People.com Entertainment TV 'The Voice' 's Alisan Porter on Her Upcoming Album: 'Everything I've Been Through Comes Through in My Art' "I've learned so much from being sober and I think it definitely makes up a lot of my beliefs and how I walk through life," the star tells PEOPLE exclusively By Melody Chiu Melody Chiu Instagram Twitter Melody Chiu is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE. She has been with the brand since 2009, editing, writing and reporting across all entertainment verticals. She oversees PEOPLE's music and events coverage and has written cover stories on Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Melissa McCarthy, Blake Shelton and Sandra Oh. The Los Angeles native graduated from the University of Southern California and has appeared on Extra!, The Talk, Access Hollywood and Good Morning America. People Editorial Guidelines Published on June 5, 2016 09:00 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Trae Patton/NBC/Getty After going home as the season 10 winner of The Voice, it’s full steam ahead for Alisan Porter when it comes to writing new music. “I had such an amazing introduction into the public, and I don’t want to take my foot off the gas, so let’s go,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively. The singer is “totally open” to collaborating, but hopes to be “hands-on and write as much” as possible. “For me, it’s just continuing to follow my heart and do music that speaks to me,” says Porter. Looking up to artists like Adele, Porter wants to create songs that “really connects” to people. “Adele stands alone in the industry as far as her genre,” she says. “I’m older, so to think about being a pop star is kind of daunting. For me, it’s going to be that fine line of just finding my sound and what is going to take me to the next level in the music business.” For much more on Alisan Porter and her plans for the future, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands now. Porter’s also going to draw inspiration from her life journey, which includes getting sober in her mid-20s after struggling with alcoholism. “Everything I’ve been through comes through in my art,” says Porter, who is marking nine years of sobriety later this year. Adds the singer: “It definitely makes up a lot of my beliefs and who I am and how I walk through life. I turned away from the dark side and I have been infinitely blessed.” As for finally bidding adieu to Curly Sue, the little orphan who turned her into a child star 25 years ago? “Finally, after all these years, I get a little retribution!” she jokes. “I get to be Alisan Porter for once.”