During the 2018 season of The Voice Kids UK, 7-year-old Shaney-Lee Pool delivered one of the most heartwarming and viral blind auditions in the show’s history. Hailing from a farm near Bristol, England, the young “country kid”—who famously arrived at the studio alongside his family and his beloved Shetland pony, Bobby Brown—stole the spotlight with an adorable rendition of John Denver’s classic hit, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
A Country Kid at Heart
Before taking the stage, Shaney-Lee won over viewers with his charming personality and genuine love for country life. Raised around farm animals, his authentic affection for country music stood out immediately in a competition often filled with pop and contemporary powerhouse vocals.
Wearing a classic country outfit complete with a flat cap, Shaney-Lee stepped onto the stage with total confidence, instantly eliciting collective “awws” from the audience before even singing a note.
The Audition Performance
From his very first line, Shaney-Lee charmed both the crowd and the superstar coaching panel—will.i.am, Pixie Lott, and Danny Jones.
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Vocal Style: Shaney-Lee delivered a sweet, pure, and melodic rendition of the 1971 John Denver anthem, bringing a fresh, innocent twist to a beloved classic.
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Stage Presence: Despite his young age, he displayed incredible composure, singing with a natural rhythmic bounce and clear diction that had the audience clapping along from start to finish.
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The Chair Turn: Captivated by his distinctive tone and effortless charisma, coach Pixie Lott hit her button and turned her big red chair, securing Shaney-Lee a spot on her team and sending him through to the next round.
A Viral Phenomenon
Shaney-Lee’s audition quickly transcended the TV broadcast. The clip became an international viral sensation across social media, amassing tens of millions of views on YouTube and solidifying his status as one of the standout fan favorites of The Voice Kids UK Series 2.
His performance serves as a reminder that genuine passion, charm, and a love for classic music can captivate audiences of all ages across the globe.
