'The Voice' Season 24: Viewers slam NBC show for making 16-year-old Ruby Leigh steer away from yodeling for finale
UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: Ruby Leigh, a sixteen-year-old yodeler, understands the field and brings her A-game to practically every round of 'The Voice' Season 24. Fans were disappointed, however, as her final performance did not allow her to exhibit her yodeling ability.
Later in the episode, Ruby sang 'Desperado' by The Eagles, which moved Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani to tears.
We're flying high to the sky from Ruby Leigh's impressive vocals covering the Eagles. 🦅 #TheVoice pic.twitter.com/3PtFJe4RFo
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) December 19, 2023
"You did such a wonderful job," Reba said. "You know what you can do, and you do it so well. Not many people can do that -- way to go!"
"Sometimes you just wanna cry on TV," Gwen agreed. "That was so perfect and beautiful, and it's just mesmerizing that you're 16, and you can sing like that."
On Reddit, fans wrote, "I’m a Ruby fan… but I wish she would’ve yodeled more throughout the show!! That’s what made her stand out in the blinds. Honestly, without yodeling, I understand why she wouldn’t win even though I think she’s great regardless. Let’s also remember she’s only 16. She has so much growing to do."
Another user asked, "Why isn’t she yodeling?" One user agreed saying, "Fr honestly! She did great, but her yodeling makes her so unique!!"
A user wrote, "I also wish Ruby would've sang Patsy Cline. Why did she steer so far away from the yodeling that her fans love her for? She didn't even touch the vocal range she's demonstrated in the past even without yodeling."
Another person added, "Yeah, Ruby's song choices really surprised me and not sure they were the right call."
One person further commented, "I didn't hear any yodeling in this performance though. I think she's used to yodeling so when she doesn't and it's just a straightforward long note, it doesn't sound as good."
Even on X, fans asked, "Why didn’t they let Ruby yodel?? did her dirty."
Why didn’t they let Ruby yodel?? did her dirty #TheVoice
— Madysen S (@Madysen_08) December 19, 2023
Who is Ruby Leigh on 'The Voice' Season 24?
Ruby Leigh, from the small town of Foley, Missouri, took 'The Voice' by storm during the Blind Auditions, yodeling beautifully to the Country and Western classic 'I Wanna Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart'. Ruby, a country music enthusiast since the age of nine, had previously played alongside Vince Gill and Johnny Lee, and by the time her first 'The Voice' performance was complete, she had the ear of another country music superstar, Reba.
'The Voice' Season 24 finalist Ruby Leigh is a tornado survivor
Ruby and her parents escaped a tornado that almost killed her parents when she was four years old. Ruby, who disliked being separated from her parents, opted to be homeschooled.
'The Voice' Season 24 singer Ruby Leigh is an animal lover
Ruby has a "huge heart for animals and people", according to her official website. When it comes to her passion for animals, she takes after her grandmother. "She has volunteered her time and talents for many causes to benefit both humans and animals," according to her website.
'The Voice' Season 24 finale results will be announced on December 19, at 9 pm ET on NBC.
