Meet Holly Brand, The Former Pageant Queen Competing On ‘The Voice’
Casey Durkin/NBC Reading Time: 2 minutes
The latest season of NBC’s hit singing competition, The Voice, has introduced viewers to a remarkable talent from Mississippi, Holly Brand. With her captivating performances and undeniable stage presence, Holly has quickly become a standout contestant on the show.
Holly Brand is a Former Pageant Queen Turned Singer
Holly made headlines when she was crowned Miss Mississippi in 2021 at the age of 21. Her reign as Miss Mississippi allowed her to represent the state, engaging in speaking engagements and captivating performances for various organizations.
During her Blind Audition on The Voice, Holly surprised both the coaches and the audience by revealing a special connection with country music superstar Blake Shelton. At the tender age of ten, Holly opened for Shelton after winning a local competition. This experience played a pivotal role in inspiring her musical aspirations, leading her to pursue a career as an artist.
Holly wowed the coaches with her powerful rendition of Faith Hill’s “Mississippi Girl” during her Blind Audition. Immediately, Kelly Clarkson turned her chair, followed by Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper. Drawing comparisons to the acclaimed Maren Morris, Holly ultimately chose Kelly Clarkson as her coach for the season.
Holly’s decision to choose Clarkson as her coach on The Voice has proven to be a brilliant move. With her exceptional performances and undeniable talent, Holly has now advanced to the Playoffs as one of the top performers in Season 23.
She Once Competed in Miss America
After winning the title of Miss Mississippi, Holly had the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Miss America competition. As a young girl, Holly would watch the Miss America pageant and imagine herself on that stage. Her dreams eventually became a reality as she joined 49 other women at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, to vie for the crown and title.
Although Holly did not ultimately win the title of Miss America, she left a significant impression as an exceptional representative for the state of Mississippi. David Blackledge, the executive director of the Miss Mississippi Corporation, commended Holly’s performance and revealed that she received scholarship dollars, including a $1,000 scholarship for winning a non-finalist talent award.
While Holly’s journey in the Miss America competition may not have ended with the crown, her presence and performance were a testament to her talent, dedication, and aspirations. The experience and scholarship opportunities gained from the competition will undoubtedly contribute to her future endeavors in the world of music and beyond.
Be sure to tune into The Voice on Monday, May 8, to see the rest of her journey. The Voice premieres on Mondays at 8 p.m. EST.
