Downtown Sounds headliner advances to playoff round of The Voice

SIDNEY, Neb. – Jaelen Johnston, from Derby, Kansas, won his Knockout Round Monday night and advanced to "The Playoffs" on NBC's The Voice. 

Johnston, 21, performed Noah Kahan’s “Dial Drunk” in a head-to-head matchup with fellow Team Ballerini member Hailey Wright, of Redwater, Texas. Unlike previous rounds where contestants sang duets, Knockout contestants choose their own songs and perform individually. Wright opted for the Patsy Montana classic “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.”

Despite praise from coaches Michael Bublé and Adam Levine, who both said they’d choose Wright, coach Kelsea Ballerini had the final call and selected Johnston.

“Jaelen has this traditional-leaning voice with that story-telling element,” Ballerini said. “It feels not dissimilar to what we’re hearing on country radio right now. I think he’s a dark horse in this competition.”

Ballerini also praised Johnston’s “brave” song choice, noting it leaned outside the traditional country space he typically occupies.

Johnston’s rising national profile comes just months before he’s scheduled to appear at Downtown Sounds in Sidney on Friday, July 18, as part of the free summer concert series.

The Voice Playoffs begin on April 28 as remaining contestants battle for a spot in the live shows. Johnston is one of the last remaining country artists on Team Ballerini. The winner of Season 27 will be announced on May 20.