COTTLEVILLE, Missouri — The highly anticipated return of NBC's The Voice will feature a talented 16-year-old girl from Foley, Missouri, during the blind auditions. The new season, premiering Monday night, promises fierce competition as renowned country artist Reba McEntire joins the panel of judges, alongside last season's champion Niall Horan. Vocal coaches John Legend and Gwen Stefani will also be back on the show.
The upcoming season of The Voice showcases talents from both Missouri and Illinois, making it an exciting opportunity for local performers. In anticipation of the premiere, fans and family members of Ruby Leigh, hailing from Foley, gathered at JP's Hideout Bar and Grill in Cottleville. They eagerly await the moment when Ruby's fate will be decided, hoping she secures a spot on the show.
Ruby Leigh's journey to The Voice is a remarkable one, considering she comes from a town as small as Foley; comprising merely 68 residents. Unlike her family, who don't possess a musical inclination, Ruby discovered her passion for singing and performing at the tender age of 9½. She began singing in her father's race car shop and garnered attention through social media after sharing her videos on Facebook.
For Ruby, the opportunity to perform on The Voice is a dream come true and a proud moment for her hometown. Initially, she approached the audition process with a lighthearted mindset, considering it a joke. However, as she gained momentum throughout The Voice auditions, she started taking it more seriously and ventured deeper into her original genre of country music. Her remarkable voice captivated talent recruiters, leading them to request another audition solely focused on her country abilities.
As she prepares for Monday night's performance, Ruby expresses confidence and gratitude for the support she has received from various companies endorsing her talent. She cherishes the fact that they choose to support her amongst countless other options. Regardless of whether she receives a chair turn from the judges, Ruby remains grateful for the incredible opportunity.
Joining Ruby on The Voice stage is Eli Ward, a 2020 graduate from Waterloo High School, representing the Illinois side of the river. Viewers can catch their performances on Monday at 7 p.m. CT on NBC as they strive to impress the judges. The watch party will be held at JP's Hideout in Cottleville, Missouri.