Emily Ann Roberts Amazes With Classic Hymn

After celebrating her 17th birthday with coach Blake Shelton, Emily Ann Roberts prepared for her first live playoff performance, a hymn titled “In the Garden.” Though a slightly unconventional choice for a vocal competition, the song tied together her country and gospel leanings, and her mother noted it was one of Roberts’ grandfather’s favorites.

It turns out she couldn’t have picked a better tune to fight for a spot in the Top 12. Shelton praised its “East Tennessee mountain sound” in rehearsals, saying “Emily Ann’s almost creating her own genre."

Her pure and simple performance of the hymn in a traditional country style showed off her effortless vocals and testified to who she is as an artist.

“You’re so honest and real,” Gwen Stefani said. “I’m so excited about you."

The other coaches all agreed it was a standout display of talent.

“It’s always nice when you can enjoy a moment in its purity and not think about the show and not think about the competition,” Adam Levine added.

“You just walked out here and laid your heart and who you are as a human being out on the stage for America to see,” coach Shelton praised, clearly impressed by the young artist’s performance.

Roberts’ understated power and natural abilities shone during the song, but she will have to wait until Wednesday night (Nov. 11) to find out if she’s on to the next round. Fans can vote for Roberts until noon that day.

Check out Roberts’ full performance in the video above.

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