Amid this week's unsettling NJ stories (stemming from bombing suspect Ahmad Rahami) — I had to round up two amazing performances by talented Jersey Girls turned instant TV stars.

Let's start with Paterson standout, Wé McDonald. The 17-year-old north Jersey teen is an early favorite on "The Voice" season 11. It's easy to see why from her blind audition:

McDonald was as bubbly as ever Tuesday night, in a quick Twitter message to her growing flock of fans:

Meanwhile, Old Bridge Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez is crushing it (as we knew she would) on Dancing with the Stars! Her jive this week- to the theme for throwback cartoon "Ducktales"- will make you smile:

Hernandez has been checking in with fans in NJ and beyond, since grabbing her gold and silver Olympic medals in Rio over the summer.

Well done, ladies. It's so inspiring to be able to celebrate your talents and leave behind the days of 'fake' New Jerseyans on reality shows (I'm looking at you, Snooki and JWoww).

Your home state is rooting for you, both!


Proud Jersey Girl Erin Vogt’s first reporting gig involved her Fisher Price tape recorder. As a wife and momma of two kiddies, she firmly believes that life’s too short to drink bad coffee. A fan of the beach, Dave Grohl and karma, in no particular order.

Follow her on Twitter and on Facebook as ProudJersey.

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