Minnesota 'Voice' finalist prepares for Monday night's competition

Eagan native Nicholas David has a big show ahead of him Monday night as he will compete with 11 other finalists on NBC's singing competition "The Voice."

David, whose real name is Nicholas David Mrozinski, took time out to speak about the competition Friday with KARE-TV, which airs the show locally.

David, who is part of coach CeeLo Green's team, told KARE's Pat Evans that the hit singer has encouraged individuality.

"CeeLo is encouraging us to be ourselves," David said. "He said we're cut from the same cloth and he's encouraging our uniqueness and I think that shines through within each of us here, and I couldn't be happier."

See David's interview below with KARE-TV's Pat Evans:

David wowed the judges Wednesday night with his soulful interpretation of the Barry White classic "You're the First, the Last, My Everything" and moved on to the top 12 Thursday.

David has gotten just as much notice for his unique looks -- particularly with his hair and beard -- and has been approached about changing it.

"It's kind of been a mixed bag on both sides," David said. "People cut it up, trim it up, shave it up -- and other people say keep it just the way you are."

KARE's Jana Shortal talked with David's fiancee, Krista Balaski, who said "The Voice" is the sort of opportunity the singer has been waiting for all his life.

"I'm just so proud he is out there and getting his voice heard, so it's been a blessing up to this point," Balaski said.

See the video of Shortall's interview with Balaski.