BRIGHT SPOT
Another battle and Chevel Shepherd is standing tall.
The Farmington high school student was named the winner in the knockout rounds on NBC’s “The Voice” on Monday night.
Shepherd battled fellow teammate Sarah Grace during the round.
The teenage competitors are coached by Kelly Clarkson. They were also able to get advice from Grammy Award winner Mariah Carey, who is the key adviser for the season.
Clarkson said she chose Shepherd and Grace to compete because they are very different. “I wanted to push them because they are so young,” Clarkson said.
Shepherd chose to sing “Travelin’ Soldier” by the Dixie Chicks.
She used to harmonize to the song with her mother and sister when she was younger.
“I chose this song because it is really close to the heart,” Shepherd said.
Shepherd’s brother served in the Army for six years.
During the show, she recalled that before auditioning for the show, she was a regular teenage girl in New Mexico working on cars with her dad.
“I’m working with Kelly and Mariah now,” she said.
After the rehearsal with Clarkson and Carey, Clarkson said she can’t wait to hear a record by Shepherd.
“While she might be one of the youngest contestants this year, she sounds like Loretta Lynn,” Clarkson said. “I love the sound of your voice.” Carey interjected, “It’s pure.” Clarkson commended the contestants for picking bold, fearless songs.
“I only want bold and fearless people on my team,” Clarkson said. “I think my heart has to go with who I think is ready to go in right now and battle with these older people on this show. … The winner of the knockout is Chevel.”
On her official Instagram account, Shepherd said that the road’s not over for her and she’s moving on to the live playoffs.
“Thank you @nbcthevoice and @ kellyclarkson for believing in me through out this awesome journey! I wouldn’t trade if for the world!”
Clarkson also used her save on Grace, who will also move on to the live rounds next week.