“Perfect” Country Singer Wins “Voice” Battle After Singing Randy Travis’ “I Told You So”

Randy Travis wrote and originally recorded “I Told You So,” which was featured on his 1987 album Always & Forever. His version reached the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

Carrie Underwood released a cover of “I Told You So” 20 years later. Her rendition was also a success, and has been certified Platinum.

Underwood and Travis united in 2009 to release a duet version of “I Told You So.” That recording reached the #2 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart and the #9 spot on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also led Travis and Underwood to a Grammy win for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.

Many other artists have covered “I Told You So” over the years. More recently, two Voice contestants performed the song on the show’s 23rd season.

Carlos Rising and Grace West of Team Blake performed “I Told You So” during the battles. West and Rising took turns singing at the beginning before they finally united on the chorus. They harmonized beautifully on some of the final notes, which elicited cheers from the audience.

“I thought that was so well done,” Kelly Clarkson said after the battle. Speaking to Rising, she said she believes he could sing many different genres, which is “an incredible gift.” She then turned to West, and complimented her “pure” tone.

Then it was Shelton’s turn to say a few words. He agreed with Clarkson’s comment that Rising is capable of singing anything and sounding good. Though to him, West was the exact opposite. “You’re doing what you were born to do, and it’s country, whether you like it or not when it comes out of your mouth” he told her.

He said the battle was “very evenly matched” and complimented both singers’ hard work. After some deliberation, he named West as the winner!

“I just feel like Grace has got an edge on a lot of artists in this competition because she is so authentic in what she does,” Shelton said when explaining his choice. “Grace could be a huge artist in country music and I want to be a part of that journey.”

He added that West’s tone and everything else about her performance was “perfect.”

Rising expressed his support for West in the comments on YouTube. He said:

“So proud to give this performance and grateful for the opportunity! Cheering my sister Grace on until the end! Just watch, she is gonna win the whole thing”

Head below to watch Rising and West sing “I Told You So.” Do you think Shelton made the right choice?