Steve Anderson

Voice contestant Aquile: “The girl I sang against did a Christina Aguilera song in front of [judge] Christina Aguilera...”

Carlsbad-based singer/songwriter Aquile watched last week’s season finale of The Voice. It was the first time he’s seen an episode since he appeared on the chair-spinning talent show in 2012.

“It can get hard to watch,” admits the R&B/pop singer who supports himself with corporate and private gigs. “It was a huge part of my life. It brings back memories and all kinds of emotions. I get frustrated.”

Aquile (pronounced a-quill — he only uses his first name) appeared on three televised Voice episodes.

“I sang ‘I Believe I Can Fly,’ by R. Kelly,” he said of his first “cattle call” audition. “There were two or more call-backs after that.”

He says that once you get on the show it’s the producers who decide what song you sing. “They give you a huge selection, and they let you number which one you prefer. But ultimately the producers have the most control.”

His first TV appearance was performing “Your Song,” by Elton John. “My son was born the day before at Tri City Hospital — the same hospital I was born at. I rushed back just in time. I was on fire. I whooped ass. The girl I sang against was just 16. I was 26.”

But his final appearance on the show went differently. “It was a knock-out round. The girl I sang against did a Christina Aguilera song in front of [judge] Christina Aguilera. That sealed the deal for her. At the end of the day it’s a producer’s show. They make the rules. It’s like voting for our president.”

Aquile has 16 songs in the can, but is waiting until he records a few more tracks before he decides what will be on his first album. His solo shows are a mix of his originals often looped in with Drake/Tupac/Bieber mashups. “I create my own harmonies and make up a lot of my compositions on the fly.”

Aquile appears at Carnitas Snack Shack at the Embarcadero on Saturday and New Year’s Eve with his seven-piece band Aquile & Co. at Decoy Dockside in San Marcos.