HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – From Oahu to the national stage, singer Kaylee Shimizu is celebrating her Filipino roots through music.

The 20-year-old R&B and soul artist gained national recognition as a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice,” where she made it to the Top 20. Following the show, she performed alongside John Legend during his show in Hawaii.

Shimizu joined Hawaii News Now Sunrise to talk about her performance at Capitol Modern for its Filipino American History Month celebration and to perform her newest feature song. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m., with her set from 7 to 7:45 p.m.

Shimizu says it’s important because it’s her culture: “That’s where I come from. My mom’s side, especially, we are so deeply rooted in our culture and especially with music, that’s how we bond and get along. Like last night, we were just singing karaoke all together, my uncle’s birthday, and we were all just jamming.”

Since “The Voice,” Shimizu said she has been pursuing a music degree at New Hope Christian College in Oregon while working as a vocal instructor and performing.

“I love what I do, and the reason why I’m also in college is to further my education for the kids that I teach, and also performing.” She said.

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