Mississippi's 'mini Carrie Underwood' advances on NBC's 'The Voice'

Mississippi’s very own, Kayleigh Clark, set the tone early during Tuesday night’s Battle round on NBC’s “The Voice” as coach Niall Horan decided to go with the Sumrall native over her teammate Camille Tredoux.

The duo sang “Cowboys Cry Too” by Kelsea Ballerina and Noah Kahan. As noted by all four coaches – Horan, Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, and Snoop Dogg – the song choice favored Clark, who has been compared throughout to country music stars Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert. Tredoux, on the other hand, is more of a Janis Joplin or Stevie Nicks-type who may have thrived better with a ’70s rock hit.

While both worked together to put on a show, Tredoux adapting well to the genre to make the decision a tough one for Horan, it was apparent each coach liked what they heard from Clark a bit more.

“Camille, I love your voice. It’s got a little bit of a Stevie Nicks on the end, but then, the roundness at the beginning. Then, Kayleigh, you’re a cross between Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood with your vocals,” McEntire said. “I don’t know. I guess I would go with Kayleigh.”

“Kayleigh, you set a clear tone, and maybe because of that, I might give you the edge. But in saying that, Camille, you’re amazing too,” Bublé said as Snoop seconded, “Camille, you are a true voice and you can really move your voice around in different genres of music. I was thoroughly impressed and entertained. Kayleigh Clark, you came on strong, crystal-clear like, ‘I’m not singing someone else’s song. I’m singing my song.'”

Horan had the ultimate decision, though, considering both Clark and Tredoux chose him as their coach after making it through blind auditions. The former One Direction star even jokingly looked to divine intervention for help.

“I think, Camille, you were absolutely brilliant. Your tone really stands out. And Kayleigh, this song was perfect for you. You sing it so clean, so clear. I wish I had a Holy Ghost to speak to,” Horan said, drawing laughs from the other coaches and the crowd.

“I’m mind-blown by the quality of my team, and I can’t believe I have to say no to someone now,” he continued. “Thank you for a great performance, ladies, but the winner of this battle is Kayleigh.”

After Horan’s decision, Clark and Tredoux hugged before their coach went off camera and explained further.

“That was one of the tougher decisions I’ve had to make,” he explained. “Kayleigh is special. Kayleigh’s like a mini Carrie Underwood herself. She has so much control over everything she does in low range, in high range. Everything about her is just the perfect singer.”

Who is Kayleigh Clark?

Clark grew up on a chicken farm in Sumrall and started playing and writing music at the age of 10 when she received her first guitar. Now 20, a decade of practice and the occasional gig in her new home of Nashville has her hoping to become a star through season 28 of “The Voice.”

If Clark’s name – or voice – sounds familiar, you may remember she auditioned and got a Golden Ticket on “American Idol” season 21 two years ago. Her “Idol” journey ended just before the top 26 semifinalists were selected that season.

Would Clark be the first Mississippian to win ‘The Voice’?

If Clark can keep rolling and find a way to win “The Voice,” she wouldn’t be the first Mississippian to be the last standing, but she would be the first since Meridian pastor Todd Tilghman won in 2020.

Other local singers who have made lengthy runs on the show as of recent include former Miss Mississippi Holly Brand in season 23, University of Southern Mississippi grad Karen Waldrup in season 25, and Wiggins native Deon Jones in season 26.

When does ‘The Voice’ air?

Season 28 of “The Voice” has been airing every Monday and Tuesday night since last month, but beginning with the third night of Battle rounds on Oct. 20, the show will air Monday nights only at 8/7c as the field dwindles. Beginning Nov. 3, episodes will move back an hour and air Monday nights at 9/8c.

All episodes can be watched live on NBC or next day on Peacock.