Trained in jazz during her childhood, Mathai started developing her vocal style around the age of sixteen with a sound reminiscent of Billie Holiday, Norah Jones, Nelly Furtado, and Adele, although two of her biggest influences are Johnny Cash and Amy Winehouse.
During the winter of 2010 she had the opportunity to perform during the AMTC convention in Orlando, Florida where she was discovered by two entertainment executives, and soon took a break from school to move to Atlanta to pursue her music career.
In November 2011, on a dare from friends, Mathai auditioned for Season 2 of the talent competition series, The Voice on NBC.
[4] After making it through the blind auditions, her rendition of "Rumor Has It" by Adele's caused coaches (Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and Cee-Lo Green) to turn around and woo her to join their team.
[5][6] Mathai joined Team Adam and over the next several weeks continued to advance before being eliminated after making the top ten.