Print

“Voice” Contestant Wé McDonald Reconnects with Roots, Visits PCTI

Wayne, NJ – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Paterson local and contestant on NBC’s “the Voice,” Wé McDonald, has returned to her alma mater of Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) to speak with students about her experiences as part of a hit television competition.

The visitation comes between filming of the “the Voice” and soon after airing Wé’s outstanding win in the Battle Rounds against Lauren Diaz. The two faced off in a powerfully moving rendition of Janice Choplin’s “Maybe.”

She greeted teachers and students of her alma mater with open arms, obviously excited to reconnect with her high school roots. Members of the School of Performing Arts – one of PCTI’s career area programs – were all too eager to snap a few selfies.

But it was speaking with friends, who were more like family that led to truly touching moments. Marcos Rivera, who performed in Man of La Mancha and 42nd Street with Wé, said, “When one of us makes it, it feels like we all made it.”

Grace Diaz added, “I knew she was going to make it. We all knew.”

The support from her Bulldog family has meant the world to Wé. What’s more, the young starlet has retained her down-to-earth and humble nature, a rarity when entering the music business.

“I feel like I’m in high school again. It’s really nice – just without the work.” Wé laughed., adding that she was glad to be back a PCTI as she didn’t know when she’d get the chance to visit the school again.


Wé McDonald (Paterson) of NBC’s “the Voice” shares a moment with her high school instructor Douglas Smith (Wayne) during a visit to her alma mater PCTI.


Wé McDonald speaks with PCTI students about show business and her experience on NBC’s “the Voice.”