Mississippi native Kayleigh Clark’s run on season 28 of NBC’s “The Voice” has come to an end with the country singer falling just short during Monday’s knockout round.
While Clark, who was on coach Niall Horan’s team, lost to sibling trio DEK of Hearts, she did mesmerize with some never-before-seen yodeling in her rendition of LeAnn Rimes’ “Blue.”
“Holy moly!” Horan exclaimed after the performance as country star and fellow coach Reba McEntire gave a big nod of approval.
Horan may have been blown away by Clark’s performance, but he had a tough decision to make after DEK of Hearts’ rendition of “What If I Never Get Over You” by Lady A.
“That wall of sound DEK brings is beautiful, but your solo tone was just as impactful,” Horan told Clark before ultimately siding with DEK of Hearts.
He added: “I honestly think that was the toughest decision I made at ‘The Voice.’ Kayleigh is an incredibly talented singer. I just have a feeling about DEK. They just bring something to the show and music that makes me excited. When they sing it together, it’s magic.”
Clark, a 20-year-old who grew up on a chicken farm in Sumrall, walked away from a respectable run that was filled with confidence-inspiring compliments and achievements. She was one of a handful to garner a four-chair turn during blind auditions and was later compared to Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood by the coaches.
After being eliminated, she went to social media to discuss the experience.
“I truly don’t even know where to begin. This experience has been unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of,” a Facebook post reads, in part. “I’m so blessed to have a platform to share my story, to hopefully help others! This has been one of the best summers of my life, and I will never ever forget it. Just because my time on the show is over, doesn’t mean my journey is over.”
She also thanked Horan for “believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself and giving me the confidence to do this!”
Clark even teased that while DEK of Hearts will continue on the current season of “The Voice,” don’t be surprised if they all meet up on the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville one day.
“The Voice” airs Monday nights at 8/7c on NBC and streams next day on Peacock.
