May 15, 2020

For many, it’s the thrill of sports. For others, it’s the joy of reading or embracing the satisfaction felt when completing a project. We all have our passions. And, if we’re lucky, we have the opportunity to indulge in them.

Take for example, Ashley Plath, meter reader/collector at Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L). Ashley has loved music and singing for as long as she can remember. She writes her own songs and performs through online videos. And, it was through one of her videos that producers of the hit NBC television show, “The Voice,” discovered her.

Ashley before heading out to work.

A popular singing competition, “The Voice,” finds unsigned singing talent from public auditions. TV viewers select a winner voting by telephone, internet, texting and iTunes Store purchases of the contestants’ vocal performances. The winner receives $100,000 and a record deal with Universal Music Group.

“I was so excited to get a call from the producers,” said Ashley, who works out of the Union Beach facility. “It was a dream come true.”

The producers were so impressed by one of Ashley’s videos that they asked her to audition for the executive producers. Ashley then returned to Los Angeles for a month to prepare for the blind auditions, where celebrity coaches form their team of artists. The coaches then mentor team members through the remainder of the season.“During the month in LA, I worked with the show’s band, vocal coaches and wardrobe staff to get ready for my appearance,” said Ashley. “I planned to perform the song, ‘Baby It’s You’ by Smith.

The Big Night

Ashley auditioned for this year’s coaches – Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, John Legend and Blake Shelton – during a televised performance on Monday, Feb. 24. Although she wasn’t selected for a team, Ashely said it was a very valuable experience.

“I received great feedback from the judges,” she said. “Overall, it was cool – especially since my mom and dad were there to cheer me on.”

Ashley’s parents also are JCP&L employees. Her dad, Robert, works in Line Construction & Maintenance, and her mom, Kim, is a meter tester.

“My parents are great! They’re very supportive of my music and stand by me 100%,” she said.

​Reading FE Meters by Day, Playing Musical Meters at Night

Ashley will continue singing. In fact, she’s in a band called “Sweet Talkers,” which performs pop and alternative rock in local venues. She also plans to try again for “The Voice.”

“It was such a great learning experience,” she said. “The next time I’ll perform a different song – one that’s better suited for my vocal control and range.”

She hopes to one day have music as her full-time career. And, she shares this advice for those who also have long-term dreams:

“Work hard and never give up. That’s the best way to make your dreams come true.”

You can see Ashley’s performance on “The Voice” on YouTube on your home computer here​.

Ashley and her band, “Sweet Talkers.”