After months of support and anticipation from the community, Staples graduate Alisan Porter took to “The Voice” stage on Tuesday, May 25 to claim her trophy.

In describing the winning moment, Staples Players actor and Porter fan, James O’Brien ’17 said, “When I saw that Alisan won, I just froze. I was thinking to myself, ‘Woah, this person has performed on the same stage I’ve performed on, and look how far she’s gone with it.’”

Porter, who was mentored by Christina Aguilera, brought Team Christina it’s first win. This was the first time a female coach’s contestant has won.

Throughout the season, Porter was lauded for honesty in discussing her addiction issues and motherhood. The candidness shone through in her victory tweet: “YOU. GUYS. I WON THE VOICE!!!!!! Thank you from the deepest part of my heart. Everyone who voted and supported me!!!!!!”

The Voice winner had her musical theatre start at Staples, as an active participant of Staples Players. She continued on to play Curly Sue, in “Curly Sue,” Urleen in Footloose, and most recently Miriam in “The Ten Commandments: The Musical.” Porter also released the album “Alisan Porter” in 2009 and “Who We Are” in 2014.

Her vocal style is described as quite varying, according to O’Brien. He explained that “She can go anywhere from a ‘rock’ sound, all the way to something more emotional. She… builds the whole song, and then smashes the high notes out of the park at the end.”

According to a recent interview with the website Hollywood Life, Porter will try to become a “pop music sensation” in the music industry.

Regardless of Porter’s future plans, she has made impact on Staples students’ lives. As Natalie Chun ’17 said, “Her whole story is very inspirational, especially that she’s a mother and still pursuing her dream… It’s another notch in our [Staples’] belt.”