On Monday night’s The Voice, 28-year-old Cori Kennedy, 28, from Kasson-Mantorville, MN, took the stage for her Blind Audition. Her performance of The Judd’s “Why Not Me” was good enough to get a two-chair turn from coaches Reba McEntire and Michael Bublé but that wasn’t what really impressed the coaches. She had an original song up her sleeve.
So, before they made their pitches, trying to get her on their teams, Cori surprised the four coaches – Snoop Dogg and Niall Horan as well – by asking them, “I actually wrote a song about me meeting the four of you. Is it okay if I play it for you?”
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After getting the go-ahead, Snoop said, “Give it to me, girl!” She sang:
“Well I’m just a girl from a zero stoplight town
Minnesota roots and wearing hand me downs
From dreaming in the dark I stepped out and rejoiced”
My grandma won’t believe me that I’m singing on The Voice.”
Then she got personal for each of the coaches:
“Snoop I didn’t grow up on your rhythm or your rhyme
But I know Willie Nelson so I think we’ll be just fine
Ms. Reba you raised me right on the sitcom screen
A single mom who works two jobs
My redhead fancy queen.
Niall, your Irish smile lit up my teenage days
I was only smitten for Harry on my One Direction phase
Mr. Bublé you sing like a Christmas star
But have you ever tried to jumpstart a frozen Minnesota car?”
Then she wrapped up her performance singing:
“I’m not sure what I’ve done or why they even picked me
I must be doing something right I’m singing on NBC.”
The judges smiled and clapped, enjoying Cori’s performance. And even though he hadn’t turned for her, Snoop gave her some words of wisdom, “Next time you come on The Voice, come out with an original song. That bangs!”
Related: Watch The Voice Season 28 Premiere Ending With a Four-Chair Turn and Reba McEntire on the Floor
Then the serious work began with Reba making her pitch.
She said, “I’m just so thrilled to be back on The Voice and to hear your voice on that stage singing. Oh, it just took me back to Tennessee. Makes me homesick. Your voice is wonderful, such power. Do you perform live a lot?”
Cori answered her, “When I can. I still work a 9-to-5. Somebody’s got to sell furniture.”
Next, it was Michael’s turn. He said, “Hi Cori. You started off very low. Then you started singing in the high ranges, and I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ It’s like country with a little mix of Stevie Nicks. And then Reba pushed her button.”
Related: Meet The Voice Season 28’s First Four-Chair Turn That Reba McEntire Calls ‘Mesmerizing’
Trying to get brownie points, Michael demonstrated that he’s wearing his Reba socks.
Then Snoop admitted, “That lady there, I call her Reba Magnatire. Any time somebody comes on here singing country music, I’m going to lose. And I didn’t want to lose, so I’m so happy that you’re on The Voice, and I’m so happy that you’re going to pick a coach to be on a team.”
Tune in on Monday, Sept. 29 to find out who Cori picks as her coach.
The Voice airs Monday and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.
Next, The Voice Brings Back All-Star Coaches for Season 28
