Submitted photo Julia Cooper, who grew up in Poland and now resides in Columbiana, is participating on NBC’s “The Voice” with John Legend as her coach.

COLUMBIANA — Growing up, Julia Cooper always loved music. In fact, the Poland native whose family moved to Columbiana just a few weeks ago has performed since she was about 5 years old. And now, Cooper is living her dream on NBC’s “The Voice.”

After an audition that turned three judges’ chairs and produced a standing ovation, Cooper joined the team of fellow Ohio native, John Legend. And now, after successfully performing through two rounds of the competition, Cooper enters into the knockout round, where she will perform live on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

While the community is behind her, no one is in her corner more than her family. Her father Dave said that seeing her on stage has been a surreal experience.

“My wife Sandy and I just sit on the couch and look at each and can’t believe it,” Dave said. “Julia is a quiet kid, but she’s always had a comfort level on the stage that I’m impressed. It’s surreal to see her up there.”

Dave said the support from the community has been overwhelming for the family after the Poland Village police and fire escorted her family to the highway on her way to the airport, headed to Los Angeles. Now, her new home is gathering behind her, as Firestone Farms is having a watch party on Tuesday at 7 p.m. to support Julia.

While Julia didn’t openly share with her family who she was hoping for as a coach for the season, Dave believes Legend was a good fit.

“Reading between the lines and knowing the type of music she likes, I think he was probably in her mind going in,” Dave said. “From the interactions they’ve had together, she says that he has been a standup guy.”

In the last round, Julia was one of the four performers saved during the battle rounds. Those four will perform against each other on Tuesday, where the top vote receiver will move on. Fans can vote for Julia through the Official Voice App or by making a free account at nbc.com/voicevote.

Win or lose, Julia has proven that her love for music can be translated on the big stage. She is also currently attending Middle Tennessee State University for commercial songwriting. When she was 7 years old, she won Poland Idol.

At a very young age, Julia was also able to sing in front of residents at an assisted living facility, including her grandpa. After singing to the elderly, she told Sandy that she enjoyed making the people smile. Dave believes that experience has stuck with her over the years and has shaped her love for music.

“We’re really proud of her for how she’s carried herself and the work she’s put into this,” Dave said. “She’s never relented on getting into the music business, and it’s not easy.”

Julia will perform on at 8 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.

slendak@mojonews.com