'Voice' win boosts Girl Named Tom leading up to Van Wert show
Jan. 28—LIMA — It didn't take long for word to get around about Girl Named Tom.
The trio, originally from Pettisville in Fulton County, punched their ticket to stardom by seizing the top prize — to the tune of $100,000 — on NBC's "The Voice" in December.
Bekah, Caleb and Josh Liechty boast the distinction of being the first group to win the televised competition that has aired for 21 seasons.
"It built our confidence and proved that we can connect with other people," Bekah said during a phone interview Tuesday. "Now we can share our views and music even farther."
Girl Named Tom's name stems from a childhood moniker for lead singer Bekah, who they called Thomas, though Josh wasn't sure how it came about.
"The speculation is, I wanted a baby brother," he explained, "but I'm glad to have a sister."
That's an understatement, given the siblings' whirlwind success that has taken them from South Bend, Ind., to Los Angeles, where they also appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in early January.
Girl Named Tom is returning to Ohio for concerts this weekend, including a pair Sunday at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert. The shows, slated for 2 and 7 p.m, sold out within a week.
"I reached out to them when I first saw them on 'The Voice,'" said Tafi Stober, executive director of the Niswonger and Van Wert Live. "The group committed to a contract the week prior to winning that competition."
Stober isn't surprised by the trio's popularity.
"They are regional artists with a devoted and loyal following from all ages," she said. "Their talent quickly draws new listeners to their music."
According to Stober, more than 230 concert-goers became Van Wert Live members just to access pre-sale tickets for Girl Named Tom.
"The demand here represents ticket buyers across the country," she said.
What will Girl Named Tom do for an encore Sunday? There will be some cover tunes but mostly original material, Josh said.
"Those are the songs that help audiences learn who we are as people," he said.
Caleb asserted Sunday's performances will provide a "unique opportunity" for whoever is in the audience.
Although the group consists of three vocalists, Caleb considers Bekah to be the lead singer, rightfully so.
"Her voice is extra special," he explained. "But our band wouldn't have this kind of success with one just one voice."
As if on cue, Bekah chimed in: "What's really special is when we all sing together."
They've been doing so since forming Girl Named Thom in July 2019 and hit the road to perform at wineries, farmer's markets and "any place we could," Bekah said.
Auditioning for "The Voice" was recommended by musical mentor Mollie B.
"It was time to try going to the next level," said Bekah, who figured that win or lose, "at least we will learn something."
They learned enough to earn $100K and a record deal with Universal Music.
The siblings plan to follow up their aptly named debut album "Another World" with new songs after their current tour.
"We want to get a single released as soon as we can and hope to get the ball rolling," Josh said.
