Softball Player-Turned-Country Singer Cori Kennedy Makes Reba “Homesick” With Thrilling Judds Cover

Cori Kennedy earned a two-chair turn with her performance of a Judds classic.

When Cori Kennedy was a championship softball player at Minnesota State University, she never dreamed that she would one day be singing on The Voice. The 28-year-old softball champion-turned-furniture salesperson decided to pursue her musical dreams after her college career ended.

“I felt it was time to dive into what I’ve always wanted to do, music. I was writing and singing like crazy, where I’ve kind of become known for posting my songs on social media,” Kennedy told Country Rebel, saying that just when she decided to “really lean into” her job of selling furniture, a talent scout from The Voice reached out to her.

“I hit this point where I thought, maybe this is just a hobby … Then the very next week a talent scout reached out from The Voice. I took it as a big sign that I was supposed to chase this. So I dropped everything and decided to give this my all to show I belong on the big stage.”

The gamble paid of as Kennedy moved through the audition process, eventually earning the honor of performing for the coaches. She hit The Voice stage Monday night (September 29) with a guitar to cover The Judds’ 1984 hit song, “Why Not Me” for her Blind Audition.

Cori’s vast musical influence, from Dolly Parton and Alan Jackson to Aerosmith and Celine Dion, shaped her vocal style, a style that impressed the coaches. Reba was the first to turn her red chair, followed immediately by Michael Buble.

When Kennedy finished her performance, she told the coaches that she had written an original song about meeting them and asked if she could sing it. She then launched into the tune that gave a shoutout to each of the coaches.

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

Ms. Reba you raised me right on the 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 on my One Direction phase

Mr. Bublé you sing like a Christmas star
But have you ever tried to jumpstart a frozen Minnesota car?

The coaches clearly appreciated the effort Cori put into the song, leading Snoop Dogg to tell say, “Next time you come on The Voice, come out with an original song. That bangs!”

Michael Buble and Reba plead with Cori to join their teams.

Reba McEntire got emotional as she admitted that hearing Cori sing made her homesick.

“I’m just so thrilled to be back on The Voice and to hear your voice on that stage singing. It just took me back to Tennessee. Makes me homesick. Your voice is wonderful, such power,” Reba said as she choked up.

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Coach Michael told Kennedy that she was country with a touch of Stevie Nicks.

When it came time for Cori to choose a coach, she picked Team Reba!

The proud coach called Cori “a spectacular” and “strong country singer” who took a risk singing a Judds song.

“If you’re gonna tackle a song that Wynonna Judd made famous, girl, you better have your big panties on because that is a tough pair of shoes to follow,” Reba said.

In an statement to Country Rebel, Cori shared that she hopes that her journey on The Voice helps launch her dream of “making records, touring, and building a life around music.”

“More than anything, I want to stand on stage and see people connect with the stories I’ve written. That’s what keeps me moving forward, even when it feels scary. It’s knowing that music has the power to make people feel a little less alone, and that’s what I want to give,” Kennedy said.

Watch Cori Kennedy’s The Voice audition in the video below.