The Voice Season 24 Blind Audition: Ruby Leigh yodels her way to a 4 chair turn
Season 24 of The Voice continued on Tuesday night (Sept 26) as premiere week wrapped up. The talent wasn’t quite as strong as night 1, but one thing this season that is not lacking is country talent. Night 2’s most buzzworthy act was a young yodeler named Ruby Leigh. (Read our Recap)
Ruby is a 16-year-old country singer from Foley, Missouri. Foley, with only of population of 68, has a single stoplight and not even a gas station. She and her sister explain that they enjoy what folks in her town call “redneck sledding.” Ruby shares that she sustained an injury while participating in it. She is looking for more opportunities and that’s why she is auditioning for The Voice. It’s clear that Ruby is going to be a country singer from the moment her package begins. She is excited to audition for Reba McEntire and also mentions Gwen Stefani as a potential coach choice noting her past success with younger contestants.
The young yodeler
Ruby sings the iconic yodeling song, “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” by Patsy Montana. Although yodeling and this song often feel like a party trick, Ruby has a clear as a bell tone with impressive range. Her yodeling is also some of the best I’ve ever heard as it is flowy and her breath control is admirable. Her classic country style isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but her talent is evident at a young age. I want to see what Ruby could do with something slightly more modern.
John Legend calls her tone, “clear and precise and piercing” and questions “how is a human being doing the things you’re doing.” Gwen yodels some and calls what Ruby did “cool” and is “blown away” by her complete package. Niall Horan adds “the energy is insane” before imitating a country accent, trying to win Ruby over. Reba calls it “the worst country accent” she has ever heard and mentions being a 3rd generation rodeo brat. She notes that she is “proud” of her heritage and that a The Voice artist is covering a “country western” singer like Patsy. Reba shares that her mom taught her to yodel, and then demonstrates her technique. Reba pulls out all the stops asking the audience what they think, at which point they pull out red hair cut outs.
In the end, Ruby chooses Reba as her coach.
Tonight, Ruby is the true talent that stood out. Although not fully baked, 13-year-old Julia Roome’s youthful performance is full of potential. Even with Blake Shelton gone, season 24 has started out as a very country heavy season.
