Photo: NBC
Kelsea Ballerini said a rising artist’s voice is “undeniably country” after her powerful blind audition on The Voice.
In fact, Ballerini said Hailey Wright’s voice reminds her of legendary country stars Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood and LeAnn Rimes.
Wright, 19, of Redwater, Texas, took the stage with a rendition of Freddy Fender's 1970s ballad, “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.” Ballerini and Michael Bublé turned their chairs within seconds of hearing Wright’s voice. John Legend applauded the “excellent” audition, and Adam Levine said he’d let “these guys — and by ‘these guys,’ I mean Kelsea,” fight for the Texas singer to join their team.
“Your voice is undeniably country,” Ballerini said. “It reminds me of Wynonna. You have so much Trisha in there. And I was your age when all of this started for me, and I know how to navigate it. I know this genre. Do you know ‘Blue’ by LeAnn Rimes? …Can you just sing part of that song that you know really quick?”
Wright captivated the coaches and the audience when she delivered a stunning impromptu rendition of Rimes’ iconic 90s single. Ballerini said she “just wanted to show you that I get you. I can’t wait to get to know your voice more as we work together, hopefully.”
Next, it was Bublé’s turn to speak with Wright.
“Listen, if you go to my phone, you will see country. My last record, I called Willie Nelson. I said, ‘would you do a duet with me?’ The record before, (I called) Dolly Parton. I feel like we each have a superpower on the stage. We do. Each of us have our things. And right now, I feel like Wonder Woman versus me, the guy who can shoot bow and arrows. You know what I mean? But here’s the deal. Those are the songs I listen to. I listen to Hank. And I really love you, and I know it’s a long shot and I know there’s girl power, but I would love it if even just part of your consideration would be going a little off the board and choosing Team Bublé.”
Wright thanked the coaches and said she could “feel in her gut” which team was the correct choice for her. Watch that moment here: