Reebok already employs Angel Reese, who went to battle with Caitlin Clark in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament for back-to-back seasons. Now, the shoe and apparel company is signing another one of Clark’s rivals.

The brand announced on Thursday morning that it has signed Dijonai Carrington. The 27-year-old Dallas Wings guard played for the Connecticut Sun from 2021-24. She was traded to the Wings back in February.

Clark and Carrington have history, as the latter was accused of poking the former in the eye during the 2024 season. Many accused Carrington of intentionally poking Clark in the eye, though she denied that.

“I don’t even know why I would intend to hit anybody in the eye,” Carrington said. “That doesn’t even make sense to me. But no, I didn’t. I didn’t know I hit her, actually. I was trying to make a play on the ball, and I guess I followed through and I hit her. Obviously it’s never intentional. That’s not even the type of player that I am.”

Clark agreed.

“It wasn’t intentional by any means,” Clark said. “Just watch the play.”

However, it won’t be surprising to see these two going at it in future seasons. And now, Reebok, which was long seen as a rival to Nike – which signed Clark to an eight-figure deal – has signed Carrington to one of their own.

UNCASVILLE, CT – SEPTEMBER 22: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after getting hit in the eye during the First Round and game 1 of the 2024 WNBA playoffs between Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun on September 22, 2024, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Reebok announced the news on Thursday morning.

“We would like to welcome Dijonai Carrington to the Reebok Basketball family. Dijonai’s edge makes her the definition of a Reebok athlete. Welcome to the Future of Reebok Basketball,” the company announced.

Carrington, who starred collegiately at Baylor, averaged 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

She’ll look to help lead the Wings into the playoffs in 2025, possibly matching up against Clark and the Fever.

Sophie Rain (Photo via Instagram)
Is OnlyFans star Sophie Rain hanging up her cleats for good?

Last year, Rain revealed she made $43 million in her first year on OnlyFans.

It was a shocking revelation, given the fact that she had never gotten nude or done any type of hardcore scenes. With the news was her revealing that her top spender sent her more than $4.7 million over 11 months.

Apparently, she has made more than enough to do something else with her life.

On Tuesday, Sophie Rain took to social media and announced her retirement from OnlyFans by writing, “deleting my only fans.”

It should be noted that today is April Fools Day, so we are unsure if she is just trolling the general public.

Rain is clearly in the top 1% of ladies who can make millions on OnlyFans. Leaving while at the top of her prime is not something we have seen since Michael Jordan left the game for the first time in the mid-90s to pursue a baseball career.

Raised in a devout Christian household, Rain maintains that her work does not conflict with her religious beliefs, stating, “The Lord’s very forgiving.”

Sophie Rain Has Earned Over $50 Million On Onlyfans

Sophie Rain, a 20-year-old social media sensation, has once again set the internet ablaze with her latest financial milestone.

In November 2024, Rain revealed her OnlyFans income of $43.4 million.

In February 2025, Rain revealed that she has made more than $50 million from her digital presence across platforms and is on her way towards the $100 million mark.

Her rapid financial success continues to draw significant attention online.

Earning another seven million in three months coincides with her joining The Bop House, which she and Aishah Sofey created. It is a content creator mansion in Florida that hosts eight OnlyFans creators aged 19 to 24.

VIDEO: Some Dude Just Dropped The Cold Hard Truth On Why All Of These NFL Prospects Are “Dating White Women”

Unless this is your first day in America, then you know race relations in this country dominate just everything, and that includes NBA and NFL drafts

 

During the most recent NFL Draft in Detroit, social media was buzzing as athletes showed up to the red carpet event with their girlfriends and family. Many of the incoming NFL rookies were African-American and were spotted with white women, which has become the usual theme for years.

The same thing happens with the NBA Draft.

This year, the discourse on the NFL Draft and NBA Draft has gotten even louder as African-American women openly pondered why so many of the players never have a partner that is the same race as them.

 

 

One guy on TikTok decided to answer that question by revealing that the vast majority of his division-1 friends in college or headed to the league are dating or married to white women and explained why.

He stated that some of them had told him that their white girlfriend looked up to Taylor Swift while their girlfriend looked up to Megan The Stallion. He then states the guy asks how many white women he has seen doing the Megan Thee Stallion challenge as opposed to Black women.

He then dove into another story of a friend who relayed that his Black girlfriend started to request money from him as soon as she found out about his NIL money. She wanted her hair and nails done. He then added that the Black women would be upset if they went to places like Chipotle, and she demanded steak houses.

 

 

Cunningham’s move from the Phoenix Mercury to the Indiana Fever during the offseason has placed her on an up-and-coming team that is generating plenty of buzz heading into the 2025 WNBA season.

Caitlin Clark along with her teammate

Highlights:

Cunningham emphasized that while Clark is a major factor in the team’s success.

Throughout her first six WNBA seasons, Cunningham played alongside the legendary Diana Taurasi, a perennial All-Star and one of the greatest to ever play the game.

Cunningham’s move from the Phoenix Mercury to the Indiana Fever during the offseason has placed her on an up-and-coming team that is generating plenty of buzz heading into the 2025 WNBA season. She expressed her optimism and high expectations for the squad’s performance.

“Man, [we want] to win it all. I think that everyone knew we were going to be good. We started adding more and more pieces; I think we really turned heads around the W [WNBA]; this could be the team this year,” Cunningham shared. “So I think we have all the puzzle pieces, but now it’s putting the puzzle together, and that’s building chemistry, that’s getting our rhythm, getting to know each other off the court. We do have all that, but we’ve never really played together, so there will be some transitional moments where it might be tough. It won’t always be rainbows and butterflies, but we all have a really good mindset moving forward.”

 A New Dynamic with Caitlin Clark

Throughout her first six WNBA seasons, Cunningham played alongside the legendary Diana Taurasi, a perennial All-Star and one of the greatest to ever play the game. Now, she prepares to take the court with Caitlin Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year and one of the most electrifying athletes in professional sports.

 

Cunningham acknowledged the differences between Taurasi and Clark but remains eager to build a strong partnership with her new teammate.

 

“When I was around DT [Diana Taurasi], she’s one of my best friends now, and the way she thinks about the game and the way she is the ultimate pro,” Cunningham explained. “There’s just so much to learn from her. I know Caitlin (Clark) is already a superstar, a mega-star around the world, and I don’t want to take anything away from her, but she’s also young. So there are things you don’t know, and when you don’t have that experience, I would love for her to lean on me, but again, I want her to do her thing,” as quoted by Chiefs Wire

 

 

 A Balanced Mix of Youth and Experience

 

Cunningham emphasized that while Clark is a major factor in the team’s success, the Fever’s roster is stacked with talent and experience.

“This team is not just about that; you have DeWanna Bonner, a champion. You have Sydney Colson and Natasha Howard, and there’s a lot of experience. There’s playoff experience. When you have a group of young bucks willing to do anything to win, you have a bunch of experienced vets who have won or been around greatness, just wrestling for success.”

 

 Fever Duo’s Love for the Kansas City Chiefs

 

Cunningham and Clark already share something beyond basketball—a passion for the Kansas City Chiefs. When asked about the possibility of the two attending a game at Arrowhead Stadium in 2025, Cunningham didn’t hesitate.

“Hell yeah! We’d better,” she said with a smile. “I used to go quite a bit, but this past year, I didn’t because I’ve been doing NBA, commentating with the (Phoenix) Suns. But absolutely, I’m not kidding; those are some of my favorite memories. As a professional athlete, sometimes it’s nice for you to go to a game and not have the pressure on you, and you just be able to sit back and relax. Like, I think it’s funny that she’s (Caitlin Clark) a big Kansas City fan (Not Kansas). I think it’ll be fun for us to catch a game.”

 

 

SHOCKING: Cameron Brink Drops Jaw-Dropping Swimsuit Photo and the Internet Can’t Handle It

The 2025 WNBA season is still over a month away, but Cameron Brink of the Los Angeles Sparks is causing quite the stir this week.

The 2025 WNBA season is still over a month away, but Cameron Brink of the Los Angeles Sparks is causing quite the stir this week.

It was announced in November that Brink would be part of the 2025 rookie class for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. She’s part of a class that features golfer Nelly Korda and Olympic gymnast Suni Lee among others.

“Joining the lineup for the 2025 SI Swimsuit issue is Cameron Brink, one of the most captivating athletes of her generation,” SI Swimsuit wrote. “Known for her undeniable skill and towering presence on the court, the 22-year-old brings her fierce energy to her SI Swimsuit debut. From her impressive college career at Stanford to her rookie year in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks, Brink is not only dominating the court but also redefining the intersection of fashion and sports with her sleek, standout pre-game tunnel looks.”

WNBA fans will have to wait until May to see Brink’s rookie photos with SI Swimsuit. However, she offered fans a sneak peek on Tuesday.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 09: Cameron Brink #22 of the Los Angeles Sparks looks on from the bench during the second half of the game against the Minnesota Lynx at Crypto.com Arena on July 09, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

Well, sort of.

Brink posted a few photos on Instagram in honor of former Cal basketball player Mia Mastrov’s birthday. In one of the photos, they were sporting bikinis.

“Happy birthday to my day 1,” Brink wrote for her caption. “I love you so so much.”

Brink’s swimsuit selfie is bound to turn heads on social media this week, make no mistake about it.

WNBA star Cameron Brink shares a birthday post for Mia Mastrov.

Cameron Brink/Instagram.

Brink made an immediate impact for the Sparks last season, averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. Unfortunately, her rookie campaign was cut short due to an ACL injury.

During a recent episode of Brink’s podcast, she revealed that she just started running, jumping and cutting. It’s unclear when she’ll be cleared for action.

The Sparks will begin their 2025 season on May 16 against the Golden State Valkyries.

ESPN’s Monica McNutt comes under fire for Caitlin Clark comments

Some fans are not happy

Caitlin Clark

ESPN sportscaster Monica McNutt has found herself at the center of a storm following her latest comments about Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.

McNutt has regularly shared her thoughts on Clark and the Fever, drawing backlash in September 2024 after saying that she thinks Clark deserves only 60% of the credit for the Fever securing a playoff spot.

Recently, the BBC sat down to interview McNutt and the conversation found its way to Clark and McNutt admitted that she can’t deny the impact Clark is having, as shown by the number of little girls who show up to watch her games.

When asked why that is, she said: “Caitlin represented, and again, some of this to me probably is not fair to her, because it was not anything that she said or was truly based on her personality, but she was a white girl from the middle of America.

“And so she represented a whole lot to a lot of people, whether that is truly what she prescribed to or not.”

Fans react to McNutt’s comments

Many fans took issue with these comments and the responses didn’t take long to come.

“Wait, so if a young black girl can look up to a black basketball player, it’s okay. But little white girls can’t do the same? Gotcha,” a comment on X read.

“Because surely there were no white boys who grew up watching MJ, Kobe or LeBron and took interest, we were only Larry Bird fans, apparently,” said another.

“This woman does nothing but give bad takes I have no idea why she is even on ESPN,” criticized a user.

Some people did choose to defend McNutt on this occasion.

“This statement isn’t coherently wrong if you take it past face value Would most people agree with Caitlin Clark’s fanbase is predominantly white whereas Angle Reese‘s fanbase is predominantly black?” a reaction read.

“What’s wrong with what she said? I don’t get it?” claimed another.

“But Monica is right, CC is a WHITE woman from the middle of nowhere Iowa. Most stars that come into any league come from bigger cities or schools; Iowa is neither. Younger girls attached themselves to CC because of how popular she got,” explained a viewer.

VIDEO: Some Dude Just Dropped The Cold Hard Truth On Why All Of These NFL Prospects Are “Dating White Women”

Unless this is your first day in America, then you know race relations in this country dominate just everything, and that includes NBA and NFL drafts

 

During the most recent NFL Draft in Detroit, social media was buzzing as athletes showed up to the red carpet event with their girlfriends and family. Many of the incoming NFL rookies were African-American and were spotted with white women, which has become the usual theme for years.

The same thing happens with the NBA Draft.

This year, the discourse on the NFL Draft and NBA Draft has gotten even louder as African-American women openly pondered why so many of the players never have a partner that is the same race as them.

 

 

One guy on TikTok decided to answer that question by revealing that the vast majority of his division-1 friends in college or headed to the league are dating or married to white women and explained why.

He stated that some of them had told him that their white girlfriend looked up to Taylor Swift while their girlfriend looked up to Megan The Stallion. He then states the guy asks how many white women he has seen doing the Megan Thee Stallion challenge as opposed to Black women.

He then dove into another story of a friend who relayed that his Black girlfriend started to request money from him as soon as she found out about his NIL money. She wanted her hair and nails done. He then added that the Black women would be upset if they went to places like Chipotle, and she demanded steak houses.

 

 

Kelsea Ballerini is struggling to find the words to fully express how she feels about her first Entertainer of the Year nomination at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

The country singer did, however, find a few things to share with her fans on social media to describe the moment.

“I am absolutely speechless,” she writes on Instagram Stories. “Being nominated for ENTERTAINER OF THE FREAKING YEAR has been one of my biggest dreams and goals from the very start of this journey.”

“I feel so incredibly grateful, and I feel seen by the genre and community I love so dearly,” she adds. “This continues to feel like my ten year town year and I can’t stop crying happy tears. Wow wow wow.”

Her reference to a “ten year town” references the idea that it takes an artist ten years to get their big break after moving to Nashville. Although some are able to sprout up in less time, it takes a decade or more for many others.

Who Is Nominated for ACM Entertainer of the Year?

Ballerini is in a category that is stacked with talent in 2025. As the biggest award given out at the ACM Awards, it’s no surprise that the competition is fierce.

Other singers who are vying for the 2025 Entertainer of the Year trophy are Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen and the reigning winner from 2024, Lainey Wilson.

What Did Kelsea Ballerini Do in 2024?

The 2025 edition of the awards show is based on what artists did in 2024. Ballerini started the year with a collaboration with Noah Kahan called “Cowboys Cry Too.” The song was written by both singers and appeared on her fifth studio album, Patterns, which she released on Oct. 25, 2024.

The Tennessee native also made her acting debut in the ABC series Doctor Odyssey. She appeared in one episode titled “I Always Cry at Weddings,” playing a character named Lisa Parsons.

The 2025 ACM Awards are scheduled for May 8. The show will air steam live on Amazon Prime Video from the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. Reba McEntire has already been announced as this year’s host.

 

CARRIE Underwood has shared a throwback pic from her American Idol audition as fans claimed they can barely recognize the star now.

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Carrie Underwood shared a throwback pic from her American Idol auditionCredit: Instagram/carrieunderwood

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Many fans claimed they could barely recognize the star in up-to-date photosCredit: Instagram/carrieunderwood
On Monday, Carrie, 41, posted a photo of herself during the audition stage of the singing competition on Instagram.

In the snapshot, the Before He Cheats singer was shown talking on her cellphone while showcasing a tag with her contestant number.

She sported era-appropriate crimped blond hair and an off-the-shoulder pink top.

Carrie captioned the post, “REFLECTION of the week: contestant number #14887 received her golden ticket to Hollywood! I can’t believe it has been almost 20 years since auditioning for @AmericanIdol! #ReflectionOfTheWeek.”

The eight-time Grammy winner received her golden ticket by performing I Can’t Make You Love Me for original American Idol judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul.

In the comment section, one fan wrote, “I was a little 6 year old watching Idol with my dad for the first time. It was during that audition that I said you would win the whole thing.

“My dad said we shall see. And when the finale came I was so excited to see you win. You’ll always be my favorite American idol!!”

Another fan agreed writing, “Best American Idol contestant and WINNER ever! Xoxo.”

However, in an up-to-date social media photo, fans claimed they couldn’t recognize the Good Girl singer’s appearance.

One critic wrote, “It looks like she’s had work done. Doesn’t look the same. Why can’t they just be their natural selves?”

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Carrie sported era-appropriate crimped blond hair and an off-the-shoulder pink topCredit: Fox

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She performed I Can’t Make You Love Me for American Idol judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula AbdulCredit: Fox
“Is this AI or has she gone down the rabbit hole of plastic surgery?” questioned another.

A third commenter asked, “Who is that in the photo? AI doing overtime.”

“I didn’t even recognize you. You’ve always been stunning but this barely even looks like you,” remarked a fourth.

“We need more natural. I thought this was AI,” complained a fifth.

“Literally didn’t recognize her. Wow,” added another.

AMERICAN IDOL

Carrie is one of the most recognizable singers in country music.

On May 25, 2005, Carrie was crowned the winner of American Idol’s fourth season.

The then-unknown contestant earned an estimated 37 million votes from Idol’s viewers.

As mentioned, she was first selected to compete by the show’s judges after she impressed them during Idol’s audition rounds with a rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s I Can’t Make You Love Me.

Years later while reflecting on her achievement that caught the eyes of millions, Carrie shared with her fans via Instagram, “I took one more look at the amazing crowd and let it sink in for a few seconds.

“Ryan said something like ‘and your 2005 American Idol is…’ My heart beat fast and I closed my eyes.

“The crowd went wild. I immediately started crying. It was a beautiful moment.

“All the other contestants were sent out to hug me. I was crying the whole time.”

She told Pop Entertainment, “I never really knew what to expect but it really has exceeded any expectations I think I could have had.

“Yeah, it’s very surreal. It was one of those moments I feel like I’ll remember forever.

“It was just awesome to have all of those months of work and being on TV and doing stuff every single week and all the nerves and everything – just, whew, it’s over.”

Just months after her victory, Carrie released her debut album Some Hearts on November 11, 2005.

IDOL FEUD

Carrie and Kelly Clarkson both rose to fame after competing on American Idol.

Over the years, fans of both Carrie and Kelly have claimed that there’s been beef between them.

The pair have been pitted against each other several times and many outlets have claimed this has caused a feud.

The rumors date back to 2016 when an alleged source told Radar Online that Carrie “threw a fit” after Kelly was asked to perform a solo on American Idol over her, according to Nicki Swift.

At the time, the alleged source said, “Carrie caused serious drama with the final production of the show because she flipped out that she was stuck doing a duet [with Keith Urban] when she has a tour and so many things to promote right now.”

A year later, another source claimed that Carrie was again upset after Kelly was picked to be a coach on The Voice.

“Carrie was jealous Kelly got a coaching gig on The Voice that she thought should’ve been hers,” the source stated.

The insider added, “And Kelly’s always been jealous that Carrie’s the bestselling idol to come out of Idol.”

At first, Carrie and Kelly ignored the feud rumors but in 2018, the Since U Been Gone singer finally put them to rest by taking a picture with her on the red carpet of the Radio Disney Music Awards.

“Everybody always tries to pit me and Carrie against each other,” Clarkson recalled during an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

“So, when I saw her I was like, ‘You know what? Let’s just end this right now and get a picture together because we are never in the same place.’

And, like, it never happens. And people always try to put it together like we’re enemies.

And I’m like, ‘We don’t even know each other well enough to be enemies.’

So, anyway, I went to get a picture and then everybody lost their mind.”

Clarkson joked about the beef rumors again in 2019 by sharing a picture on X, formerly Twitter, of a tabloid cover that claimed she was feuding with Underwood.

“Someone just sent me this & I’m like why does [Carrie Underwood] get the good pic & I have the worst expression I’ve ever made w/zero muscles being used in my face ha! I officially have a feud w/whoever used this pic!” Clarkson wrote.

While some still might claim that the two stars are feuding, there’s no proof that any of those allegations are true.

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The country music singer competed in, and eventually won, Season 4 of American IdolCredit: Getty

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Fans accused Carrie of getting plastic surgery after seeing the star in recent photosCredit: Getty

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Critics begged Carrie to be more ‘natural’ and claimed she’s now unrecognizableCredit: The Mega Agency

Now that the news is out that Carrie Underwood will be joining the American Idol team in the Spring of 2025 as the newest judge, Luke Bryan has shared advice for her on how to handle the upcoming role alongside him and fellow returning judge, Lionel Richie.

“If she has a therapist, she’s probably going to have to double [up] to deal with me and Lionel [Richie],” Bryan said during an interview with Audacy’s 100.7 The Wolf at 2024’s Watershed Music Festival.

He also had shared his idea for a generous welcome gift for Underwood that might help her better navigate all the hilarious antics, pranks and lively energy the male hitmakers have been known to bring to the show each season.

“Do therapists do gift cards? I can call her therapist and gift her a voucher,” he joked.

Underwood Opens Up About New Idol Chapter On ‘Good Morning America’

ABC officially revealed the judging panel for the franchise’s 23^rd overall season on August 1, 2024, naming Underwood as the replacement for Katy Perry, who served on the show for seven seasons. Following the exciting announcement, the Oklahoma native took part in the Good Morning America (GMA) Summer Concert Series in Central Park, where she spoke about this next chapter of her career and performed the songs “Last Name,” “Before He Cheats” and “Out of That Truck.”

While this will be a whole new role for the eight-time GRAMMY^® Award winner, it is certainly not the start to her American Idol journey. Her experience with the show began two decades ago when she won over the judges with her rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” before ultimately taking home the Season 4 win. When asked about how she feels about the opportunity to return to the place that started it all for her music career, Underwood told GMA, “It feels like home.”

“There’s so many people that even still work on the show that were there from when I was a contestant,” she added.

The One Thing She Foresees Being A “Big Problem”

Carrie Underwood is the first judge to have also served as a contestant on the popular singing competition, meaning she will be able to bring a whole new perspective to the next round of contestants.

“I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be able to hopefully offer some insight and help and kind of offer a different viewpoint.”

It seems that Underwood feels confident in her ability to bring new insight and wisdom to the show, however she did make note of one thing that could be a “big problem.”

“I can’t lie,” she admitted. “I just can’t. You can tell.”

Rest assured, she plans to use her honesty to provide “constructive and encouraging” feedback rather than being harsh on the contestants, just as she does with her own two kids at home.
Carrie Underwood; Photo by Jeff Johnson

Live Virtual Auditions Begin This Week

Auditions for Season 8 of American Idol will begin Monday, August 12, with the return of “Idol Across America.” Those hoping for their chance at stardom have the chance to take part in live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar that takes place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Those auditioning will get to put their talent on display in front of an American Idol producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date in hopes of getting to advance to the next step, the judge auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.

 

Fans will also be able to catch Carrie Underwood performing in Las Vegas at Resorts World for her recently extended Las Vegas residency. The new dates set for March and April 2025 come in addition to her already-announced 2024 performances in August and October.

 

Kelsea Ballerini, Angie Rey; Photos Courtesy NBC

Kelsea Ballerini had a successful start to her debut as an official The Voice coach during the Season 27 premiere on Monday, Feb. 3. As she slowly started to rack up members of her team, there was one audition that caused Ballerini to turn her chair almost instantly.

Twenty-five-year-old Florida native and Nashville resident, Angie Ray, stepped up to the center of the stage in her white mini dress and over-the-knee boots and delivered a soulful performance of Ballerini’s vulnerable tune, “Penthouse.” As soon as the first notes of the tender melody filled the speakers, the country star nearly jumped out of her seat in excitement and leaned over to fellow coach, Michael Bublé to say, “This is my song.”

“This is you?” Bublé replied.

Ballerini listened intently as Ray showed off her musical talent and ended up turning her chair midway through the first chorus. This caused Ray’s parents to jump in excitement as they watched the audition from side stage.
Angie Rey; Photo by: Christine Bartolucci/NBC
Another returning coach, Adam Levine, made note of the fact that Ray became audibly nervous upon Ballerini’s chair turn. However, she finished out the tune with power while the Tennessee native offered a prideful standing ovation in her cherry red jumpsuit.

She rushed up to hug the contestant and then proceeded to thank her for “singing my song.” Once back in her seat, Ballerini excitedly asked if she could give feedback first.

“I literally said before you came out, I was like, I have a good feeling about this,” Ballerini admitted, causing Ray to say “That is so scary. I was terrified.”

“That’s scary for me, because you’re hitting notes that I don’t hit in that song,” the east Tennessee native added. “Thank you so much for singing that song, I could tell you were nervous. It’s a nerve-wracking industry to get into, but when you beat it, it’s fine.”

Levine then weighed in on the audition, which he did not turn his chair for.

“You were nervous, but then Kelsea turned around and you fully lost it. You were so excited, and it was just meant to be, and I loved watching it.

Since Ray only received one chair turn, she didn’t have to choose which team to be a part of, but that didn’t seem to bother her as she explained that Ballerini would have been her first choice regardless.

“I love John, and I love Michael, and I love Adam, but they’re not Kelsey, you know what I mean?”

“And they’re not,” Ballerini said with confidence in her voice before asking, “Wow, man. Do you write songs?”

“I do, yeah. I’m a songwriter,” Ray responded.

“I can tell because of the way that you sang certain phrases in that song, and even how I recorded it is different than how I sing it live because it’s such an emotional story.”
Kelsea Ballerini; Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC
After this back-and-forth convo, Bublé suggested Ballerini go on stage and sing the song with her, to which she happily obliged. The pair of soaring vocals filled the room and further highlighted the depth of Ray’s vocal range.

Her mom then appeared on screen to thank Bublé for the idea that will forever be an incredible memory for their family.

In addition to Angie Ray, Ballerini also claimed contestants Dan Kiernan and Iris Herrera onto her team during the season 27 premiere. This marks the “Baggage” singer’s first season as a coach alongside Adam Levine, John Legend and Michael Bublé, who she sees as her “three new brothers.”

“There’s a level of warm and fuzzy we all have for each other. There’s never been a day, not once, that we’ve left set without texting the group chat to build each other up,” she told Byrdie while reflecting on her new role.

Ballerini previously appeared on the singing competition show as an advisor to Team Kelly (Clarkson) and briefly filled in for the superstar coach while she was out with an illness. These experienced led her to realize just how much she wanted to add coaching to her resume.

“I have a screenshot on my phone! I sent a text to my girlfriends, and I was like, ‘I really think I want this chair one day,’” she recalled.
Kelsea Ballerini; Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC
The songstress went on to say that her time on The Voice has been a “beautiful” experience so far and it has allowed her to achieve both personal and professional growth in a way she never has before.

“It’s been such a beautiful experience. I think it’s really sharpened me as an artist because as you’re giving advice, you’re also reminding yourself of the same thing,” she says. “As I was filming The Voice, I was also finishing the album. Then I was putting the album out, and I was actually doing the things I was giving advice about, so it was a refresher for me.”

Fans can watch the rest of Kelsea Ballerini’s journey unfold every Monday when The Voice airs at 8/7c on NBC and streams the next day on Peacock.

Alexandra Kay Shines During Sold-Out House of Blues Chicago Concert

Alexandra Kay Performs in Chicago, IL; Photo by Stephanie Siau

Hours before Alexandra Kay was set to take the stage for her debut in Chicago, IL’s iconic venue, House of Blues, fans lined up down the street in their best pink ensembles with glitter, bows and more, excited for the chance to see their favorite rising country star in action.

The Illinois native was proud to return to her home state this weekend to honor her journey as a former independent artist who recently signed a record deal with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Over the past six years, she and her small team have worked tirelessly to grow her name and captivate fans with her unparalleled storytelling. The result of that hard work came through clear as day during her stop in the Windy City as part of her Cupid’s A Cowgirl Tour.
Alexandra Kay Performs in Chicago, IL; Photo by Stephanie Siau
It’s not every day you see an artist at Kay’s level pack out a venue with a capacity of up to 1,800 people, but she pulled it off with ease. Even more impressive, her audience, which spans generations from young children to adult country music lovers, all united to sing along to nearly every song on her setlist.

“This is the coolest room I think I’ve ever played. This is so cool. It’s like every time I look up, I just see new people,” she stated to the crowd, while waving to fans down below as well as her family and friends seated in the upper level. “I can’t believe we sold out the House of Blues Chicago. That’s crazy. Thank you so much. It was a dream for me to play this venue. Never did I think the first time we got to play it that you guys would sell it out. Thank you so much.”
Alexandra Kay Performs in Chicago, IL; Photo by Stephanie Siau

Starting the Night Off Strong With ‘Cupid’s A Cowgirl’

Kay kicked off the unforgettable 90-minute set with her latest release, a sassy female empowerment anthem titled “Cupid’s A Cowgirl.” Her positive energy radiated throughout the smoke-filled stage and soft pink lighting that illuminated her look featuring a pink feather-trimmed top, denim shorts with studded hearts embellishments, and dazzling silver cowboy boots.

The show continued with a few fan-favorites like “Backroad Therapy,” “More Than You,” “That’s What Love Is,” “Skip This Part” and her friendship anthem, “She Stayed.” Kay then took a moment to speak to her fans, letting them know that the night ahead would include several new and unreleased songs off her next album, but before diving into those, she wanted to celebrate the chapter that inspired her previous album, All I’ve Ever Known.

This 2023 collection offers a detailed diary of her divorce from a partner she was with for over a decade. As she learned to navigate all the trials and tribulations she went through during that time, there was one constant light guiding her out of the darkness – her fans. It was these listeners that stuck by Kay through what she calls “the hardest year of my entire life.”
Alexandra Kay Performs in Chicago, IL; Photo by Stephanie Siau
“You supported me through writing this album and then putting this album out and my divorce being so public and my life being so public. In the middle of processing, it all, I got to meet a bunch of you guys every night and you guys would hug me, wrap your arms around me, tell me your stories. And I felt so much less alone,” she admitted. “And I just want to say more than anything, just thank you for that. Thank you for being there for me when I really, really needed you guys. And I just promise to always be there for you, even if that’s through my music.”

She went on to promise to continue to write songs that reflect her most honest emotions, just like she did in the project’s title track, which was the next song to unite the crowd in a massive sing-along full of healing and encouragement for the days ahead.

Setting The Tone For A New Project With Unreleased Songs

One of the most remarkable aspects of Alexandra Kay’s career is the way her fans know every word to every songs, even the unreleased ones. So when it came time to debut a few fresh songs like “The Last” and “Tomorrow Problems,” it felt as if they had been in her catalog for years. These songs are just a small look into Kay’s new record, that has found her writing from a much different place than her last album.

“It’s been really cool writing from such a secure, confident, purely joyful place,” she told the audience. “Since I was 12 years old when I started writing songs, I always wrote because I had really bad feelings and now I write songs because I am overwhelmed with happy feelings.”
Alexandra Kay Performs in Chicago, IL; Photo by Stephanie Siau

Stand-Out Moments

In between hearing her signature vocals roar throughout the venue, Kay stopped the show several times to touch base with her fans. At one point, she paused to sign merch, speak directly to her fans and even make sure an emergency in the audience was handled properly.

Another memorable moment involved getting to help announce the gender of her bandmate’s first baby. She welcomed him and his wife to the front of the stage and erupted in screams of joy alongside the audience as bright pink lights shined down on them, indicating that a baby girl was on the way.

“I knew it,” Kay yelled enthusiastically before joking, “Too much pink in this camp not to be a girl. I knew it.”
Alexandra Kay Performs in Chicago, IL; Photo by Stephanie Siau
For the second half of the show, Kay mixed things up with a vibrant cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” as well as her collaboration with Julia Cole, “Best Worst Ex,” both of which ignited the crowd with their infectious energy before slowing down with a deeply personal moment.

Proving she is in her happiest lover girl era, Kay moved over to the piano where her boyfriend and bandmate, Rocko Beall began playing the delicate intro to “Second Wind.” The couple’s undeniable chemistry filled the room as she poured her heart into the lyrics, painting a picture of the newfound joy she feels over getting a second chance at love. Her raw emotion was even more palpable as she seamlessly intertwined a few lines from Elvis Presley’s classic, “Can’t Help Falling In Love.”