Lo, in the twenty-eighth season of the great contest called The Voice, there came forth a maiden with guitar in hand, Cori Kennedy by name. With voice both fierce and tender, she did stand before the gathered judges and the multitude beyond, and all who heard bore witness to a moment that shall be long remembered.
First she lifted her song with the Judds’ timeless hymn, “Why Not Me.” With every note, she wove threads of sorrow and strength, until the chamber itself seemed to breathe with her. And when the song was ended, she turned her art to mirth: a new ballad of her own making, written in jest and tribute for the very judges seated before her. Laughter rang out, hands clapped in delight, and her charm shone as brightly as her song.
The people, moved in spirit, lifted their voices in praise. “She is no mere singer,” spake many, “but the next star of country’s kingdom.” Some likened her to Reba McEntire, others to Stevie Nicks or even Janis Joplin, for her tone carried both rasp and fire, yet also the sweetness of soul.
From her homeland of Minnesota and Iowa, voices rose in pride: “All of Dodge County stands with thee, Cori!” cried one. “Cast aside thy day’s labor, for thy destiny is song,” cried another.
Yet not all were content, for some lamented that she received not a four-chair turning, calling it a grievous theft. Still others pondered her fate, wondering if to stand with Reba’s house would bring honor or peril, for many country singers seek shelter there, and the contest within is fierce.
But prophecy has already begun to stir. “Here stands a finalist,” declared one watcher. “Nay,” said another, “she is more — an A-lister in the making.”
Even amidst the lighter jest — Snoop Dogg’s darkened visor, Niall Horan’s laughter, and Reba’s ever-ready tears — it was Kennedy’s song that remained the heart of the night.
So let it be told: in this season of voices, one name echoes with promise above the rest. Cori Kennedy hath set her mark, and whether she rises to the crown or not, her tale is already carved into the story of the show.
