SIDNEY — A contestant on NBC’s “The Voice” has ties to Shelby and Miami counties.

“My dad’s cousin’s son is on Team Blake,” said Della (Allsup) Moniaci, of Piqua, and former Sidney resident.

Austin Allsup, of Fort Worth, Texas, performed “Wild Horses during the blind auditions of the show.

“Austin’s dad, Tommy Allsup lives in Nashville,” said Moniaci. “He was a guitar player and had performed with Buddy Holly. He’s also worked with the Everly Brothers.” He’s also played the guitar for Kenny Rogers, Jerry Lee Lewis and Asleep at the Wheel.

The elder Allsup had flipped a coin with Ritchie Vallens for a seat on the plane which crashed and claimed Holly’s life along with Big Bopper and Valens.

After Blake Shelton turned around, he was told that Austin Allsup had opened for him in 2005 at Billy Bob’s in Texas.

The battle rounds on “The Voice” begin Monday night. Other judges on the show are Adam Levine, Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys.

Moniaci said her dad, Robert Allsup, 84, lives in Iowa.

“Austin’s dad still goes to Iowa and performs on the anniversary of Buddy Holly’s death,” said Moniaci.

Moniaci said her children and grandchildren reside in Sidney.