South Dakota’s ‘The Voice’ contestant advances to live rounds

A steal by one of the celebrity coaches is sending a South Dakota 17-year-old to the live rounds of “The Voice.”

Rowan Grace Hibbard, a junior at Rapid City Central High School, survived several rounds of auditions, including the “battle” rounds a few weeks ago on the NBC program.

Monday night, her performance of Billy Joel’s “Vienna” aired in the “knockout” rounds as a member of the team coached by Gwen Stefani.

“You just did a great job,” Stefani told her, praising the singer for following her coaching to show much emotion.

“You really did bring that,” she said.

Of three contestants, however, the coach could choose only one. Rowan Grace, as she’s known as an artist, didn’t make the cut.

“I feel like I’ve grown so much already,” she said in preparing to exit the stage. “Thank you, all. This is so amazing. I can’t believe I’m even here right now.”

However, the other coaches each were able to “steal” one member from an opposing team. And as Rowan Grace walked offstage, Blake Shelton hit his button to claim her for his team.

“There was no way I was going to let Rowan get out of here,” he said. “I love her voice. Rowan is an incredible addition to my team. I can’t wait to take her into the lives.”

The live shows start Nov. 14.

South Dakota contestant on ‘The Voice’ has ‘big dream’ in sight