Chevel Shepherd, a 16-year-old female country artist from Farmington, New Mexico was crowned champion of The Voice on Tuesday (Dec 18), winning a recording contract with Republic Records. The young singer from Team Kelly earned coach Kelly Clarkson her second consecutive Voice win on the musical competition series.
Chevel faced competition from the other Top 4 finalists — Kirk Jay and Chris Kroeze from Team Blake Shelton and Kennedy Holmes from Team Jennifer Hudson.
In her Blind Audition, Chevel earned a three-chair turn from coaches Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton and Jennifer Hudson with a soulful and pure rendition of the Band Perry’s “If I Die Young.” Ultimately choosing to be a part of Team Kelly, Chevel went on to win her Battle Round singing “You Look So Good in Love” by George Strait, as well as her Knockout Round with a rendition of “Travelin’ Soldier” by the Dixie Chicks. Moving into the Live Playoffs, Chevel showcased her talent with a cover of “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” by the Judds that earned her a spot in the Top 13. Her distinct voice was displayed during the Live Shows with “Little White Church” by Little Big Town and “Space Cowboy” by Kacey Musgraves, which got her voted through all the way to the Top 4.
All of Chevel’s performances in one video…
On Monday’s telecast, Chevel debuted her original single, a country ballad titled “Broken Hearts,” which was co-written by three popular Nashville songwriters – Shane McAnally, Ashley Arrison and Aben Eubanks. Coach Kelly joined Chevel on stage for a duet of “Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain” by the Judds, and the singer finished her set with a performance of “It’s a Little Too Late” by Tanya Tucker.
On Tuesday’s finale, Chevel performed a special duet with country music duo Dan + Shay, performing the duo’s single “Speechless.”
Shepherd reached #1 on the iTunes Overall Songs chart and the Country Songs chart with “Broken Hearts.” Additionally, she hit the iTunes Country Top 10 seven times this season and also reached the iTunes Overall Songs Top 10 three times this season, including her duet with Kelly on “Rockin’ With the Rhythm of the Rain.”
Chevel loves country music and the outdoors and enjoys spending time doing crafts, feeding animals and fixing up cars with her dad. As for her name, it stems partly from her dad’s love of cars (he named her after a Chevy Chevelle), but also because he thought it sounded like a “rock star name,” Chevel says. Her dream is to make an old school country record and one day sing at the Grand Ole Opry.
Kelly and Chevel sat for a post-finale press conference. Kelly had a lot to say!
PHOTO GALLERY
