Fourteen-year-old Brooklyn Marie approached her Cut Week performance on The Voice as if it might be her last chance on the show. The singer from Alexandria, Minnesota, chose Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” hoping to make the most of a high-stakes moment on Team Kelly.
She performed the song during the November 2 episode. Beforehand, Brooklyn had sent the show’s music directors and producers a list of songs she hoped to sing. The team ultimately assigned her Elton John’s classic.
By then, two contestants chosen directly by Kelly Clarkson had advanced to the Live Shows, leaving five other members of Team Kelly to compete for one remaining place. Brooklyn said she wanted to give the performance her all, whether it became her final appearance or helped her move forward.
The coaches responded positively. Queen Latifah exclaimed in reaction to the performance, while Adam Levine praised Brooklyn’s high notes and stressed that she had time to develop her talent. Clarkson commended the song choice and Brooklyn’s natural charm, saying her youth gave her a distinctive quality as a performer.
Brooklyn later said she felt satisfied because she had done her best. The other Team Kelly contestants also supported one another backstage, she said, agreeing to celebrate whoever Clarkson chose.
Lessons beyond the stage
The competition gave Brooklyn a chance to learn from Clarkson about growing as a vocalist and finding her way in the music business. She also described adapting to the show’s pace as a significant lesson: instead of having plenty of time to prepare, she had to work quickly, make decisions under pressure and adjust when plans changed.
Songwriting remains a personal outlet for Brooklyn. She called it a way to process her emotions, reflect on her day and record what she was grateful for—much like a journal.
Taking part in the show meant missing some of her usual summer with friends and leaving school two weeks early. Still, Brooklyn said she valued the experience. After Clarkson chose Brianna Cameron for the team’s final coach-selected Live Show spot, Brooklyn was among the contestants awaiting America’s vote for the last available place. The result was scheduled to be announced November 9.
Brooklyn’s Cut Week performance was therefore both a test of her ability to handle pressure and a moment to show what she had learned. Whatever the competition outcome, she said she was glad she had given the song everything she had.
