.