In a dazzling display of youthful confidence and vocal promise, 16-year-old Olivia “Liv” Ciara took the stage on NBC’s The Voice Season 28, delivering a spirited rendition of Sabrina Carpenter’s chart-topping hit “Espresso” during the blind auditions. Hailing from St. Peters, Missouri, and a junior at St. Dominic High School, Ciara’s performance aired Tuesday night, leaving the celebrity coaches impressed—even if their chairs remained firmly planted.
At just 16, Ciara emerged as one of the youngest contestants of the evening, bringing a fresh energy to the high-stakes competition. Dressed in a vibrant outfit that matched the song’s playful vibe, she launched into the catchy pop track with poise far beyond her years. “Espresso,” a 2024 breakout single known for its witty lyrics and infectious melody, proved a bold choice for the teen, who infused it with her own charm and clarity. Though none of the coaches—Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, Michael Bublé, or newcomer Sabrina Carpenter herself—hit their buzzers to turn around, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting Ciara’s raw talent and star quality.
Reba McEntire, the country legend with a keen eye for emerging voices, was the first to speak up. “You have a gorgeous voice,” she told Ciara, offering words of encouragement that resonated deeply. “Come back with another song—you’ve got it!” McEntire’s praise underscored the potential she saw in the young singer, suggesting that with the right tune, Ciara could light up the stage even brighter.
Niall Horan, the former One Direction star turned coach, echoed the sentiment but pointed to the challenges of the song selection. “The song choice got in the way a little bit, but you are clearly a singer,” he said, advising her to “give yourself more room” to let her natural abilities shine in future tries. Horan, known for his straightforward coaching style, recognized Ciara’s technical skill and stage presence, even amid the audition’s disappointment of no turns.
The moment wasn’t without its lighter touches, adding to Ciara’s relatable appeal. Before stepping off the stage, she shared a heartwarming family anecdote with Michael Bublé: Her father’s band had once opened for him at a St. Louis birthday party two decades ago. In a nod to that connection, Ciara pulled out a handful of suckers from her pocket and handed them to the coaches. “My dad was so excited, he was like ‘Go give this sucker to Michael Bublé,’ and so actually, I thought it would be funny if like 20 years later if I gave you guys some suckers, ‘cause why not?” she quipped, drawing laughs and applause from the panel. The gesture not only humanized the audition but also showcased Ciara’s quick wit and Midwestern warmth.
Ciara’s journey to The Voice is rooted in her St. Peters community, where she’s already made waves as a performer. Videos on her YouTube channel capture her singing the National Anthem at St. Dominic High School football games and local galas, revealing a performer who’s been honing her craft in front of hometown crowds. As a Crusader—St. Dominic’s mascot—the school rallied behind her ahead of the episode. “We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Crusader, Liv Ciara (Olivia C. ’27), will be on NBC’s The Voice!” the school’s Instagram post read. “Her incredible talent and dedication have earned her this opportunity, and our entire school community could not be more proud. We’ll be cheering you on!”
Though the blind audition didn’t result in a team spot, Ciara’s debut has sparked buzz in St. Louis and beyond.
As The Voice continues its 28th season—airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 7 p.m. CT on NBC, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock—Ciara’s story serves as a reminder that talent alone can turn heads, even without the spin of a chair. With coaches urging her to return stronger, this junior’s audition might just be the opening note in a much longer melody. St. Peters, and all of Missouri, will be watching.
