'The Voice': Alameda singer impresses Christina Aguilera

Young Alameda singer Monique Benabou has a fan in Christina Aguilera.

Benabou, 23, sang a cover of Kelly Clarkson's "Mr. Know It All" on Monday night's episode of "The Voice" that had Aguilera raving.

"You started out really strong. Nice tone. Sounds powerful. You were genuinely consistent and you delivered," Aguilera said after the East Bay performer rocked NBC's popular singing contest.

Benabou now advances to the next round of the competition as a member of Aguilera's team. Aguilera was the only judge to turn her chair around during Benabou's performance. On "The Voice," Aguilera competes with fellow coaches Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine to build the best 12-person team of singers.

During Monday's bio segment on Benabou, we learned that she was only 12 when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She spent a lot of time at home, caring for her mom.

"You grow up faster," she said, reflecting on her youth.

As for the importantce of "The Voice" at this stage of her career, Benabou called it "monumental."

According to her Facebook page, Benabou was born in Oakland and is the youngest of five children. Her musical influences include Janis Joplin, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Prince and Mariah Carey.

She describes herself as "a gypsy, a free spirit, a truly nomadic being who goes around singing, dancing and smiling."

Benabou is working on an album tentatively scheduled for a July release.