At Just 7, Shaney-Lee Captivates with an Endearing Performance of “Take Me Home, Country Roads”

Shaney-Lee Pool, a 7-year-old from Bristol, captured hearts with a charming rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” on The Voice Kids, amassing 63 million views. His performance of the John Denver hit, delivered with a sweet and pure voice, had the audience cheering.

Pixie Lott, the British pop sensation, was so impressed that she turned her chair for him, ensuring his spot on the UK version of the show. Shaney-Lee, a fervent country music fan, resides on a farm close to Bristol Airport, surrounded by various animals, including his Shetland pony Bobby Brown, which he famously rode to the studio, as seen in the video.

During his audition interview, Shaney-Lee expressed his passion for country and Western music, even recounting his experience seeing Kenny Rogers live. Music is a significant part of his life, enjoyed at home, his grandmother’s, and on YouTube. His parents, Shane and Tamara, are his biggest cheerleaders, with Shane expressing pride in Shaney-Lee’s singing talent and the attention it garners.

Shaney-Lee’s engaging stage presence was evident as he immediately got the audience on their feet. His post-performance interview further endeared him to the judges and viewers. His battle round performance, where he sang “ABC” by The Jackson 5 with Lilia Slattery and Jimmy Rey, added to his charm.

Shaney-Lee’s journey on The Voice Kids concluded in the battle rounds, where he was outperformed by finalist Lilia Slattery. Despite his young age, Shaney-Lee’s maturity and confidence are evident, traits his mother admires. His pre-audition checklist included smiling, dancing, proper microphone handling, and foot-tapping – a strategy that clearly resonated with his audience.

Shaney-Lee’s adaptation of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” to suit his vocal range showcased his talent, distinguishing his version from Denver’s original. The song, a significant hit from Denver’s album Poems, Prayers & Promises, continues to be a beloved classic, with its enduring popularity evidenced by its streaming success on Spotify.