Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Alabama’s 2 contestants of The Voice advance to the playoffs after knockout round
Reading time: 4 minutes
Both of Alabama’s remaining contestants on The Voice this season have progressed to the playoffs, putting them one step closer to walking away with the ultimate prize — $100,000 and a recording contract with Universal Music Group.
Birmingham-native Jazz McKenzie, who currently lives in Huntsville, and Florence’s own Kirbi survived the knockout round, during which they were paired against another artist from their team.
The prior round, known as the “battles,” were duets between two team members. In the knockout round, each artist gets to perform their own song individually.
Check out their performances
Jazz McKenzie
On Nov. 14, Jazz performed a sultry and soulful rendition of “Cruisin’” by Smokey Robinson against teammate Teo Remdel, who performed “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi.
The two artists’ coach, Michael Bublé, crowned Jazz the winner of the knockout.
“Jazz, God’s light radiates through you.”
Coach Michael Bublé
Kirbi
Kirbi’s Nov. 24 performance of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll knocked judges off their feet as she competed against fellow Team Niall Horan artist Dustin Dale Gaspard, who performed “She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes.
“That was your best performance to date, without a shadow of a doubt. Beautiful to watch, beautiful to listen to, you just smashed it.”
Coach Niall Horan
What comes next?
Each of the four teams now have four artists each who will move on to the playoffs.
The playoffs are scheduled to take place on Monday, Dec. 1 and Monday, Dec. 8 at 7PM.
After the playoffs, each coach will get to choose one artist from their team to move on to the live final, and viewers will get to vote for two remaining contestants as wild cards. Six artists will perform in the live grand finale on Monday, Dec. 15 and Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Catch The Voice on NBC, which airs on local affiliate stations across the state. If you don’t mind not watching live, Peacock is NBC’s streaming service. Episodes go to Peacock a day after they air on NBC.
You can also watch it with a live TV streaming service, such as Youtube TV, Hulu Live TV or Sling TV.
Alabama’s artist bios from The Voice
Jazz McKenzie
“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. While 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.”
Kirbi
“Kirbi’s music journey began in sixth grade during choir rehearsal. Her teacher overheard her singing, gave her a solo, and, so moved by her voice, urged her surprised parents to consider voice lessons.
“Although she initially pursued a career in physical therapy, Kirbi realized that music was her true calling. She moved to Nashville, immersing herself in the country scene through performances and writing sessions. Her biggest performance to date was at Fort Lauderdale’s Riptide Festival in front of 15,000 fans, where she met Jelly Roll.
“Inspired by her late grandmother, a devoted supporter of her music, Kirbi often includes her grandmother in her songwriting. When not performing, she finds peace and creativity at her parents’ floral farm, Flower Chick Farm in Alabama, a charming homestead with flowers, animals and a greenhouse that fuels her inspiration and keeps her grounded.”
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