After Olivia Rodrigo cover, Fil-Am Kaylee Shimizu advances in ‘The Voice’
Still from “The Voice”/YouTube
Pulling off a memorable blind audition is one thing, but staying consistent in the competition is another—and based on Kaylee Shimizu’s current “The Voice” journey, she’s becoming an ace.
The Filipino-American hopeful from Hawaii recently took the Battles stage of the popular competition’s 24th season, as shown in its Oct. 30 episode. Covering Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor,” Shimizu went head to head with co-contestant Elizabeth Evans, a 22-year-old college student from Texas.
The 2021 single from the “Sour” album is already emotionally demanding to perform, but the two contenders from John Legend’s team managed to push the heart-wrenching agenda further with their individual unique takes on the pop ballad. Roaring applause soon enveloped the studio as the performance ended, leaving the judges torn in choosing the best bet.
“Unbelievable vocal range and power,” described judge Reba McEntire, highlighting how the two contestants complemented each other.
Niall Horan, who was in complete awe during the duet, declared it as “the best version” of “Traitor” he’s ever heard. He also commented on Shimizu’s “ridiculous talent,” noticing her vocal control and range. Horan, Legend, and Gwen Stefani also went on to bring up how young she is while marveling at her skills.
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In her feedback, Stefani said, “Elizabeth, I know it’s hard because you’re battling against Kaylee who has one of the most incredible voices I’ve ever heard. The control she has and the little tricks she can do, it’s masterful. But that shouldn’t at all discount your lane. Because there’s not a lot of girls that have power and that thing that you have onstage.”
Stefani was torn, but McEntire and Horan expressed to be leaning toward Elizabeth in this face-off.
But what ultimately mattered was their coach Legend’s call. In another episode, it has been revealed that the judge picked Shimizu to advance to the next round, the Knockouts. The judge praised the Battles winner’s “crazy range” at a young age.
Meanwhile, McEntire used her steal and snatched Evans to join her team.
On Instagram, Shizimu expressed her admiration for her co-contestant: “Since my battles got leaked, you finally get to know who my amazing battle partner is, @elizabethevanz. The sweetest [and] most kindhearted person. Truly super talented. John knew we were MEANT TO BE battle partners.. we instantly became besties and have been working so well with each other.”
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Previously, Kaylee Shimizu earned overwhelming praise from “The Voice” viewers and judges alike after her blind audition performance of “Golden Slumbers” by The Beatles, where she bagged a four-chair turn, moreover a standing ovation.
