Encinitas teen advances on ‘The Voice’

Kat Hammock, an Encinitas resident and graduate of La Costa Canyon High School, prevailed in a battle round on the NBC singing competition “The Voice” in an episode that aired this week.

Hammock, 18, performed a duet of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” with 16-year-old Josie Jones, from Alabama. Both were on Team Blake after being selected by singer Blake Shelton, one of the four judges, during the blind audition rounds, when the judges choose the singers they want to coach throughout the season.

“We worked really hard to have our part nailed down,” said Hammock, who was asked earlier this year to be on the 17th season of “The Voice” after representatives from the show saw her YouTube channel. She has 11 videos, mostly cover songs, and nearly 40,000 views.

Judges said they were impressed by both girls, but gravitated more toward Hammock. John Legend, one of the other judges, said she has “a weird voice” that helps make her performances “more intriguing.” The other judges, Kelly Clarkson and Gwen Stefani, similarly thought she had a more unique voice. Shelton selected Hammock to advance. She said many others have tried to “put their finger on who I remind them of.”

“It’s been brought to my attention more on the show,” said Hammock, mentioned Billie Eilish and Kacey Musgraves as singers whose voices are similar to hers.

Clarkson said she sounds like bluegrass-country singer Alison Krauss.

“Voice” contestants will continue to compete against each other, culminating in a final round of live performances. One winner will be selected by the viewers, who can vote via text message, the show’s website and iTunes purchases of each singer’s performance. The grand prize is a recording contract. For more information about this season of “The Voice,” visit nbc.com/the-voice.