One gutsy singer. One beloved classic rock song.
It’s a simple formula, but a powerful one. And it set “The Voice” stage on fire this week, as Alabama’s Jazz McKenzie earned a spot in the Season 28 finals.
McKenzie, 31, covered Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” on Monday’s episode of the NBC reality series, stunning the celebrity coaches with her performance during the Playoffs.
The singer, a Birmingham native who lives in Huntsville, has been blazing a path to the finale since her first appearance on the show, when she inspired all four celebs to turn their chairs during her Blind Audition.
Her Playoffs performance was next-level, however, according to McKenzie’s coach, Michael Buble.
“Jazz reminds me of the greatest singers who ever lived, from Streisand to Franklin to Celine,” Buble said. “I mean, she’s up there. What I’m looking for isn’t the voice as much. I know that they can sing. It’s the ability to know that in their moment, can they step into the ring and land a knockout punch.”
That’s why Buble chose McKenzie to represent his team in the finals on Dec. 15, as the top six singers perform for the season title.
Other celebs on the show had effusive praise for McKenzie during the Playoffs, as well.
Niall Horan was so wowed by McKenzie’s fiery rendition, he stood up at the end of her performance and said, “Get a fire extinguisher!”
“There’s zero that you can’t do,” Horan said. “You are a ridiculous singer. You’re on a different planet. If you don’t put her in the finals, our friendship of 25 years is over.”
“Incredible,” Reba McEntire chimed in. And Snoop Dogg could be seen giving McKenzie a congratulatory hug.
McKenzie’s performance in the Playoffs was so dynamic, it was featured in a sneak-peek video on “The Voice” Instagram account before the episode aired. (The clip also was leaked on YouTube.)
“Jazz is technically, and without a doubt, the best vocalist I’ve ever heard on this show,” Buble said. “From the first moment I heard her, it’s effortless, man. Jazz is my bold breakout diva.”
McKenzie, who performs at Alabama events such as the Panoply Arts Festival, also has a day job at a telecommunications company. During rehearsals for the Playoffs, she said appearing on “The Voice” is a huge break for her career.
“I’m so full of gratitude. I’m beyond thankful,” McKenzie said. “Back home, I was working 9 to 5, and now here we are! I’m chasing my dream.”
Here’s her official bio on “The Voice”:
“Jazz is a powerhouse soul singer with roots that trace back to the heartfelt harmonies of her childhood church. Her professional journey ignited in 2018 after a breakout performance in her hometown of Huntsville, where her raw, velvet-rich voice first captivated a crowd. What began as a pastime soon blossomed into an undeniable passion. Balancing a thriving career in sales, Jazz commands stages with a magnetic presence — from intimate lounges to grand private events. In 2024, she headlined Huntsville’s renowned Panoply Arts Festival, a performance that opened doors to share stages with legends such as Doug E. Fresh, Chrisette Michele, Leela James, Avery Sunshine and Kem. With her soulful tone, commanding delivery and captivating energy, Jazz continues to carve a name for herself as one of the region’s most compelling voices.”
Fans will have to wait until Dec. 15 to see McKenzie perform again, when she competes in the Season 28 finale. Viewer votes will determine the winner of “The Voice,” and the confetti will fly on Dec. 16.
In the meantime, however, viewers in Alabama can watch for another contestant from the state, Kirbi, as the Playoffs continue on Dec. 8. Kirbi, whose offstage name is Savanna Kirby, is a standout this season on Team Niall. She’s a contemporary Christian singer from Florence.
If you watch: “The Voice” airs at 8 p.m. CT on Mondays on NBC. The series also streams on Peacock. Early episodes of the season are filmed in advance.