Former Miss Mississippi Holly Brand’s journey on The Voice came to a close on Monday night after falling short of receiving enough votes to make it to the top 5.
The 22-year-old Meridian native performed “Rumor Has It” by Reba McEntire during the Live Performance portion of the competition, bringing judges to their feet after her touching rendition of the song.
“I didn’t think it could get better than all the rehearsals,” Brand’s coach, Kelly Clarkson, stated. “You’re so gifted. You’re one of those artists I love working with… You’re such a competitor that it brings you to another level.”
Just last week, Brand brought Clarkson to tears before performing on the big stage after singing Jo Dee Messina’s “Bring On the Rain” during rehearsals.
“With Holly, she’s very exciting for me because she’s got like this whole twist,” Clarkson said. “She can do whistle notes. She can do R&B kind of pop runs. There’s just something special about her, and I don’t think people realize truly how special she is yet.”
Brand explained after the results were announced that even though she was not selected as one of the top 5 finalists in the competition, her music career is far from over.
“I’m a Christian and country artist but I just want to make music that moves people,” Brand stated. “I love songs that have a message and I want everyone no matter what their background is, or story is to relate to my music and feel something from it when they listen to it.”
The show’s two-part finale will begin next week on Monday, May 22 at 8/7c on NBC, with the winner set to be announced on Tuesday night. The full list of contestants remaining on The Voice season 23: D. Smooth, Sorelle, Grace West, NOIVAS, and Gina Miles.
