Chevel Shepherd, 16, was reared in the New Mexico community of Farmington, where she was born and raised. This young woman, who is only 4’10”, has a presence that is bigger than life. Everyone was stunned when she made her public debut during her blind tryout for Season 15 of The Voice.
The Band Perry’s 2010 smash “Blind Audition Song” was used by Chevel. As she starts, Chevel’s vocal is clearly trembling from nerves, but it’s obvious that there is ability there. The teacher, Kelly Clarkson, was the first to observe this. Within a few lines of the music, Kelly slams her button and spins around in her chair.
Blake Shelton, one of the judges, determines he too wants to be a part of this ability as Chevel’s naturally raspy vocal develops. The final two judges are sitting in their seats deliberating their choices as the little dynamo grows more assured, her voice filling the room. The next juror to turn her chair for Chevel was Jennifer Hudson, leaving Adam Levine as the lone holdout.
The evaluators were obviously amazed and in awe of Chevel’s tryout performance. Kelly Clarkson noted that Chevel initially appeared to be apprehensive and said, “You were in your mind a lot…but I would love to work with you.” She even praised her and said that her intonation reminded her of Dolly Parton’s.
The other evaluators complimented Chevel as well. There will be a lot of development for her on this program, Blake prophesied, and Jennifer Hudson praised her singing as “pure and lovely.” Wow, was he ever right! Each week, as Chevel acquired knowledge and self-assurance, her voice got louder and louder.
Chevel surprisingly selects Kelly as her mentor after some friendly competition between Blake and Kelly as they attempt to convince Chevel to join their squad. Chevel, who went on to win the season conclusion on December 19, found the perfect coach in Kelly Clarkson.
What a journey this adventurous adolescent has already been on. Soon after winning, Chevel said of her experience on The Voice, “It’s been crazy just having the chance.” Not many 16-year-olds get the chance to perform on The Voice stage in front of millions of viewers while being coached by Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey, and Thomas Rhett. It has truly been amazing and transformative.