K-M grad Cori Kennedy joins Team Reba on NBC’s ‘The Voice’

Southern Minnesota’s own Cori Kennedy is stepping into the national spotlight after earning a spot on Team Reba McEntire during the blind auditions in Season 28 of NBC’s “The Voice.”
Kennedy performed “Why Not Me” by The Judds, impressing the coaches and securing her place on McEntire’s team. Her journey to the stage began in Mantorville, where she was active in 4-H and showed sheep and pigs at the county fair.
A former three-sport athlete, Kennedy helped lead Minnesota State to its first NCAA softball championship. After college, an Achilles injury ended her athletic pursuits but opened the door to songwriting.
In early 2025, Kennedy went viral on TikTok with a Johnny Cash-inspired original song that drew more than 15 million views. The viral success helped launch her music career and led to her audition on “The Voice.”
Kennedy works in commercial furniture sales by day and performs locally by night. She’s often called the go-to funeral singer in her family and is recently engaged. Recently, she relocated to Nashville to more seriously pursue music and expand her opportunities in the industry.
“The Voice” airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 7 p.m.