Styled for Stardom: The Voice's Jerilynn Stephens Gives Us a Peek into the World of Styling On Set
Pictured: (l-r) The Voice contestants Jacquie Roar, Ruby Leigh, Mara Justine, Huntley, Lila Forde (Image courtesy of Trae Patton/NBC)
If you’ve ever seen The Voice, you’ll know that the show starts with blind auditions from hopeful artists trying to catch the attention of a celebrity coach. Contestants are selected solely on the strength of their vocal performances, as each potential mentor listens without bias.
Pictured: (l-r) John Legend, Gwen Stefani, Niall Horan, Reba McEntire (Image courtesy of Griffin Nagel/NBC)
While looks don’t play a role in how the famous coaches choose their teams, it’s hard to ignore the fact that appearances are removed from the initial equation because of their impact. In fact, hair and makeup can make a big difference when it comes to creating an impression.
Styling is vital for transforming the talented people behind the voices into stars. Not only do hair and makeup contribute to the confidence of the performers, but they’re important elements when it comes to the visual presentation of the production.
Jerilynn Stephens, Hair Department Head for The Voice
We caught up with award-winning hairstylist Jerilynn Stephens, Hair Department Head for The Voice, at the Makeup Artists and Hair Stylist Guild “Meet the Nominees” event to learn all about what it takes to get contestants ready for the spotlight.
Can you tell us what a typical day was like on set?
We show up and get everyone camera-ready for the start of the day. Then it’s constant touch ups throughout the rest of the day before the show.
Any quick stories that particularly stand out from the last season?
Huntley (Image courtesy of Trae Patton/NBC)
Huntley, the season winner, had more hair than any of our female contestants, which is a very rare thing to happen. He took longer than all the girls, and he always wanted braids, so we were constantly trying to come up with new ideas for braids.
Can you tell us about how you work with the contestants to come up with their signature styles for the show?
The contestants’ looks always depend on their outfits and their songs. I always see the set design and the set colors. The looks is always based on the whole look of the makeup, outfit, and hair.
We only get the wardrobe the night before the show. I’ll send that info to my hairstylist for the contestant they are styling, and then they put together a list of their ideas and what they’d like to do. When the contestants come in the morning of the show, it’s a collaboration.
Sometimes the contestants say “no” and have their own ideas, and sometimes they love the ideas that we have come up with.
How do the selected songs influence the styles?
If it’s a moody, low lit vibe or they are sitting at the piano playing, that all comes into play with what we are doing with the hair. And if it’s something like a Diana Ross song, we are going to want to do something big and fun.
How far in advance of filming are you able to plan the contestants' styles and how is that coordinated with the makeup and wardrobe team to achieve a cohesive look?
There’s not a lot of planning, but we are just trying to make everyone have gorgeous hair at all times. That’s what we do.
The wardrobe team is always the first to get the look. Next, I talk to the makeup department head to see what she wants to showcase – like if strong eyes must be showing. If I want to do something major with the hair, she might downplay her makeup so it’s not too much.
Is each stylist dedicated to specific contestants and judges for the season, or does everyone work with all the contestants and judges throughout the season?
The coaches all have their own people. I’m in charge of anyone else who might hit the stage. I don’t really delegate one stylist to each contestant; I want them to have a lot of different people.
For the live shows though, if someone has become more comfortable with one of the stylists or they have more difficult hair, I will try to keep them paired with the same person. I personally like to jump around because I like to touch everybody.
How do contemporary hair trends come into play when creating the looks? Are there any recent trends that worked their way into the nominated season?
Trends are what we thrive on. Everyone is looking at Instagram and Pinterest and trying to come up with big ideas.
A big look in season 24 was the curtain bangs. There’s also what I think of Pam Anderson hair, which is now Kim Kardashian hair. Originally, it was Bridget Bardot hair. Those are hair trends that were hitting the stage.
You were nominated (once again) for a MUAHS award for season 24. Is there a look that you created for the season that you are the most proud of?
Nini on The Voice (Image courtesy of Trae Patton/NBC)
There are so many. I really loved Nini’s “Jessica Rabbit” look. She was wearing this black sexy dress and she was just luminating. Her hair looked amazing.
Huntley on The Voice (Image courtesy of Trae Patton/NBC)
I loved Huntley’s braids and in one of his performances his hair was out and flowing (but still in braids). And his hair goes down to his butt!
Any favorite products that are key for creating the looks? How often are extensions/wigs/or hairpieces used?
Products are the key to any hairstyle. My Kenra Hairspray #25 is my favorite product of all time because you can brush through it and keep styling over it and it’s not compromising the hair.
When it comes to extensions, hair pieces, and wigs, I am not afraid to use them. If it’s going to make the look, I am all for it. If they don’t have a lot of hair, absolutely 100% I will use them for thickness. Gives a great foundation for styles to hold.
The Voice is currently on Season 25. Watch the talented contestants and their coaches — John Legend, Chance the Rapper, Dan + Shay, and Reba McEntire Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
[Images courtesy of NBC]
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer/editor. Her work has appeared in publications including Sports Illustrated, Healthline, Beauty Launchpad, DAYSPA, CNET, Entertainment Tonight, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16