Kelly Clarkson chooses the Cunningham Sisters over Exeter's Parker McKay on 'The Voice'

In a tight battle round on NBC’s “The Voice,” Exeter native Parker McKay wasn’t chosen by her coach Kelly Clarkson to move on to the next round of the singing competition.

McKay sang Lesley Gore’s “It’s My Party” with the Cunningham Sisters, Macie, 15, and Marie, 14, of Hamilton, Ohio.   

In choosing the gospel-singing sisters over McKay at the conclusion of the battle that aired Tuesday night, Clarkson said she was excited to see the potential of such young and accomplished singers.

“The thing that steals me about the Cunningham Sisters is to have the confidence and precision at such a young age," Clarkson said. "Anything I throw at them, like a challenge, they like it.” 

Clarkson said “it was really hard to watch Parker go home."

"But, honest to God, my team is so stacked this season," Clarkson said. "Even the ones who are going home could’ve eventually made the finale.”

The other celebrity musician coaches were equally torn over the battle’s winner, but leaned more toward the Cunningham sisters.

John Legend said he thought McKay was the better overall vocalist, but was also excited about the sisters’ potential.

“There’s something so dynamic and interesting about the Cunningham sisters,” Legend said. “There’s so much that intrigues me about (the Cunningham Sisters) and I want to see where you go…, but I’m hesitant because I feel like Parker gave the best vocal performance.”

Arianna Grande said, “everyone sounded beautiful,” but leaned toward the Cunningham Sisters.

“Parker, you’re so talented, but what the Cunningham sisters are doing is so special,” Grande said.

Blake Shelton advised Clarkson to quit music over the up-and-coming talent she had assembled on her team with the likes of McKay and the Cunningham sisters.

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“This is tricky,” Shelton said. “How do you not instantly fall in love with these two and your talent is incredible… (Parker), I thought you sounded incredible, but you’re up against the Cunningham sisters.”

During the aired rehearsal segment, McKay said she thought the selection of “It’s My Party” was a “gift.” She said the song is about “feeling your emotions” and being able to cry when someone needs to.

McKay said the song resonates with her after the death of her mother Tracy at age 57 after a long battle with frontotemporal dementia. She said she wore her mother’s bracelet while performing, and her fiancée proposed to her with her mother’s engagement ring.

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“Those are things I sort of draw from when I’m on stage,” McKay said. “I so want to win this battle for my mom. It’s all because of everything she and my dad have given me through all these years, all the strength and support.”

Clarkson said McKay caught her attention during the rehearsal segments.

“Little Ms. Parker showed up,” Clarkson said. “She was so good in the blind (auditions), she was the last to fill my team up, but I was floored with what she did (in the battle rehearsals).”

During an interview last week with Seacoastonline, McKay said whatever the outcome of her time on “The Voice,” she is excited about the connections she’s made and where she is taking her music next.

“The most important thing about being on the show to me is making human connections,” McKay said. “The people on the show are my family now forever. They're absolutely incredible.” 

McKay said you haven’t seen the last of her. 

“I'm putting out music, I'll have music coming out and I'm always playing shows,” McKay said. 

Who is Parker McKay?

McKay, originally from Exeter, graduated in 2009 from Exeter High School. At EHS, McKay, then known as Taylor Lintelman, was a member of the honors choir.

As a sophomore, she was invited to perform the national anthem with a choir in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.

McKay attended college at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. After pursuing the New York country music scene for two years after graduation, she caught the attention of a booking agent. She has opened for acts like Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow and The Band Perry.

McKay moved to Nashville in 2014. Since then, she has been named to Country Music Television’s Artist Discovery Program.

Information: ParkerMckay.com

For more information on the upcoming season of “The Voice,” visit  NBC.com/The-Voice.