Chari Lakey on The Voice Season 30: Age, Music and Audition
Chari Lakey is an Atlanta-based singer and surgical technologist who joined Team Queen Latifah on The Voice Season 30. Introduced on the show as a 31-year-old, she earned four chair turns with her performance of Oleta Adams’ “Get Here” during the September 28, 2026 episode.
Chari advanced through the Battle Rounds after Queen Latifah selected her over Marcus Ladden Jr. during their October 13 performance of “On My Own.” Marcus also remained in the competition after Kelly Clarkson used her Steal.
Before appearing on The Voice, Chari had already developed a musical background that included classical training, live performances and recorded music.
Chari Lakey Age, Hometown and High School
Chari was introduced as 31 during Season 30’s Blind Auditions. She is based in Atlanta, Georgia, although her background also includes Los Angeles.
According to Idol Chatter’s artist profile, she moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta to attend the Pebblebrook High School Performing Arts Program, where she studied classical music and opera. She has performed under both Char and Chari, while using Chari Lakey for recorded releases.
Her working life also extends beyond music. On The Voice, she discussed her job as a surgical technologist, a detail that caught Kelly Clarkson’s attention as the coaches learned more about the singer behind the audition.
What did Chari Lakey sing on The Voice?
Chari performed “Get Here,” the ballad associated with Oleta Adams. Kelly Clarkson, Riley Green, Queen Latifah and Adam Levine all turned their chairs, giving her a choice of all four coaches.
The song had a personal connection to her family. American Songwriter’s account of her introduction explains that her father introduced her to it. It was also among the last songs her mother heard her sing before she died. Chari shared that both parents, who helped shape her love of music, had passed away.
Adam Levine’s reaction became one of the audition’s talking points. He remained standing and explained that sitting down would feel disrespectful after what he had heard.
Which coach did Chari choose?
Chari chose Queen Latifah. During the coaches’ pitches, Latifah praised the care with which she had made the song her own, connecting her musical precision to her work in surgery.
Chari also gave a playful explanation backstage. She acknowledged that Levine had made a persuasive case, then joked that she could not resist Latifah’s silk-press hairstyle. The exchange added some humour to an audition with a deeply personal song choice.
Chari Lakey Battle Round
Chari competed against Marcus Ladden Jr. during the October 13, 2026 episode of The Voice Season 30. Both singers were members of Team Queen Latifah and performed “On My Own,” the duet made famous by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald.
The performance brought together two singers who shared a connection long before appearing on the NBC competition. Both attended Pebblebrook High School in Georgia, where they developed their musical abilities through the school’s performing arts program.
Their Battle was also particularly meaningful because Patti LaBelle served as Queen Latifah’s Battle advisor, helping prepare the contestants for their performances.
After hearing the duet, Queen Latifah selected Chari as the winner, allowing her to advance to Cut Week.
However, Marcus was not eliminated. Kelly Clarkson used her Steal to bring him onto Team Kelly, meaning both contestants continued in the competition under different coaches.
The result marked Chari’s first major advancement since earning four chair turns during her Blind Audition.
Chari’s music before The Voice
Chari’s own artist notes offer a glimpse of where her musical interests began. On her Apple Music profile, she recalls watching Brandy and Whitney Houston in Cinderella as a child, wrapping herself in a blanket and singing around the living room.
She also names albums by Aaliyah, H.E.R. and JoJo among her favourites. When asked to choose one of her own songs, she selected “Famous,” explaining that its emotional message reflected feelings she had experienced herself.
Her earlier catalogue includes Now or Never: The Live EP, a collaboration with Olivia Lewis. Apple Music lists its release date as May 14, 2021, with five tracks and a running time of about 20 minutes. That recording gives viewers a way to explore her work from several years before her television audition.
Where to Watch Chari on The Voice
The Voice Season 30 airs on NBC, with episodes available the following day on Peacock in the United States.
Chari earned four chair turns during her September 28 Blind Audition before joining Team Queen Latifah. She later advanced to Cut Week after winning her October 13 Battle against Marcus Ladden Jr.
Her Blind Audition is available through The Voice’s “Get Here” performance video.
For another singer whose Blind Audition attracted all four coaches, explore our profile of Season 27 contestant Conor James.
