16-year-old Chevel Shepherd was raised in the New Mexico town of Farmington. Despite her diminutive stature of 4’10”, this teen has a voice that is larger than life. By introducing her to the world for the first time, her blind audition for Season 15 of The Voice shocked everyone.
“The Band Perry” had a hit in 2010 with the song “Chevel’s Blind Audition.” As she begins, Chevel’s nerves are shaking her voice, but it is evident that she possesses talent. The coach, Kelly Clarkson, was the first to notice this. Within a few lines of the song, Kelly turns her chair and presses her button.
Judge Blake Shelton decides to participate in this talent as Chevel’s naturally raspy voice develops. The two final judges sit in their chairs and consider their choices as the petite powerhouse gains confidence and her voice fill the auditorium. Adam Levine was the only judge who did not switch chairs in favor of Chevel; Jennifer Hudson was the next judge to do so.
The audition panel was impressed by Chevel’s performance. Kelly Clarkson, stated, “You were in your head a lot…but I would love to work with you,” Chevel was nervous at first. She even praised her and likened her voice to that of Dolly Parton.
The remaining judges also praised Chevel. Blake predicted, “There’s going to be a lot of growth for you on this show…,” and Jennifer Hudson called her voice “pure and beautiful.” As Chevel gained experience and self-assurance, her voice got stronger each week.
