True story: During the early auditions for NBC’s “The Voice,” a co-worker mentioned a Tweet from an acquaintance whose sister was apparently appearing on the show the very next night.

“Her name’s Cassadee Pope,” she said. “Have you heard of her?”

Oh, yeah. We’ve heard of her.

And, now, so has most of music-loving and TV-watching America.

The Wellington-raised Pope, who began her career as a singer in school productions and local bands, is now an iTunes chart-topping artist and predicted front-runner on the NBC singing competition’s third season finale this week (which begins Monday at 8 p.m.)

Pope began her national career as the lead singer of Palm Beach County’s Hey Monday, which toured with bands like Fall Out Boy, and led to her forming a friendship with bassist Pete Wentz. Fast-forward to “The Voice,” where her pop-punk stylings on Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” turned the chairs of all four judges.

Pope, 24, has become a runaway favorite on the show, where she’s been mentored by country star Blake Shelton and currently has ten songs on iTunes’ Top Pop Songs chart. Recently, she came home for a visit for the show’s semi-finals episode, which included a visit to Wild 95.5 and an appearance at Clematis By Night with members of Hey Monday.

Recently, we caught up with the very busy singer via email about her homecoming, her new country fans, and how the show has brought her closer to a very important person.

Question: Cassadee! What was it like being home?

Answer: Being home (was) absolutely incredible. I didn’t know what to expect really, and the amount of supporters that showed up at the tree lighting was overwhelming. Seeing my family and friends was a much needed release as well

Q: Your pre-existing fan base has been an asset for you on the show. Tell me about your interactions with new fans!

A: The new fans have been so accepting! I’m proud to say I have gained some country-loving fans, too. Of course, the ones that have been around for years will always have a very special place in my heart. They haven’t given up on me after all the changes and decisions I’ve made regarding leaving (Hey Monday and pursuing a solo career. Pope is also embroiled in an ongoing legal suit in Broward County over a management contract she signed early in her career, according to “New Times Broward Palm Beach.” A couple that signed her when she was a teen is seeking $50 million, claiming that Sony Music is trying to push them out now that Pope is on the verge of a major career, the online site reported.)

Q: What’s your favorite performance so far, of your own, and of someone else’s, on the show?

A: My favorite performance of mine so far has to be “Over You” and “I’m With You.” I’ve never been so emotionally connected to a song as I was to “Over You.” And “I’m With You” was such a fulfillment because it’s a song I grew up listening to and loving. I loved Terry’s performance of “I Wanna Know What Love Is” last week. Can’t help but want my Team Blake partner in the finale no matter what!!

Q: Watching you and Blake become so close has been one of the best parts of the season. What does it mean to you to have someone like him so solidly in your corner?

A: Blake has been such a (learning) tool for me both musically and emotionally. I can’t imagine going through this experience without him. He’s been so nurturing and communicative throughout. It’s been a true pleasure working with such a down to earth human being, and I know it’s a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Q: Christina Aguilera’s been hard on some of the singers on other teams, but she’s publicly Team Cassadee. That must meant a lot to have her endorse you since she’s so tough.

A: Having Christina in my corner is something I’ll never wrap my head around. She’s always been an inspiration to me, especially growing up. She’s someone I thought wouldn’t exactly like my voice, but now that I know she does it gives me somewhat of a confidence boost! She’s amazing!

Q: I don’t throw the word “brave” around a lot, but that’s what you’ve been, so vulnerably and publicly talking about your (strained, distant) relationship with your dad. How did you make that decision to be so open, and how have fans reacted to that?

A: I think I just mainly wanted to talk about it because it’s something people can relate with. I knew I had this thing deep inside that I’ve never talked about before, and I thought what better time to do the big reveal. The support from people who are going through the same thing meant so much. I do want to clarify though, that recently he has reached out and our relationship is on the mend. This show has been monumental for me in more ways than one. :)