Even if you haven't yet watched the blind auditions from Season 14 of NBC's The Voice, no doubt you've seen a few sneak peek videos floating around the internet. One such video was Stephanie Skipper's rendition of Kelly Clarkson's "Piece by Piece." The video hit #14 on YouTube's trending videos and currently has 2.6 million views. The video ended on a cliffhanger, leaving out who Stephanie chose as her coach between Grammy winner Adam Levine and country star Blake Shelton.
Stephanie posted a photo on Twitter of the words "Team Blake or Adam?" written in chalk on a sidewalk along with the caption: "So excited to be on #TeamAdam. @NBCTheVoice what a fun and exciting opportunity #grateful #skipskiphooray #VoiceBlinds."
Formerly known by her maiden name, Stephanie Smith, the versatile pop singer met her husband Tim Skipper through their label at the time, Gotee Records, where Tim was signed with rock band House of Heroes. As husband and wife, the couple went on to form their band Copperlilly, which came to an end last year when Tim had to step away from music due to a new job. Stephanie's time on The Voice is part of her journey stepping back into the ring as a solo artist. She chose the song "Piece by Piece" because it tells the story of healing from a childhood without a father, a story that Stephanie relates to all too well.
"I'm a little nervous singing a Kelly Clarkson song for Kelly Clarkson," Stephanie told The Voice. Multi-platinum artist Kelly Clarkson was this season's newest coach and was moved by Stephanie's performance of her song, breaking into tears as soon as Stephanie started singing.
"I'm so thankful to Stephanie for singing that song. Still crying." Kelly wrote on Twitter. And in another post: "I'll never forget it. Life is about connection, even if the connection is relating to a story you wish would have been different but it's the story that makes you who you are today. You are a talented, courageous, & beautiful woman!"
Stephanie wrote about Kelly's reaction: "When the person who inspired you to try out for the stage you're standing on is crying... all you can do is check your heart to make sure it's still beating."
Stephanie also wrote a beautiful tribute post to her husband and shared some touching photos of her hugging him after choosing her coach. "Last night I had the rare opportunity to sing the vulnerable & intimate song #piecebypiece by Kelly Clarkson on NBC's The Voice. I don't want to miss an opportunity to honor one of the 'he's' in my life who has been part of restoring my heart. ...Tim Skipper, you are kind. You have stayed, even when it got pretty dark for a season. You take great care of me, not because you don't think I can care for myself but because you love me. Thank you for supporting my #Voice adventure and being right there for me to run to after I made #teamadam. I love you."
You can purchase Stephanie's version of "Piece by Piece" on iTunes here.
