Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Her audition: Kelsie Watts, 29, of Nashville, Tenn., auditioned with “I Dare You” by Kelly Clarkson. A big glory note from Kelsie at the end of the song prompted chair turns from Kelly and Gwen. Kelly’s reaction “You just one-upped me on my own song.” Gwen called her “incredible” as well. Kelly predicted she could make the finale.

Here’s more about Kelsie:

* She grew up in Lubbock, Texas, and earned a bachelor of music degree from Belmont University in Nashville.

* Back in 2016, shortly after graduating, she made the Top 48 in American Idol’s final season on FOX.

* Then 24, she sang Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” at her audition and called the original Idol a major influence on her own music.

* After Idol, she took a job performing live on the Showboat Branson Belle in Branson, Missouri, according to her web bio.
She spent two and a half years as lead singer for the Silver Dollar City attraction.

* Writes Kelsie about the experience: “It was truly one of the most life-changing seasons. I made some of my best friends, got engaged on stage, performed over 1,000 shows and grew in my craft.”

* Her younger brother Jordan committed suicide in 2013, and Kelsie writes that she wants to use her art to bring awareness to mental health issues and promote an uplifting message through music.

* Head to Kelsie’s YouTube channel and you can check out a wide range of music showing her versatility as a vocalist, with covers ranging from Celine Dion to Jessie J.

* Kelsie’s a featured vocalist on the pop track “Hurts to Love You,” released by ATCK in February. Another of the featured vocalists on the track is the Backstreet Boy’s AJ McLean. You can check out the song below.

Kelsie on social media:
Website
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube