To put it plainly, seeing the super-talented 14-year-old Florissant native Kennedy Holmes come in fourth place on the season 15 of NBC’s “The Voice” hurt.
It was a shock – even though last week’s elimination round leading up to the finale offered the clue that the voting audience was looking for a country star to represent for “The Voice.” The semifinals show was the first time in the entire run that Holmes faced the risk of going home. Country singers were voted into the top three, but Holmes earned the fourth spot in the finals. She sang her heart out with a performance of LeAnn Rhimes’ “How Do I Live Without You” and through the instant save to round out the top four. It was a close call, but her performances for the finale were so dynamic that her chance at the title didn’t seem like a long shot.
“Love Is Free,” an original track written for the John Burroughs School 8th grader, had a 90s R&B vibe. Just as she had her first time on “The Voice” stage, she belted alongside Jennifer Hudson, this time the song was “Home” from “The Wiz.” Her last selection once again showcased her skills as an all-around entertainer with high notes and high kicks. The other finalists – country singers Kirk Jay, Chris Kroeze and Chevel Shepherd – were good in their lane. But Holmes went about showing everyone that she can adapt and thrive in a host of capacities – from belting ballads to delivering high impact, heavily choreographed pop displays that pay homage to Beyonce and Janet Jackson. Her performances fell in line with everything that everyone had said about her from the beginning – that she is a star and a force to be reckoned with.
The panel of celebrity judges pegged her as a favorite to win from the season opening blind audition. Over the course of the season, she consistently raised the bar with her performances while being mentored by Grammy and Oscar award winner Jennifer Hudson – Holmes’ musical idol. Towards the end, she was able to flex her training with local institutions Stages, The Muny and COCA. A total package was the repeated phrase when referring to Holmes – who made history as the youngest finalist in the history of “The Voice.” She not only had the voice, but stage presence a connection with the audience and some serious dance moves.
Yet, when it was time to eliminate, Holmes was the first to go. Teen country singer Chevell Shepherd was ultimately crowned “The Voice” of season 15. Watching Holmes make the walk to the other side of the stage had a familiar sting. As her coach went to hug her for a job well done, she knew better than anyone how Holmes must have felt because of her own experience at the start of her career.
In April of 2004 – before Kennedy Holmes was even born – there was a shock heard around the world when Hudson was voted off of “American Idol” in seventh place during the show’s third season. Cameras panned to the faces of her fellow contestants. They couldn’t believe that they were spared, and Hudson wasn’t. Fantasia Barrino, who was alongside Hudson in the bottom three for that week, grabbed Hudson and said, “You’re my American Idol,” before bursting into tears. Barrino ended up wining season three and becoming an R&B star in her own right.
Hudson was stoic and graceful – and sang her heart out during her farewell before her final bow. She told the judges early on in the audition process that she was a star. Her confidence and faith in her talent never wavered.
Fourteen years later, she is one of “Idol’s” most famous alumni. A veteran of film, television and Broadway, Hudson earned a Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA and Academy Award for her starring role as Effie White in the film adaptation of the famed musical “Dreamgirls.” Her 2008 self-titled album won a Grammy for “Best R&B Album.”
She is known as a vocal powerhouse. Her version of “I Am Changing” from the “Dreamgirls” soundtrack was the first song Kennedy Holmes ever performed before a live audience. Her star power is so certified that she sat alongside three of the biggest names in music – including “American Idol” season one winner Kelly Clarkson – charged with honing the talent of contestants, including Holmes.
As she hugged Holmes, Hudson stood as proof that talent has the capacity to supersede title. While many were disappointed to see teen country singer Chevell Shepherd be crowned the winner –Holmes’ fourth place ranking on “The Voice” is more than likely the beginning and not the end.
“It’s so amazing to see your process,” Hudson told Holmes after being asked to give thoughts on her finale performance on the evening before eliminations. “It even inspires me to see how you take every note and put it into your work and come back another level up.
For you to be so young and for you to take it the way that you take it, you’re meant to be exactly where you are!”
