Kelly Clarkson had one remaining place to fill on Team Kelly’s Live Shows lineup, and five singers were competing for it during Season 30’s Cut Week. After hearing each performance, Clarkson chose 13-year-old Brianna Cameron, whose rendition of Natalie Cole’s “Inseparable” showed the coach a side of her talent she had not seen before.
The five contenders each brought a different style to the stage. Marcus Ladden Jr. sang Lou Rawls’ “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” while Brooklyn Marie performed Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” Nina Howland took on Reneé Rapp’s “In the Kitchen,” and Kyle Davis closed the group with Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home.”
Clarkson praised Nina’s emotional connection to her song and called Kyle a special singer with a distinctive voice. Adam Levine complimented Brooklyn’s high notes and potential. Brianna, the youngest of the five at 13, made a strong impression with “Inseparable.” Clarkson compared her to a young Whitney Houston, and Queen Latifah praised the poise she brought to the performance. Riley Green called Brianna “the most naturally talented person” on the show this year.
What Clarkson saw in Brianna
Explaining her decision, Clarkson said Brianna had revealed “another layer” of her talent—something the coach had not previously seen from her. She also said she wanted to recognize the young singer’s ability at such an early age.
Brianna’s selection completed Team Kelly’s Live Shows lineup alongside Koumba Diallo and Anna McElroy. The other coaches’ three-person lineups were also set: Team Adam Levine advanced Lexi Stephens, Connor Closs and Dakota Cohen; Team Queen Latifah chose Mia Knight, BigCountry and Lillie Kolich; and Team Riley Green selected Ferryn & Brinkley, Cade Mower and Joe Henley.
Brooklyn later shared that the five Team Kelly contestants had gathered backstage and agreed to support whichever singer Clarkson chose. The 14-year-old from Alexandria, Minnesota, said they promised to be happy for and supportive of the person who advanced. Clarkson had also praised Brooklyn’s bold song choice and said her youthful innocence worked in her favor onstage.
One more place in the Top 13 remained to be filled. America was set to vote for an artist from the 16 contestants who had not been selected by their coaches, with the result due during the November 9 Live Shows premiere.
