Chloe Abbott made her debut on NBC’s “The Voice” Tuesday. (NBC-TV Photo)
With her mom and legendary track coach Bobby Kersee dancing during her entire performance, former University of Kentucky track star Chloe Abbott impressed huge Chance The Rapper and advanced on NBC-TV’s “The Voice” Tuesday night,
She sang the Bee Gee’s “How Deep Is Your Love” and also put her outgoing personality on full display dressed in a teal blazer, top, and shorts, with sparkling silver boots.
Chance the Rapper quickly turned his chair — no other judge did — and was ecstatic to have her on his team
During her opening video on ‘The Voice’, you can see Abbott practicing at UK’s track and field facility. She brought along her mom and her longtime coach to her audition.
Abbott’s rendition of the Bee Gee’s “How Deep Is Your Love” compelled Chance the Rapper to turn his chair for her, inviting her to be on his team for the season.
Chance the Rapper said Abbott was the “artist I was looking for” after picking her for his team.
“She is just a different type,” the judge said. “I think she would have stood out on anybody’s team but I am glad she is on my team.”
“I’m so glad he took a chance on me,” Abbott, who was shown practicing on the UK track in her opening introduction, said.
Abbott, 24, told the judges about her current professional track career and 2024 Olympic dream in the 400-meter dash. She also explained she grew up doing theater before first trying out for the track team in the eighth grade.
“Track stayed with me but so did the arts,” said the UK/Purdue All-American. “Track and music play parts in each other’s lives. You have to be disciplined to practice vocals.
Her coach enjoyed his stage time on national TV, too.
“When that chair turns for her, I knew it would be a happy/sad moment,” Kersee said. “I might lose her as an athlete down the road.”
Abbott said she was “grateful” to have both her mother and Kersee there.
“They have been amazing in supporting for me and seeing who I am as a whole human being,” Abbott said.
