Draper teen Lauryn Judd faced Lilli Passero, 26, of Studio City, California, as they sang “Every Little Bit Hurts” by Brenda Holloway during the battle rounds on NBC’s “The Voice” on Tuesday, March 28.
“Lauryn and Lilli were so fantastic and I was proud of them,” Alicia Keys, their coach, said. “Lauryn remained super individual and so cool. Lilli really displayed a strength and aggression that was really exciting.”
And ultimately, Keys chose Passero to win the battle round and move on to the knockout rounds.
“I'm so grateful for everyone who's supported me on this journey & in my life,” Lauryn, a high school junior and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, posted on Instagram. “I've learned so much about myself and I wouldn't take that experience back for the world."
During the blind auditions, three coaches — Keys, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton — turned for both of them and both Lauryn and Passero chose Keys.
During the battle rounds, the coaches, including Adam Levine, pair up the singers on their team for the battle rounds’ dueling duets. They work with an advisor to mentor the singers. Keys worked with DJ Khaled, a musical artist and producer.
“It’s going to be a very hard decision for Alicia,” Khaled predicted.
Keys recorded the song for her “Unplugged” album and played the piano during one of the rehearsals.
“Lauryn is only 17 and her voice is a little bit thinner voice,” Keys said comparing the singers’ voices during rehearsals. “It has a little more of a unique kind of an artist style to it.”
After their performance, the coaches pointed to Passero’s experience as a performer putting her ahead of Lauryn.
“Lauryn, you’re 17 years old. It’s crazy that you could be equal ability and amazing presence,” Levine said. “The only little difference was experience. “
Each coach can steal two of the eliminated artists and by the time Lauryn peformed, online Levine had a steal left.
“I just really love the two of you because you both are obviously aware of (who) you both are,” Keys said after the performance. “Both of you came up (with) new things. … You both really evolved this even further in the ways that complimented you individually and that shows true artistry.”
While Levine didn’t use his steal, he did make a prediction to Keys about Passero.
“Lilli can win. Just watch,” he said.
The next round is the knockout round where the coaches again pair up the competitors but they sing different songs. After the knockout rounds are the live performances.
Aaliyah Rose, 14, of Provo, won her battle round and moves to the knockout round as part of Team Gwen. Mormon singer Hanna Eyre, 15, of California, is also moving to the knockout round with Team Adam.
“The Voice” airs on Monday and Tuesday evenings on NBC.