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Hear the “Phenomenal,” “Masterful” Runs That Won 17-Year-Old Kaylee Shimizu Her Battle
Kaylee Shimizu and Elizabeth Evans sang "Traitor" by Olivia Rodrigo on The Voice Season 24 Battles.
The Voice Contestant Kaylee Shimizu is no stranger to Battles; she's actually a boxer herself and practices the sport three times a week. And although the stage for the Battles on The Voice somewhat resembles a boxing ring, this is a different type of fight — one that Shimizu and her voice are also equipped for.
“I feel like I can relate boxing to this,” Shimizu said of The Voice. "I can feel the adrenaline rush, and I love working with other people.”
Coach John Legend paired Kaylee Shimizu with Elizabeth Evans for this Battle, and he had the two singers perform Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor,” from her 2021 album, Sour. Legend was excited to see both women tackle the song, and he was especially in awe of Shimizu’s voice, which earned her a Four-Chair Turn during her Blind Audition.
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“Kaylee’s voice is ridiculous. Her range is crazy, she does whistle notes, she can sing like Ariana Grande, she can do pretty much anything she wants,” Legend said. “The key with her is just making sure she’s a great storyteller at the same time.”
Kaylee Shimizu vs. Elizabeth Evans sing "Traitor" by Olivia Rodrigo on The Voice Season 24 Battles
Still, Shimizu knew this Battle was going to be a fight,and that Evans would be fierce competition.
“Elizabeth is a belter; going up against her will be nerve-wracking,” Shimizu said, and Evans had similar things to say about her.
The Coaches appeared split on who should win after the Battle wrapped. Reba McEntire said Shimizu’s range was “incredible,” and Niall Horan said it was “insane that she’s 17.”
“The control that you have over your runs and the range you’ve got is phenomenal,” Horan continued. “And again we see why that was a Four-Chair turn in the first place.”
Coach Gwen Stefani said that Shimizu had “one of the most incredible voices [she had] ever heard” and called her control “masterful.”
“As a vocalist, there are very few people on the planet who can sing with the level of ability and level of gift that you have,” Legend said to Shimizu. “You’re just so polished at such a young age. It’s just stunning to watch.” Ultimately, he picked Shimizu as the Battle's winner.
RELATED: An Official Recap of Team Legend on The Voice Season 24
But it wasn’t the end of the road for Evans, as McEntire used her Steal on her.
“She’s 17, but my God,” said Legend after the performance. “I feel like Kaylee can win The Voice, and I couldn’t send her home.”
