After one of the most emotional Knockouts of The Voice Season 28, 20-year-old country singer Kayleigh Clark from Sumrall, Mississippi, is breaking her silence and clearing up the rumors swirling online about her and coach Niall Horan.
Kayleigh, who performed LeAnn Rimes’ classic “Blue” during the tense Knockouts, went head-to-head against trio DEK of Hearts, who sang “What If I Never Get Over You.” The decision was so close that even Niall admitted, “This is a complete 50-50 — I have no idea what I’m gonna do.” In the end, he chose DEK of Hearts to advance, sending Kayleigh home — a move that immediately set social media ablaze.
Fans were quick to voice their outrage, calling the outcome “unfair” and “heartbreaking.” Many pointed out that solo singers are at a disadvantage against groups, while others accused the show of being “rigged.” But in true Kayleigh fashion, the young country artist has handled the moment with grace and now she’s addressing everything, including the so-called “text message rumors” involving her coach.
Taking to Instagram, Kayleigh shared a heartfelt statement titled “Hey y’all!!” where she directly tackled the speculation head-on.
“I just felt I needed to address some things I am seeing online that are not true!!” she began. “My message to Niall Monday night and today is one of gratitude for his belief in me and his invaluable instruction throughout this process. His message to me as I left the stage was heartfelt and sincere in his continued belief that I had everything in me to reach my goals as I moved forward.”
Kayleigh went on to shut down the idea that there was any hidden drama or coded exchanges between her and Niall:
“There are no cryptic words!! I don’t even know how to be cryptic! I’m always Kayleigh and most of the time what I think comes right out of my mouth so you always know how I feel!”
She also thanked fans for their support, saying, “Your words of encouragement increase my drive even more to push toward what I have wanted since I was 3 years old — to sing country music!”
Finally, Kayleigh issued a strong warning about online misinformation:
“This story is a misrepresentation of my words and AI manipulated! Please don’t believe everything you read!!! ❤️❤️”
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The post drew hundreds of supportive comments from fans and industry peers. One fan wrote, “The AI articles are out of hand. Anyway, can’t wait to see where you go from here. You’re amazing!” Another added, “Anyone reasonable can sense you are so genuine and kind! Head high because it’s only up from here.”
Others praised her humility and strength, calling her “an angel” and “a true country artist with heart.”
Despite her elimination, Kayleigh assured fans her journey is far from over. “Just because my time on the show is over doesn’t mean my journey is over. Don’t you worry… we’re just getting started,” she wrote in an earlier post.
And if her optimism, authenticity, and powerful voice are any indication — she’s absolutely right.
Kayleigh Clark may have left The Voice, but her story, her faith, and her country roots are still taking center stage.
