Kelly Clarkson Tears Up After ‘The Voice’ Star Chevel Shepherd’s Finale Performance

“I just love her so much.”

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Last night’s finale performances on The Voice were filled with many emotional moments, as the remaining four competitors—Kennedy Holmes, Chris Kroeze, Chevel Shepherd, and Kirk Jay—sang their hearts out for the very last time before the winner is crowned.

But one of the most touching standouts of the evening came from our queen, Kelly Clarkson, who was moved to tears during her team member Chevel’s song. The 16-year-old belted out an original tune, “Broken Hearts,” which was originally meant for Kelly herself.

After the show-stopping performance, the “Heat” singer fought back tears as she praised the young country artist. “I just love her so much, and I love this song. I’ve loved this song for so long and I just, I knew it was going to find the perfect home,” Kelly said. She added, “I’m totally not going to cry,” though she did, indeed, begin to choke up.

“I think you’re such a magical being, especially for women in country music. Like, it’s so special what you represent. Not just for girls your age, but women. And it’s so beautiful,” Kelly finished.

NBC//Getty Images

During a live video on her Instagram—which she often does in the middle of the show!—the coach was again reduced to tears as she praised the contestant. “This little girl makes me cry, y’all, she’s so good. I’m sorry I cried. I tried so hard not to cry, and then they caught me,” she laughed.

“I do love what Chevel represents, not just on The Voice, but just in country music, there’s no female, like, support, I feel like a lot of times. And like, there’s not enough of them… There were so many females that i just loved to look up to, and I just want that for my little girl. She’s so cute—I’m gonna’ cry! Bye, vote Chevel!” she encouraged.

Will Chevel follow in Brynn Cartelli’s footsteps and take home the trophy for Team Kelly? Find out tonight during the Season 15 finale of The Voice at 9 p.m. EST on NBC.