BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Local singer and "The Voice" runner-up Shye Roberts is in a New York state of mind.
A series of summer shows will take Roberts back to the Empire State to reunite with two contestants of the show.
In November, the 18-year-old Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts alum placed second on season 26 of the NBC reality singing competition.
Just missing out on the $100,000 top prize and a recording deal with Universal Music Group was difficult, though Roberts said she has nothing but love for season 26 winner Sofronio Vasquez.
Both Vasquez and Roberts were coached by Michael Bublé on the show. Roberts also got several shout-outs from Snoop Dogg, who was also a judgeduring last season.
"Not so much Snoop, but I do occasionally talk with Michael Bublé about my upcoming events," she said in a recent interview.
"The gay community means so much to me. We've come a long way since the olden days, and I feel like we're starting to make a difference."Shye, runner-up winner of "The Voice" season 26
On Saturday, Vazquez and Roberts performed a duet for the first time since recording "The Voice" in Los Angeles. Their concert performance was in Vasquez's hometown of Utica, New York, and featured an appearance by third-place winner Sydney Sterlace.
Roberts and Vasquez also will also perform together on July 19 at the Town Hall Theatre in New York City.
'Reconnecting with the community'
Following that show, Roberts will headline the Morgan Park Summer Music Festival on July 6 in her hometown of Glen Cove, New York.
"It feels strange after being gone for so long, from New York, to Pennsylvania, then Los Angeles, and now performing in New York again," she said.
"It’s honestly really nice to reconnect with the community and what started all of it in the first place."
Shye's pride
After a short break, Roberts, who moved to Bethlehem in 2023, returned to the stage at last week's Long Island Pride Festival.
She also served as grand marshal at the parade, organized by New York's LGBT Networks, which had a special meaning for the singer.
Before appearing on the big screen, a la "The Voice," Roberts won LGBT Networks' Got Talent competition.
"Honestly, I’m just glad everyone is proud of me and celebrated with me as one of the grand marshals of their Pride parade," she said.
"The gay community means so much to me. We've come a long way since the olden days, and I feel like we're starting to make a difference.
"We have the world finally understanding that we've always existed. We're not taboo or a sin and will always exist."
Releasing a single, performing in the Lehigh Valley
For fans who can't make it to her New York shows, Roberts hopes to perform locally soon (earlier this month, she performed at Charter Arts' annual gala held at ArtsQuest).
Online for fans, Roberts is holding an "Apparently Shye sings for Free!" contest through July 31.
The winner will receive a serenade video call from Roberts where she'll sing their favorite tune.
The singer is currently working on a new album (in her Bethlehem studio, decorated and gifted by her sister) and plans to release her first single in the fall.
"As of right now, I don’t have any upcoming events in the Lehigh Valley, but if something came my way, I would be stoked to check out the offer and potentially perform. I love my Bethlehemians."
To learn more about Roberts, visit her website or Instagram.
