There are moments on television that make you sit up and take notice, and Ruby Leigh’s blind audition on The Voice was undeniably one of them. At just 16 years old, this talented young woman from Missouri took yodeling, an age-old form of singing, and made it shine in a way that compelled all four judges to turn their chairs.
Each one of us has a gift, and in some mysterious way, these gifts are a sign of the love God has for us. Just as no two fingerprints are the same, neither are the talents that are bestowed upon us. The Voice has been a stage for numerous talents, but Ruby Leigh’s rendition of Patsy Montana’s “I Want to be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” was truly one for the books. With each strum on her guitar and every note of her yodel, she proved that the Lord blesses each of us in special ways.
Before Ruby could even get far into her song, John Legend, with a knowing smile, turned his chair, signaling his appreciation of her unique talent. As Ruby transitioned into yodeling, Reba McEntire quickly followed suit, hitting her button without hesitation. The magic didn’t stop there – Gwen Stefani and Niall Horan, too, were captivated, turning their chairs to show their amazement at Ruby’s musical prowess.
Standing ovations are a common sight on The Voice, but the applause and cheers for Ruby Leigh felt different, more heartfelt. All four judges tried their best to win her over. Gwen and Reba even showcased their yodeling skills in an attempt to connect with Ruby. But when the dust settled, it was Reba McEntire whom Ruby chose as her guiding light for this season.