It’s always exciting when The Voice moves into the live shows. Once everything goes live, fans finally have the power to vote for the artists.
One artist who is sure to generate a lot of votes following Monday night’s (May 10) episode is Kenzie Wheeler of Team Kelly.
Wheeler has been a Voice fan-favorite since the start of his season. His blind audition performance of Keith Whitley‘s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” was a four-chair turn, and Kelly Clarkson used her block so he couldn’t join Team Blake.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bFfeiVrE_I
Wheeler has remained on Clarkson’s team ever since, having won both his battle and knockout. Following both performances, the coaches praised him for sounding like an old-school country singer, and for making that sound seem so natural.
When Wheeler got the chance to perform during the first live show as a member of the Top 17, he once again turned to a traditional country song to showcase his voice. The song he chose was Brooks & Dunn‘s “Red Dirt Road.”
Released in 2003, “Red Dirt Road” was a #1 hit on the Hot Country Songs chart and reached the 25th position on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
Considering the legacy behind “Red Dirt Road,” it was bold of Wheeler to choose the song for his first live Voice performance. But he knew exactly what he was doing, because a song like “Red Dirt Road” is right in his wheelhouse.
Wheeler took a few liberties with the song to make it his own. Viewers seemed to approve of the changes he made, as his performance earned many compliments on YouTube and social media.
“I think he’s one of the best country artists the voice has ever had,” one YouTube commenter remarked after watching Wheeler’s performance.
Another YouTube user commented, “He is untouchable, one of the best country singers on this show.”
“Whether he wins the Voice or not, this kid should become a star,” someone else commented on YouTube.
We have to agree…Wheeler has a voice that deserves to be heard by the masses!
Tune in to the video below to watch Wheeler’s version of “Red Dirt Road.” We can’t wait to hear what he sings next.