Yodeling is an artform so difficult to master, it ought to come with a warning — “only try this at home.”
Ruby Leigh is an exception. The 16-year-old from Foley, Missouri stopped by NBC’s The Voice on Tuesday (Sept. 26) for a Blind Audition that was both brave, unexpected and fabulously executed.
Looking the part of a golden-era country star and wielding an acoustic guitar, Leigh hit a cover of Patsy Montana’s 1935 “I Want To Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” said to be the first country song by a female artist to sell more than one million copies. The youngster’s rendition was soaked in thigh-slapping country and western. And yes, yodeling.
From the opening bounce, the coaches realized they were in for something different. All four turned.
“I truly never heard anything like what you just did,” John Legend explained. “I loved how clear and precise and piercing and beautiful your tone was. And then when you started doing the yodeling, it was like, how was a human being able to do the things that you’re doing? You could win the voice, honestly.”
Gwen Stefani revealed her own secret talents at yodeling, though admitted they were nothing when stacked against the superior Leigh.
The contestant’s energy was “just insane,” remarked Niall Horan. “You got a four chair for a reason.” This kid is “exciting,” he added.
Reba McEntire, the country icon, spoke last. “Being as young as you are, and being a fan of Patsy Montana, I’m a third generation rodeo brat, so Patsy Montana, a country western singer, not just country – there is a difference – I’m very flattered, very proud of my heritage that you’re singing this song.”
McEntire’s mom taught the country legend to yodel, which she duly gave an example of. It was a thinly-veiled sales pitch. Was it a winning one?
Of course it was. Leigh steps into Team Reba.
“Ruby could be a star and have a huge following,” Reba told the cameras afterwards.
The 24th season of The Voice premiered Monday night at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Watch below.
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