The Voice Season 27: The 5 Most Unforgettable Moments From Team Kelsea's Runner-Up Journey

The buzz around Team Kelsea in the latest season of The Voice has been undeniable, solidifying Kelsea Ballerini's status as a powerhouse coach in the competitive world of reality singing. Her debut full season as a coach in Season 27, which concluded recently, proved to be an immediate success, culminating in a spectacular run to the grand finale. The country music superstar, known for hits like "Miss Me More" and "Penthouse," brought a fresh, empathetic coaching style that resonated deeply with her artists, guiding them through the Blind Auditions, Battles, and Knockouts with strategic song choices and genuine mentorship. This article, updated for December 2025, dives into the most recent and relevant details of Team Kelsea’s phenomenal journey, focusing on the key artists who drove the team's success and the specific moments that defined their time on the show.

The journey was defined by a blend of raw talent, strategic song choices, and the unwavering support of their coach. Kelsea Ballerini, fresh off the release of her acclaimed album PATTERNS and a high-profile performance at the CMA Awards, proved she could balance a thriving solo career with the demanding schedule of a major television competition. Her ability to identify and nurture diverse talent—from country crooners to theatrical powerhouses—made Team Kelsea a formidable competitor against veteran coaches John Legend, Adam Levine, and the season's winning coach, Michael Bublé. The team's collective success, highlighted by their runner-up finish, cemented their place in The Voice history.

Kelsea Ballerini: The Coach and Her Season 27 Biography

Kelsea Ballerini’s transition from a country music phenomenon to a full-time coach on The Voice for Season 27 was a major event for the series. While she had previously served as a Battle Advisor for Team Bublé and a fill-in coach, this was her moment to build a team from scratch and prove her strategic mettle.

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• Full Name: Kelsea Nicole Ballerini
• Born: September 7, 1993, in Mascot, Tennessee, U.S.
• Genre: Country, Country Pop
• Notable Albums: The First Time (2015), Unapologetically (2017), kelsea (2020), Subject to Change (2022), Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (2023), PATTERNS (2024)
• The Voice Role: Coach (Season 27), Battle Advisor (Team Bublé, Season 27), Fill-in Coach (Season 16)
• Key Collaborators (Season 27): John Legend, Adam Levine, Michael Bublé (Coaches)
• Recent News (Late 2024/2025): Performed at the CMA Awards, released the album PATTERNS, and was involved in a viral concert moment where she shut down a heckler shouting her ex-husband's name.
• Coaching Philosophy: Known for her empathetic approach, focusing on helping artists find their authentic voice and choose songs that tell a personal story, a style that clearly paid off with her team’s deep run.

The Core Artists: Team Kelsea’s Standout Talent

Team Kelsea’s strength lay in its diversity and the coach's ability to maximize each artist's unique selling point. While many talented singers passed through her team, three artists emerged as the defining figures of her Season 27 journey: the runner-up, a country-soul powerhouse, and a theatrical vocal prodigy.

1. Jaelen Johnston: The Season 27 Runner-Up

Jaelen Johnston, a country crooner from Derby, Kansas, was the star of Team Kelsea, captivating audiences with his deep, soulful voice and genuine stage presence. His journey was a true underdog story, culminating in a second-place finish in the Live Finale, losing only to Adam David of Team Michael Bublé.

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• Key Performance: In the Live Finale, Johnston delivered a show-stopping rendition of "Cold" by Chris Stapleton, a performance that highlighted his incredible vocal control and country-soul crossover appeal.
• The Defining Moment: One of the most talked-about moments was his candid reaction to forgetting some lyrics during an earlier performance, which Kelsea helped him turn into a relatable moment of vulnerability and resilience.
• Post-Show Impact: As the Season 27 runner-up, Johnston gained massive exposure, positioning him as one of the most promising new voices in country music.

2. Iris Herrera: The Folk-Soul Storyteller

Iris Herrera, the 19-year-old from Newaygo, Michigan, was a fan favorite whose unique folk-soul sound carried her all the way to the semi-finals.

• Blind Audition: Herrera's captivating performance of "You Are My Sunshine" by The Pine Ridge Boys turned three chairs, securing her spot on Team Kelsea.
• Style: Her sound was often compared to classic artists, bringing a timeless quality to the competition. Kelsea's mentorship focused on harnessing this raw, vintage talent.
• Impact: Her consistency and emotional delivery made her a strong contender, proving Kelsea's knack for spotting artists with deep, authentic roots.

3. Alanna Lynise: The Theatrical Powerhouse

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Alanna Lynise, a 21-year-old from Toledo, Ohio, brought a theatrical flair to the team. Her powerful, emotive voice was perfectly suited for show tunes and dramatic ballads, making her a unique asset for Team Kelsea.

• Semi-Final Performance: Lynise's performance of "I'm Not That Girl" from the musical Wicked was a highlight, showcasing her incredible vocal range and stage presence.
• Battle Round: She delivered a memorable duet of Miley Cyrus's "Angels Like You" in the Battle Rounds, demonstrating her versatility.
• Journey: Her ability to tackle complex, emotional pieces showed Kelsea's strategic choice to include a powerhouse vocalist who could excel in the high-stakes live shows.

Kelsea Ballerini’s Coaching Strategy and Legacy

Kelsea Ballerini's success in Season 27 was not accidental. Her strategy was a masterclass in modern mentorship, focusing on artist authenticity and genre versatility, which are crucial elements for success in the music industry today.

The 'Authenticity First' Approach

Unlike some coaches who push artists toward mainstream pop, Kelsea encouraged her team to lean into their niche. She championed Jaelen Johnston's country-soul sound, even selecting a challenging Chris Stapleton song for the finale, which is a significant LSI keyword in the country genre. She understood that in the modern music landscape, a unique, authentic voice often trumps a generic one. This focus allowed her artists to truly shine and connect with the voting audience, who are looking for genuine talent.

Strategic Song Selection

Kelsea’s song choices were consistently on point, demonstrating a deep understanding of her artists' vocal strengths. She challenged Alanna Lynise with a difficult Broadway piece like "I'm Not That Girl," pushing her beyond pop territory and showcasing her range. For Iris Herrera, she chose songs that highlighted her unique, vintage vocal texture, such as "You Are My Sunshine." This strategic guidance was a defining factor in Team Kelsea's longevity in the competition.

The Post-Show Trajectory

While the season winner was Adam David from Team Michael Bublé, the runner-up position secured by Jaelen Johnston is often a launchpad for a successful career. History shows that many runners-up from The Voice and similar competitions, such as Carrie Underwood or Jennifer Hudson from other shows, have gone on to achieve greater commercial success than the winners. Kelsea's mentorship provides a lasting connection to a major country star, opening doors in Nashville and beyond for Johnston and her other top contenders like Iris Herrera and Alanna Lynise. The exposure gained from a deep run on the show, coupled with Kelsea's guidance in navigating the industry, sets up Team Kelsea's artists for a highly promising future in the competitive music scene.