UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: Kaylee Shimizu got all four coaches to turn around for her before she even sang the chorus of 'Golden Slumbers' by the Beatles on the October 3 episode of 'The Voice' Season 24.
Kaylee went away with the greatest of plaudits on the NBC show after her 'American Idol' setback.
Kaylee Shimizu, 17, entered the stage on Tuesday, followed by 'Golden Slumbers' and a slew of button hits from John Legend, Niall Horan, Reba McEntire, and Gwen Stefani to complete yet another four-chair turn for the season.
Her voice was described by John as "dazzling" and "musical," and she was told that as a part of his team, she might win the program.
Gwen was "blown away" by the "wave" of Gwen's vibrato. Niall described her as a "technically gifted" singer who made a "linear" tune her own.
Reba described Kaylee's performance as "spiritual" and related to her via their common experience of growing up singing alongside siblings.
'The Voice' contestant Kaylee Shimizu picked Team Legend
This pint-sized balladeer had range, power, runs, and soul much above her years, and it didn't take long for all four coaches to recognize this and turn to attempt and recruit her.
Given her stylistic preferences, notably rhythm and blues, she appeared to be a natural match for John's crew.
Gwen, on the other hand, praised her vibrato and presence of freedom; Niall praised her for being "technically gifted" and innovative with her song structure; and Reba spoke to the "spiritual" character of her relationship to the music, all of which offered Kaylee food for thought.
But, in the end, John persuaded his "young Ariana Grande" recruit to join his squad.
'The Voice' contestant Kaylee Shimizu lost out on 'American Idol' title
Kaylee is a 17-year-old vocalist from Oahu, Hawaii, who isn't afraid to tackle huge tunes.
In fact, she went viral in December when she sang Mariah Carey's whistle notes on a version of 'Emotions.'
She was worried about her first time behind the wheel with her driving teacher. "Usually, singing helps calm my nerves," she explains in the video.
Kaylee is unlikely to be anxious about appearing on television. She began working as a KITV meteorologist when she was 11 years old.
He was an 'American Idol' competitor at the time. On the broadcast, they sang the weather report to the tune of "My Girl."
Kaylee auditioned for 'American Idol' last year and made it to the Hollywood round. Iam Tongi, a fellow Hawaiian, won the competition.
'The Voice' contestant Kaylee Shimizu covers songs by Adele and Beyonce
Kaylee has been singing since she was four years old, motivated by her mother's family's musical skills.
She began singing classes at the age of six and had her public debut in a local mall later that year, singing Miley Cyrus' "When I Look At You."
She's accomplished a lot since then, including winning a statewide singing competition at the age of 10 and being named Miss Teen Ewa Beach American Scholar in 2022.
Kaylee graduated from Hawaii Technology Academy last spring and told Hawaii News Now that she can see herself migrating to Los Angeles at some point in the future because of all the opportunities there.
When her audition airs, expect a diva number. Her social media is full of versions of Adele, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, and, of course, Mariah Carey tunes.
Kaylee has amassed a sizable social media following, with over 3,000 followers and over 130,000 TikTok likes.
'The Voice' Season 24 airs every Monday and Tuesday on NBC at 8 pm ET.
