Albuquerque singer Lillie Kolich is preparing for the next major challenge on The Voice after winning her Battle Round against Tucson singer Kayleigh Mathews. Now, Kolich is sharing two exciting details: the song she plans to perform during Cut Week and the surprising musical choice she believes helped her secure the victory.
The singers faced off with a rendition of Girl Crush, originally recorded by Little Big Town. Their performance impressed the coaches, leaving Queen Latifah with a difficult decision. Ultimately, she chose Kolich as the winner, while Mathews received a second chance after Kelly Clarkson and Riley Green both pressed their Steal buttons.
Lillie Kolich’s Cut Week Song Is a Surprising Choice
One of the biggest reveals from Kolich’s recent interview is that she plans to perform a song she considers one of her all-time favorites, even though it falls outside her usual musical style.
The Albuquerque singer described her upcoming selection as a “very, very interesting song,” explaining that she is reworking it to make it feel like her own.
“I’m singing a very very interesting song. It’s actually one of my favorite songs ever, but it’s very like out of my lane, and I’m reworking it to make it like a Lillie song,” Kolich revealed in an interview with KOB 4.
Although she has not publicly identified the song in the available interview report, her comments suggest that viewers can expect a different side of her artistry during Cut Week.
Rather than sticking with a familiar sound, Kolich appears ready to take a creative risk and challenge herself with material that may surprise both the coaches and the audience.
The Secret Behind Her Battle Round Victory
Kolich also revealed what she believes helped her stand out during her Battle against Mathews.
The key was not simply matching her opponent’s country style. Instead, she decided to remain true to her own musical identity.
Although Kolich lives in Nashville and writes country songs for other artists, she explained that country music is not necessarily her own preferred style.
She expected Mathews to approach “Girl Crush” with a more traditional country sound. Rather than trying to compete on the same musical ground, Kolich decided to interpret the song in a way that felt natural to her.
“I have to kind of keep this in my world and in my lane because if I try to meet her where she’s at, it’s just not going to work for me,” she explained.
That decision proved important. Kolich’s interpretation offered a contrast to Mathews’ more country-oriented delivery, allowing both singers to showcase different strengths.
Kolich admitted she was surprised when Queen Latifah announced her as the winner.
The One Note That Made All the Difference
Perhaps the most revealing detail concerned one particular note in Kolich’s performance.
According to Kolich, people involved in rehearsals had encouraged her not to attempt that musical choice. She nevertheless went with her instincts, and Queen Latifah singled out the note as a reason for choosing her.
Latifah explained that Kolich had a distinctive musical quality that set her apart.
“I picked Lillie because she has a flavor that is all on her own,” Latifah said. “She sang one note today that was so special and unique, I said I got to choose her.”
For Kolich, hearing that feedback was especially reassuring. The very choice that had prompted hesitation during rehearsal became something the coach valued.
It was a powerful reminder that artistic risks can sometimes make a performance memorable. Rather than trying to sound like someone else, Kolich trusted her instincts and delivered a moment that helped distinguish her from her competitor.
Queen Latifah Faces a Difficult Decision
The Battle Round was a close contest between two talented singers.
Mathews brought a confident country approach to “Girl Crush,” while Kolich offered a contrasting interpretation with pop-influenced phrasing and distinctive vocal choices.
The coaches praised both performances. Kelly Clarkson described the duet as her favorite version of the song she had heard, while Adam Levine noted how differently the singers approached the material.
Latifah ultimately chose Kolich, praising her individuality and the way the two contestants blended their voices while retaining their distinct styles.
However, Mathews’ journey did not end with the loss. Clarkson and Riley Green both used their Steal buttons, giving Mathews the opportunity to select a new coach. She ultimately chose Green’s team.
What Comes Next for Lillie Kolich?
Kolich now faces Cut Week, where the competition becomes even more demanding. Her upcoming song choice could be an opportunity to demonstrate versatility and show the coaches that she can succeed outside her established musical comfort zone.
Her strategy so far has been clear: embrace what makes her different rather than imitate another performer.
That approach helped her win the Battle Round, and she appears determined to carry the same individuality into her next performance.
The question is whether her unconventional song selection will make an equally strong impression when the stakes are higher.
