Clarion Ledger

USM grad Karen Waldrup races toward the finish line on ‘The Voice’

- Lici Beveridge Hattiesbur­g American USA TODAY NETWORK

Teams Dan + Shay and Legend contestant­s on Season 25 of “The Voice” gave it all they had in the first round of The Playoffs Monday night, but it was to be the swan song for some, as the teams were whittled down from 10 singers to six.

University of Southern Mississipp­i alumna Karen Waldrup revved her engine and spun her wheels in the mud as she performed Lainey Wilson’s “Heart Like a Truck,” making it clear to the judges she was down for the win.

Judge Reba McEntire told Waldrup she still regrets getting blocked when she turned her chair for Waldrup in the blind auditions.

But Judges Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney appeared to have no regrets as they watched Waldrup belt out the song. But smiles and nods weren’t all they gave. When it came time to send home two of their five contestant­s, they let Waldrup know she had a solid position on the team — and a chance to win the $100,000 prize.

Joining Waldrup on Team Dan + Shay are Madison Curbelo and Tae Lewis. Team Legend finalists are Nathan Chester, Zoe Levert and Bryan

Olesen.

The next round of “The Voice” playoffs will air at 7 p.m. Sunday on NBC with contestant­s from Team Reba and Team Chance putting their best voices forward in hopes of moving on to the live performanc­es.

Once the Top 12 contestant­s are chosen, they will compete in the live rounds with the audience voting for their favorite contestant­s each episode until the winner is announced.

Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com . Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveri­dge.

 ?? PROVIDED BY TYLER GOLDEN/NBC ?? Karen Waldrup performs Lainey Wilson’s “Heart Like a Truck” on the first night of the playoffs on NBC’s “The Voice.”
PROVIDED BY TYLER GOLDEN/NBC Karen Waldrup performs Lainey Wilson’s “Heart Like a Truck” on the first night of the playoffs on NBC’s “The Voice.”

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