Julie Roberts -- a former country success that had a record deal (with Mercury Nashville in 2004), a Gold self-titled debut, a Top 20 hit ('Break Down Here') and late night TV appearances (shown during her per-audition interview) -- tried out for a spot on 'The Voice' during Monday's (April 1) Season 4 Blind Auditions. But she didn't make it through.

Dressed in red, Roberts shared her rags to riches to rags history, where she started out as her label's receptionist, got signed, had success and then lost it all when her follow-up (2006's 'Men & Mascara') tanked. She lost her home in a flood in Nashville and was eventually dropped. She also has MS, so things have been tough since her first taste of success.

The songstress, who revealed how she had met Blake Shelton, boldly sang his song 'God Gave Me You.' Given her experience and her past, she was expected to knock it out of the park, but her vocals were tinny, off-time and incredibly shaky.

None of the judges -- not even Shelton -- turned around during her performance. When the coaches did meet her, Shelton instantly recognized Roberts and knew her name, and felt guilty for not picking her, despite the fact that her audition hovered at average... at best.

Roberts is keeping her head held high despite being rejected, and issued a statement after her performance aired:

As some of you may have seen tonight, I was one of the blind auditions featured on ‘The Voice’. I haven’t been able to talk about my experience with The Voice until it aired and now that it has, I wanted you all to hear about it directly from me.
For the last two years, I have been invited to come audition to participate in the show, and this past year, I decided to take a chance and see what would happen if I did. So, I took the first step and went to Memphis, TN last summer to meet with the producers and sing for them. Then, they invited me to move to LA for about 6 weeks to participate in the blind auditions.
While in LA, I met so many wonderful people including other contestants, my amazing vocal coach -Romeo, and so many special folks that God brought into my life for that season.
Obviously, if you are reading this and watched the show, you know that a chair did not turn around for my blind audition. This was heartbreaking for me on many levels but I believe with all my heart that God has other plans for my life that He is working on behind the scenes for me right now.
I’ve been back from LA several months now and I am writing and recording music! In fact, I will be releasing new music for you very soon! I’m also working on booking some shows and getting out there on the road to you as well.
I am more motivated than ever to reach my musical and career goals! My plan is to always create and play music for all of you that I love so much!!!!
Thank You for your continued support and God Bless You!

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