Saturday, March 15, 2025
Zack Zaro, a musician born and raised in Lynbrook, performed on The Voice, NBC’s popular singing competition show, on Feb. 3rd. The Voice features contestants competing in blind auditions, where celebrity coaches critique their performances and select artists to mentor. Zaro performed for Adam Levine, John Legend, Kelsea Ballerini and Michael Bublé.
Zaro shares his journey, including how his experiences on The Voice shaped his musical path.
Q: You performed on The Voice on Feb. 3rd—how was the experience?
A:
It was absolutely surreal. Performing in front of those legendary coaches, some of whom I've looked up to for years, was a dream come true. It was a bit overwhelming, but the experience was incredible. I felt like I learned so much and it really inspired me to keep pushing forward in my music.
Q: How did you get onto The Voice? Can you walk us through the audition process?
A:
I started by sending in a tape and went through a few rounds of interviews. After that, I was selected to go to LA, where I performed in front of the producers. It was definitely nerve-wracking, but once I got to the NBC lot, it was like a dream. I got to bring my friends and family along with me, which made it even more special.
Q: Was there a specific moment from your time on the show that really stood out to you?
A:
One of the most memorable moments was definitely talking to the coaches. Getting feedback from some of the biggest names in music was invaluable. They took the time to listen and give me advice on how to be a better performer, which is something I’ll always treasure. It was also just amazing meeting so many talented musicians from all over.
Q: You mentioned earlier that your time on The Voice was part of a bigger journey for you. Could you tell us about your past experiences, like your role in the musical Bandstand and how you moved into music?
A:
In 2020, I was part of the national tour of Bandstand, where I was playing the lead. Unfortunately, the tour got canceled right before we were supposed to perform at the Tilles Center on Long Island. That hit me hard, and then the pandemic hit, and everything stopped. During that time, I shifted my focus to music. I started writing, releasing songs, and performing all over, including on the city streets and across the country. Now, I'm part of the Cher show, where I’m playing Greg Allman, which has been a huge career highlight for me. Getting to perform at Tilles Center after five years was incredibly rewarding, and it really felt like all my past setbacks were leading up to this big moment of success.
Q: What would you say is your biggest motivator or piece of advice that keeps you moving forward in this tough industry?
A:
I think the biggest thing is understanding that this is a marathon, not a sprint. You really have to believe in yourself, especially when the world can sometimes make you doubt your abilities. The music industry is full of ups and downs, and you have to learn to keep going, even when things seem tough. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that failure is part of the journey. Each setback makes you stronger and better prepared for the next opportunity.
Q: Growing up in Lynbrook, how do you think your Long Island roots influenced your music career?
A:
Lynbrook definitely shaped who I am as an artist. I was surrounded by incredible musicians and had so many mentors who believed in me, like my teacher Barry Wyner, who introduced me to Billy Joel. I had great peers who pushed me to get better, too. Long Island has such a rich musical history, and growing up here made me proud to be part of that legacy. From Billy Joel to Mariah Carey, it’s clear that this place breeds amazing talent.
Q: Looking ahead to 2025, what’s on the horizon for you, both with The Cher Show and your personal music journey?
A:
In 2025, I’m planning to release more music. I’m currently working on an EP with a variety of styles, and I’m really excited about the first track, “Awfully Lucky.” It’s about reflecting on a breakup with a more positive outlook. My debut single, “EPA,” has been getting great feedback from music critics, and I’m really excited to keep pushing my music. As for The Cher Show, it’s been amazing to play Greg Allman, and I’m excited to keep bringing my own musical influences to that role.
Zaro's music, including his debut single "EPA" and his upcoming release "Awfully Lucky," is available on all major streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
