NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, October 10, 2026: Atlanta teenager Sanjana Santhosh, who performs under the stage name Kavi Nyx, has made a promising start on Season 30 of NBC’s The Voice, earning three chair turns during her blind audition and securing a spot on Team Kelly Clarkson.
The 17-year-old singer, songwriter and music producer performed Billie Eilish’s Wildflower during the October 6 episode, impressing coaches Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine and Riley Green with her distinctive voice and musical expression.
Clarkson and Levine turned their chairs early in the performance, followed by Green. Queen Latifah, the fourth coach, had already filled her team.
What made Kavi’s audition particularly interesting was the subtle influence of Indian music in her interpretation of the contemporary pop song. Levine took note of her use of Indian-influenced musical scales, recognizing the distinctive quality they brought to her performance.
Clarkson also praised the young singer’s artistry, describing her performance as purposeful and beautiful. Green complimented the personality and expression in her voice.
With three coaches competing for her, Kavi ultimately chose Clarkson, an artist she had admired long before stepping onto The Voice stage.
For the Atlanta teenager, the national television appearance marks another milestone in a musical journey that already includes songwriting, music production and live performances.
Kavi released her debut single, Speak Up, on April 24, 2026, through Vsharp Records. The song explores the experience of holding back one’s thoughts to avoid conflict and eventually finding the courage to speak up.
Her musical interests extend beyond singing. She is also a producer and dancer and has been associated with VSharp Gurukulam, a performing arts school in Dallas, as well as VSharp the Band.
Although her music is rooted primarily in contemporary pop, Kavi has spoken about drawing inspiration from her Indian heritage. That blend of influences was evident in her blind audition, where she brought her own interpretation to a song by one of today’s best-known American pop artists.
Her appearance also adds to the growing visibility of young Indian-American performers on mainstream American television, particularly artists who are comfortable drawing from more than one musical tradition.
With the blind auditions complete, Kavi now moves into the next stage of the competition as a member of Team Kelly. The Battle Rounds are scheduled to continue on October 12, when contestants compete for a chance to advance.
For now, the Atlanta teenager has accomplished what every aspiring contestant hopes to do in a blind audition: make the coaches turn around and listen.
