Olive Branch native Harmony McKee is moving on in NBC’s The Voice after a blind audition that got two coaches out of their seats. The 19-year-old singer performed Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder & Lead” during the second night of blind auditions, and both Riley Green and Adam Levine turned their chairs for her.
McKee ultimately chose to join Team Riley, according to American Songwriter, which noted that the performance was the first time she had ever sung a country song in public. Her usual lane, she has said, leans more toward R&B, rock and blues.
Harmony McKee’s Road to The Voice
McKee grew up in Olive Branch before moving to Medina, Tennessee, at age 14. She is now an accounting major at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, according to the DeSoto Times-Tribune.
She was raised by her father, Chris, a single dad, and has spoken openly about her mother’s struggles with addiction and incarceration. Her love of music started early, singing in church alongside her grandfather.
McKee told the Times-Tribune she applied for the show in September 2025 after spotting a social media post advertising virtual open calls. A year later, she was standing on one of television’s biggest stages.
Nerves, Song Choice and a Big Moment
Stepping onto the Voice stage was overwhelming, McKee said. “It was almost like I blacked out,” she told the newspaper, describing the rush of performing in front of the coaches and studio audience.
She also credited picking the right song for her success. “Song selection is so important. It can make or break you,” McKee said.
Her musical influences range widely, from gospel star CeCe Winans and R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan to Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Johnny Cash and even heavy metal. That mix helped her put her own stamp on the Lambert classic.
What’s Next for the Olive Branch Singer
With her blind audition behind her, McKee heads into the next phase of the competition as a member of Riley Green’s team. Contestants typically advance to the battle rounds, where coaches pair singers from their own teams in head-to-head duets.
Outside the show, McKee has also released her first single, “Priorities,” a pop song about how priorities shift in relationships. Asked about a music career, she said, “I think this is something that I definitely would like to do.”
DeSoto County viewers can follow her progress on The Voice on NBC and Peacock.
