A young contestant’s powerhouse vocals made Niall Horan utter Carrie Underwood’s name on live television

Kayleigh Clark, a 20-year-old talent from Sumrall, Mississippi, became the talk of the night on NBC’s The Voice after delivering a breathtaking rendition of Sugarland’s 2007 hit “Stay.” The emotional ballad, originally written by Jennifer Nettles, gave Clark the perfect stage to showcase her powerhouse vocals—and she left no doubt about her abilities when every single coach hit their button.

Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Michael Bublé all turned their chairs, eager to secure the rising star for their teams.

Reba McEntire was quick to praise her song choice and performance: “Absolutely incredible. You sang it beautifully, and I would love to have you on my team as a fellow country singer. You did a wonderful job, and I’m very proud of you.”

Michael Bublé admitted it was tough to follow Reba’s pitch, but he shared his love for country music, joking about his dream of recording in Nashville. “I’d love for you to even consider me, even though you have literally the queen, the greatest of all time,” he added.

The Coaches Make Their Case

Snoop Dogg reminded Clark he was the first to turn, adding a playful Talladega Nights reference: “Either you’re first or you’re last.” He promised to guide her artistry while giving her space to grow.

Niall Horan, meanwhile, compared her to one of country’s biggest stars: “You had one of those really unique voices, kind of like Carrie Underwood, and it really pierced through.” He praised her emotional storytelling and guessed she was also a songwriter, offering his support to help her develop her craft.

A Big Decision

Clark invited her parents onto the stage before making her choice, clearly emotional about the moment. She told Reba: “Miss Reba, I love you so much. I have looked up to you my entire life.” But in a surprising twist, she ultimately chose Team Niall.

Niall’s Country Coaching Era Begins

Shocked and thrilled, Horan exclaimed: “There is a chance I could become a country coach! Who would’ve thought? It’s happening, people!”

With Kayleigh Clark on his team, Niall is stepping into new territory—and fans can’t wait to see how far this Mississippi powerhouse will go in the competition.