Kayleigh Clark’s mornings start before sunrise. At just 20 years old, the Sumrall, Mississippi native is up by 5 a.m. helping her dad tend to more than 100,000 chickens on their family farm. But as she works, she sings — a voice shaped by hard work, deep roots, and a lifelong love of music.
Her passion started at age 10, when her father gifted her a guitar. With inspiration from her uncle’s band and her dad’s playing, Kayleigh began writing songs of her own. “As I got older, I used music as an escape to get away from everything that was going on at home,” she shared.
What was happening at home was her father’s struggle with alcohol. But today, he’s three years sober — and he stood proudly in the audience as his daughter stepped onto The Voice stage for the most important performance of her life.
“It’s very hard seeing somebody you love struggle with addiction,” Kayleigh said. “But I would go through all that again to have the man he is now. Having him here for this moment means the world.”
A Performance That Stopped the Room
Kayleigh chose “Stay” by Sugarland for her Blind Audition — and from the first note, the coaches knew she was special. One by one, all four chairs turned.
Reba McEntire praised her song choice and power, saying, “You sang it beautifully. I would love to have you on my team as a fellow country singer.”
Michael Bublé admitted he couldn’t resist, telling her, “I love country music so much I’ve even been talking about making my own record in Nashville. I’d be honored if you considered me, even standing next to the queen of country.”
Snoop Dogg jumped in with his trademark humor: “Kayleigh, I think I was the first to turn. A friend of mine named Ricky Bobby says, ‘If you ain’t first, you’re last.’”
And finally, Niall Horan offered heartfelt words: “Your voice gave me goosebumps. It has that unique Carrie Underwood-style clarity, and you sing with such emotion. I’d love to work with you.”
A Shocking Twist
With her family beaming in the audience, it seemed obvious Kayleigh would choose Reba — the country legend she’d admired her whole life.
Instead, she stunned the room.
“Miss Reba, I love you so much. I have looked up to you my whole life,” she said, pausing before adding, “but I think I’m going to have to go with Niall.”
The arena erupted. Even Niall was surprised: “Who would have thought? I stole a country artist from the queen of country! Kayleigh is just undeniable. Her voice is so clean, so pure — I’m thrilled she’s on Team Niall.”
Kayleigh later explained her reasoning: “A lot of country people are going to go with Reba, but Niall can teach me how to bring even more soul into my music.”
Reba admitted she was caught off guard: “When Kayleigh chose Niall, I was shocked. Nobody is staying in their lanes anymore, and it’s very smart. I’ve got to step up my game.”
From feeding chickens at dawn to earning a four-chair turn on national television, Kayleigh Clark’s journey is proof that country roots can grow into something extraordinary. And with Team Niall now guiding her, the young singer’s story is only just beginning.
The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and streams the next day on Peacock.
