Berritt Haynes, a 19-year-old singer, had a wish to watch The Voice in person.
Videos by Wide Open Country
"I was granted a Make-A-Wish... my wish was to come and watch The Voice," Hayes said during the Sept. 28 episode of the singing competition. Haynes is referring to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes of critically ill children.
However, Haynes saw an even bigger dream fulfilled: a spot on Team Blake Shelton.
'The Voice' Audition
After Haynes' mother sent in a tape of him singing, the talented young artist took the stage during the show's blind auditions to perform Brett Young's "Mercy" for The Voice coaches and earned a chair turn from Blake Shelton.
"I'm damn proud to be your coach," Shelton said.
Haynes was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy at the age of 8. According to the Mayo Clinic, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood.
"Not only do I get to meet them, I get to sing for them as well and that's a dream come true," Hayes said. "I'm truly grateful to be alive and well and be here."
Haynes won his Battle Round against fellow contestant Kaitlyn Velez with a soaring rendition of Coldplay's "Yellow," earning praise from his coach, Shelton, as well as Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande.
"Berritt had sucn an incredible performance," Shelton said. "There was just no way to not recognize that and hand him the victory."
Haynes reflected on his Battle Round victory on Facebook, giving praise to Velez and thanking Shelton for his support.
"I cannot believe this dream of mine is coming true!! @kaitlynvelez you are absolutely awesome and so talented," Haynes wrote in a post on Facebook. "I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you!! @blakeshelton Thank you for believing in me and being such an inspiration. I really appreciate it!! And to all of my friends and family. I don't know what I would do without y'all!!"
Hayes joins fellow contestants Hailey Green, Wendy Moten, Tommy Edwards, Lana Scott, Carson Peters, The Joy Reunion, LiBianca, Peedy Chavis and Manny Keith on the country star's team.
Shelton was recently playfully called out by his fellow coach Kelly Clarkson, who took issue with Shelton's frequent jabs at her about not knowing her country music history.
This season Blake has decided to like really lean in hard on me about how I know nothing about country music. I'm close to just being done fighting about it," Clarkson said in an Instagram video. "You don't own it. I'm allowed to love and appreciate [it]....I grew up three hours south of Blake Shelton. South. So I'm like more southern. I grew up with trucks...and tailgates and going to cookouts and country fests."
The Voice, which features coaches John Legend and Ariana Grande alongside Shelton and Clarkson, airs on Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC.
This article was originally published on Sept. 30. It was updated on Oct. 21, 2021.
