Kyla Jade is moving on to the Knockout Rounds on The Voice's fourteenth season after winning her Battle, and she's opening up about her time on the show thus far.

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Kyla, a 33-year-old from Kansas who currently resides in Nashville, TN, defeated JessLee, a 26-year-old from Stuart, FL, in her Battle on behalf of coach Blake Shelton's team.

For their duet, Kyla -- a former background vocalist for Jennifer Hudson -- and JessLee performed "One Last Time" by Ariana Grande.

Kelly Clarkson noted that Kyla sang "effortlessly" -- so much so, that she would never want to perform alongside her because she'd feel bad about herself. JessLee was also called a "phenomenal singer" who really attacked the song, but it became apparent Kyla had the edge. Blake therefore declared Kyla victorious, and JessLee was eliminated from the competition.

During a recent conference call with reporters, Kyla talked about her The Voice experience. Below is what she had to say.

What did you think the key to your success was?

Kyla Jade: In this kind of situation, I think you just do your best period. JessLee and I both prepared as best we could for a song that was out of our wheelhouse. And it was actually very difficult for us to kind of grasp. So I don't necessarily think there was a key to my success, but I think both of us put our best foot forward as best as we could. And it could have been either way.

What did you think of that song choice? Because it wasn't something that either of you were going to be incredibly comfortable with.

Kyla Jade: Yes. At this point in the competition, I think it's more important for me to be challenged than to necessarily be comfortable. And I think that's what Blake was trying to do, is if he gives us both a song that we're uncomfortable with, then either we're going to rise to the challenge or we don't deserve to be in the competition.

So even though it was difficult and definitely not something that I would sing typically, I was excited about the challenge. I was excited about being, kind of, knocked out of my comfort zone. And that's what I think a show like this is -- it's a good thing that happened at the time.

I was curious if you could react to what Alicia Keys said last night about how you should never subdue your greatness.

Kyla Jade: It was overwhelming, actually. And I was serious about my lashes, like, if you cry, they're ruined. So it was just overwhelming. I think sometimes, especially when you've grown up being in the supportive role -- I've always, even in church, even working in ministry, working with others, teaching music -- I've always been in a supportive role.

And in that place, you kind of learn how to let other people shine because that's your job. And I love that job. But, The Voice is forcing me to really appreciate and learn who I am as an individual artist in front.

So it has been really challenging. And for her to have that perceptive and not know me and not even to be my coach was crazy. It was crazy. I take everything that the coaches say -- all of the contestants I think can attest to that -- we take anything that the coaches give us, and take it to heart.

Anything you deal with, you know, I'm a country girl; you eat the meat and spit out the bones. But in that instance, it was so on point and so great and perceptive and kind and gut-wrenching at the same time, that it's a moment that I will never forget.

Can you tell us what else you have learned so far by working with Blake and singing on a big stage? I'm not saying that you haven't sang on a big stage before, but obviously you're more in the forefront now.

Kyla Jade: Absolutely. This entire experience, you have to self-evaluate. You have to just see all of your quirks, all the things that you need to work on and -- I don't say dislike, but all of your challenges -- the things that hold you back, the things that, you know, those secret things that you didn't know were a problem.

And with Blake, he's like, "Listen, Kyla, it's sink or swim." He's very direct. He's so kind in a southern gentlemanly way. So he's one of those that if he actually says something, you need to listen very carefully to what he's saying.

And so, any time I'm with him, he is pushing me to think outside of the box, to not hold back, and to just show people who I am. And again, I am grateful for everything the coaches say to me. And it just really makes you go home, write your notes, pick yourself up, and come back and do it again as best as you can.

What is the one thing that stood out that you took away from Trace Adkins, your team advisor?

Kyla Jade: Trace says few words, but when he says it, he wants to make a point. And he said, "Kyla, can you sing that high note?" And I said, "Yes." He said, "So why aren't you?" And I just looked at him and he just looked at me.

So it was one of those moments where he was like, "You're either going to give me everything, Kyla, or don't do it at all." Both of them were pretty black and white. "Kyla, sing the song. Don't hold back. And let's move on."

So again, I love that kind of talk. You know, "Take the cuffs off and give me everything you got." They definitely did not hold back.    

Check Reality TV World's The Voice page for more Season 14 interviews with talented artists.


About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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