Geyserville's Summer Schappell triumphs in 'The Voice' battle

Country-singing cutie Summer Schappell triumphed in the “Battle Rounds” of “The Voice” Tuesday night. But North Coast fans who tuned in to see her vocal duel with Indie singer Hanna Ashbrook were disappointed. Their duet of “Leave the Pieces” by The Wreckers didn’t make the final cut, and was edited down into a don’t-blink-or-you’ll-miss-it montage.

Schappell, who lives in Redding but is a familiar face in Sonoma County where she spends weekends in Geyserville as a bartender for weddings and special events, tuned in at home with her grandparents, knowing she won the round but not knowing if her segment would be featured or cut.

“It was a bummer. Being montaged is always a bummer,” said the 22-year-old singer. I think my grandparents were more upset than I was. I don’t even know if I’m upset about it. I’m just grateful to be up there and moving forward.”

Schappell said she’s more disappointed for fans and followers who won’t get to see the live performance, although an audio of the song is available on iTunes.

The fact that her performance was sliced to a tiny sliver on air neutralized the letdown some fans felt when an excited Schappell, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude, posted her win on her Facebook page for East Coast viewers, inadvertently sending out a spoiler before it was aired on the West Coast.

“We have to keep up with Twitter for everybody on the East Coast, Schappell said. “Usually I keep it just on Twitter. But last night, I don’t know why, but I really felt really compelled to just say thank-you to Gwen and get it out there how proud I was and to give Hanna some of the well-deserved thanks and recognition.”

Schappell was coached by rocker Gwen Stefani, who ultimately picked her over Ashbrook with the comment, “You’ve shown so much attitude. You’ve grown.”

“I was very nervous going into the round because Gwen really loved Hanna a lot,” Schappell said. “She’s incredible. And I was very very nervous.”

The young singer now advances to "The Knockouts," where the usual team of coaches, including Blake Shelton, are joined by mega-star, Beyonce.

Meanwhile Schappell will meet with fans and her friends and supporters in Geyserville at The Hoffman House Restaurant by the Geyserville Inn on Nov. 1 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“It will be a fun meet and greet,” said manager Cheryl Rochioli, a close friend of the Schappell family who tapped Summer to help with special events while she waits for her break into show business. “It’s an oppoortunity for people to keet her and to show the community support.”

That support will be all-important if Schappell makes it to the finals slated to air live in December.

You can reach Staff Writer Meg McConahey at meg.mcconahey@pressdemocrat.com or 521-5204. On Twitter @megmcconahey.