Kelly Clarkson sat with “The Voice: Battle of Champions” winner Alexia Jayy to congratulate her and discuss life after her historic win.
The Alabama native shared that the family celebrations have been non-stop since she won and that everyone in her hometown is really proud of her. She is the first Black woman to win NBC’s “The Voice” in the show’s entire 15-year history.
Jayy released a sultry, soulful record called “Rent Free” and the accompanying video came out April 15, 2026. After a powerful performance of the song on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Clarkson jokingly begged Jayy not to ever cover her songs.
The moment is truly a testament to Alexia Jayy’s remarkable talent for making any song her own and an exciting glimpse of a promising career in music.
Kelly Clarkson Begs Alexia Jayy, ‘Please Don’t Cover My Songs’
During her interview with Kelly Clarkson, Alexia Jayy discussed the inspiration behind “Rent Free,” her first single released after her competition win.
Jayy explained the song’s meaning, saying,
“We started just recording and recording. And one day we’re in the studio and Rent Free comes. It’s about somebody being super obsessed with you when you get to a good place, and when you were down, they didn’t want to have anything to do with you. And I know everybody can relate to that. So I was like, I think this is the one. Since it’s been out, I’ve been getting a lot of good feedback from it.”
Clarkson responded by praising Jayy’s vocal talent: “That’s because you’re singing it. You could sing anything. Please don’t cover my songs.”
She then clarified that she was joking, adding that she would actually love for Jayy to sing her songs because she would perform them well.
The Hometown Celebrations are Non-Stop for Alexia Jayy & Family
Growing up in Irvington, Alabama, Alexia’s life was steeped in music, both through her church community and her family.
Since her momentous win on “The Voice,” the 31-year-old shared that she’s excited to go home and continue celebrating with her loved ones.
“My folks have been throwing block parties since I won. They’ve been calling me, sending me videos. They’re really proud of me. So I’m super excited to go home… to have fun with them and have fun with my kids.”
Her Son Celebrates a Win Years in the Making
Alexia Jayy discussed the impact of her win on her children during her appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” She is a mother to a nine-year-old son, Matthew, and a daughter, Harmony, whom she shares with her boyfriend, David.
She shared a particularly touching anecdote about Matthew’s reaction to her success, saying,
“Matthew has been through everything with me. So for him I know the experience has been so amazing. Because he’s watched me when I was taking care of my mom when she was sick when he was little and I’m still trying to sing at the same time. And when I got to ‘The Voice’ he’s like ‘We done done it now.’”
Jayy revealed in an interview with NBC Insider that she’s “going to keep putting out more music.” “I am going to get on those big stages, as many as I possibly can, because I love what I do,” she added. “I’m going to just keep doing what I’ve been doing.”
