This one got Blake Shelton JAZZED up.
19-year-old Grace West stepped out on NBC’s The Voice stage for her audition and laid down a hell of a cover of Pam Tillis’ “Maybe It Was Memphis.”
This tune is iconic ’90s country. Pam Tillis recorded this song that appeared on her 1991 album Put Yourself In My Place, and it became a massive hit for the artist. In 1992 it was nominated for the CMA Song of The Year, and Tillis was nominated at the Grammys for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female from her vocals on the single.
This song has a history on the show, as Blake Shelton’s team member Danielle Bradbery sang the song during the live rounds from Season Four. Clearly, this song holds a soft spot in Shelton’s heart, outside of it being a country music classic.
When the first guitar strums kick-off, Niall Horn and Blake Shelton look at each other like they both could have just hit the gold mine.
Grace West nails the first verse, but she kicks it up a notch and hits every vocal slide, and the listener can hear her phenomenal twang when the chorus starts.
Blake and Niall slam their button right at the start of the chorus and jam out during the remainder of the performance. Blake sings every word with her and jumps out of his seat to cheer when the tune wraps.
Niall puts up a fight to get Grace on his team, but it’s hard to win a country artist over Blake especially after he shares some kind words about her performance.
“You have this thing that I don’t really think artists your age have anymore. I actually hear Pam Tillis in your voice.
I have one spot left on my team. I would be honored if you’d join the last Team Blake as the last person.”
And after a few kind words from co-coach Kelly Clarkson, the deal was sold and Grace West joined the final Team Blake.
This girl covered the hell out of “Maybe It Was Memphis,” and Blake was right when you heard some of Tillis in her voice.
Give it a listen yourself.
Can’t forget the original:
