Brooklyn Marie may be only 14 years old, but her distinctive voice is already drawing comparisons to one of country music’s most recognizable singers. After her Season 30 Blind Audition on “The Voice,” some viewers said they heard shades of Dolly Parton in the young singer’s sound.
The Alexandria, Minnesota, singer performed Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor,” accompanying herself on guitar. Her softer approach allowed her unusual vocal tone to stand out while giving the emotional song her own interpretation.
Her performance eventually convinced two Coaches to turn. Queen Latifah was the first to recognize something special in Brooklyn’s voice, while Kelly Clarkson later joined her, setting up a battle between the two Coaches.
The biggest surprise came after the performance when Brooklyn revealed that she was just 14. Queen Latifah reacted with disbelief, while the other Coaches were also impressed that someone so young had delivered such a confident performance.
Adam Levine did not turn during the song, but afterward admitted that he wished he had. Riley Green also praised Brooklyn, telling her that she was already such a strong singer that he wasn’t sure what he could add as her Coach.
Viewers watching the audition noticed something else. Some began comparing Brooklyn’s voice to Dolly Parton, pointing specifically to the distinctive melodic quality and slight vocal “gurgle” they heard in her delivery.
The Dolly comparison quickly became one of the interesting reactions surrounding her audition. Other viewers focused less on whom she sounded like and more on the fact that a 14-year-old could deliver enough emotion to give them chills.
Brooklyn was not completely new to performing when she arrived on “The Voice.” Her full name is Brooklyn Marie Ostlund, and she had already begun developing herself as a young singer-songwriter before appearing on national television.
She has released two original singles, “Tired” and “i miss u,” while also gaining experience performing live in Minnesota. Her music combines elements of acoustic pop and country, and she frequently accompanies herself on guitar.
Brooklyn has also shared original material and covers online, including an earlier version of “Traitor.” She has named Taylor Swift as her favorite Artist, another indication of the singer-songwriter direction she has been developing.
When it came time to choose between Queen Latifah and Kelly Clarkson, Brooklyn ultimately went with Team Kelly. Clarkson emphasized her experience both as a singing-competition winner herself and as a Coach who understands how to guide young Artists through “The Voice.”
Brooklyn entered Season 30 as one of its youngest contestants, but her first performance immediately gave viewers something to discuss. Between two chair turns, the Coaches’ shock over her age and unexpected fan comparisons to Dolly Parton, the 14-year-old made sure her first appearance on “The Voice” would be difficult to forget.
