Erin Martin facts for kids

Lyanna Erin Martin (born October 14, 1983) is an American pop singer. She is now known professionally as LIANA LUXE. Lyanna is from Berrien Springs, Michigan. She first became famous for her special voice and her "Egyptian Warrior Princess" look. She was a contestant on two TV shows: "Rock of Love" and "The Voice". On The Voice, she was part of Team CeeLo Green.

Lyanna's Early Life

Lyanna Martin was born in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Her father is white American, and her mother is African American. For about 10 years, her father was in charge of a local playhouse. This meant Lyanna could be in many musical theater shows. When she wasn't acting, she enjoyed going to the Renaissance Fair.

At age 10, Lyanna faced a health challenge. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an illness that affects the large intestine. After four years, she had surgery to help her get better.

Lyanna started playing piano when she was 12. She even writes her own classical music and new age songs. She only began playing guitar in 2007. A friend gave her an electric guitar and an amplifier.

Lyanna describes herself as someone who loves freedom. When she was 17, she moved to Chicago. Later, she attended Lake Michigan College.

Modeling Career

Lyanna began modeling when she was 14 years old. She worked with several modeling companies like Aria, Ford Models, and Elite Chicago. As a model, Lyanna appeared in TV commercials, print ads, and magazines.

She worked with well-known companies such as Kohl's, Carson Pirie Scott, Pepsi, Crate & Barrel, Noxzema, and Whirlpool. Lyanna was also featured in magazines like "Shore Magazine" and "Flor Magazine." She even appeared on the cover of "Time Out Chicago", "Chicago Magazine", "New City", and "Red Eye". Lyanna also walked in many fashion shows.

Rock of Love TV Show

Lyanna was a contestant on the VH1 reality dating show, "Rock of Love". The show starred Bret Michaels, the lead singer of the band Poison. The show first aired on January 13, 2008.

Lyanna was eliminated after the very first episode. She said Bret Michaels told her she was "too innocent." He also said her music career was more important than the show. He felt being on the show might hurt her future in music.

The Voice Season 2

Lyanna appeared on the second season of NBC's "The Voice". This show started on February 5, 2012. During her "Blind Audition," Lyanna sang "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's. Two of the four judges, Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green, wanted her on their team.

Cee Lo Green said her voice was "strange and unique and bizarre and great and wonderful." Blake Shelton added that she had a "special sound" he had never heard before. Lyanna chose Cee Lo Green as her coach. She became one of 12 contestants on "Team Cee Lo."

For the "Battle Round," Cee Lo Green paired Lyanna with "The Shield Brothers." They sang Tina Turner's hit, "What's Love Got to Do with It." This choice surprised many because Lyanna was a folk/pop singer, and The Shield Brothers were a Rock 'n' Roll duo.

Adam Levine called Lyanna's approach "very unique." Christina Aguilera loved the performance, saying it was "entertainment" and "fun." Blake Shelton joked about her outfit but also supported her. Cee Lo Green decided to save Lyanna. She moved on to the live shows after a tough battle that made her a trending topic worldwide on Twitter.

In the "Live Shows," Lyanna performed "Walk Like An Egyptian" by The Bangles. Blake Shelton thought she did her best with the song. However, Christina Aguilera felt Lyanna could have done more. The next day, Lyanna was in the bottom three. She sang "Your Song" by Sir Elton John to try and stay. But Cee Lo Green chose to save another contestant. Lyanna was eliminated from the show on April 11, 2012.

LIANA LUXE Music Project

Lyanna has been working on her "Liana Luxe" music project for several years. She released her first single, "Mary Anne," on January 26, 2024. This song was recorded and produced by Grammy winner and Hip-Hop legend Ernest Dion (No ID) Wilson. Sterling Stacy, who has worked with artists like Lil Baby, also helped with vocals, mixing, and mastering.

Achievements and Other Work

• In 2007, NewCity magazine named Lyanna one of the "45 musicians for Music 45: Who Rocks Chicago."
• In 2010, she was chosen as one of 12 women for "Real Weather Girls." Lyanna represented Chicago.
• In March 2011, Chicago Magazine nominated her for "50 Most Beautiful Chicagoans."
• Lyanna's song, "Balloon," was featured on ABC's TV series, Pretty Little Liars.
• Her music video for "The Enemy" was a finalist in the Filmquest Film Festival in 2022.

Music Released

• "I Have a Vision" and "What Cha Gonna Do?"—Lyanna was the lead singer on these songs from Roy Davis Jr.'s 2009 album God Life Music. "I Have a Vision" was a big hit, reaching number 3 on the U.K. dance charts.
• Balloon (Single) (July 2011)
• Firestarter (Single) (Sept 2011)
• Kinder Than Silence (EP) (Sept 2011)
• Marianne (EP) (Sept 2011)
• Mary Anne (w/ Ernest Dion (No ID) Wilson (Single) (January 2024)

TV and Film Appearances

See also

• List of people diagnosed with ulcerative colitis