Cori Kennedy didn’t need it, but the rural Minnesotan country singer pulled out all the stops during her Blind Audition on “The Voice,” which aired on September 29, 2025.

The 28-year-old’s rendition of The Judds’ “Why Not Me” earned chair turns from Reba McEntire and Michael Bublé, but as soon as it was over, Kennedy offered up another tune — a charming ditty she wrote about all four judges. McEntire, Bublé, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg loved it so much, they all gave her an enthusiastic standing ovation.

Lyrics to Cori Kennedy’s Song About ‘The Voice’ Coaches

A couple of days before the latest episode of “The Voice,” NBC leaked part of Kennedy’s audition in a video posted to the show’s social media accounts. But it only included her initial performance, not her charming song for the judges.

After asking if she could perform her song for them, all four judges excitedly told Kennedy to go for it, and danced in their seats, laughing at her lyrics:

“Well I’m just a girl from a zero stoplight town / Minnesota roots and wearin’ the hand-me-downs / Farm dreamin’ and in the dark / I step out and rejoice / My grandma won’t believe me that I’m singing on ‘The Voice’ / Snoop, I didn’t grow up on your rhythm or your rhyme / But I know Willie Nelson so I think we’ll be just fine / Miss Reba, you raised me right on that sitcom screen / A single mom who works two jobs, my redhead ‘Fancy’ queen / Niall, your Irish smile lit up my teenage days / I was only smitten for Harry in my One Direction phase / Mr. Buble, you sing like a Christmas star / But have you ever tried to jumpstart a frozen Minnesota car? / Not sure what I’ve done or why they even picked me / I must be doing something right ’cause I’m singing on NBC”

“A little advice,” Snoop shouted to the audience. “Next time you’re on ‘The Voice,’ come on with an original song!”

Very few contestants perform original songs on “The Voice,” but they are allowed to audition with their own composition. Once the Blind Auditions are over, however, their coaches choose the songs they’ll perform, per People.

‘The Voice’ Coaches React to Cori Kennedy’s Audition

After the coaches sat back down, McEntire told Kennedy, “I’m just so thrilled to be back on ‘The Voice’ and to hear your voice on that stage, singing. Aw, it took me right back to Tennessee. Makes me homesick. Your voice is wonderful, such power.”

When McEntire asked if Kennedy performs a lot, she replied, “When I can. I still work a 9 to 5, so someone’s gotta sell furniture.”

McEntire said, “You sell furniture?” and Kennedy answered, “A commercial furniture dealer — we do business, entertainment, government and commercial!”

Bublé pointed out that Kennedy’s voice sounded like country mixed with Stevie Nicks. Aware that he likely didn’t have a chance to win over Kennedy next to country queen McEntire, he rolled up his pants to reveal he was wearing socks covered in photos of McEntire’s face.

“These are Reba McEntire socks, baby!” he exclaimed. “Yo, Niall, you should see the underwear I’m wearing in case I have to battle (you) — no, I’m kidding.”

Snoop chimed in, “That lady right there, I call her Reba Magnet-ire. Anytime someone comes out here singing country music, I’m gonna lose. And I didn’t want to lose!”

When he asked Kennedy who she wanted as her coach, Daly said backstage, “It seems like a foregone conclusion,” and he was right — she did choose McEntire.

Cori Kennedy Moved to Nashville After Starting to Film ‘The Voice’ Season 28

On September 16, Kennedy revealed in her Instagram feed that she had quit her job and was moving to Nashville, writing, “his has been on my heart for a while, and it finally feels like the right time to jump in and see what happens. I’m beyond grateful for everyone here who’s cheered me on and given me roots strong enough to chase something bigger. All the love and support from family and friends has meant the world to me ”

Kennedy continued, “Here’s to a new chapter and NO MORE 9-5 DESK JOB  I’ll be back, but for now… so long Minnesota ”

Only time will tell if Kennedy’s move to Nashville reflects how well she’s done moving through the competition, since the Battle Round and Knockouts have already been filmed for season 28.