Makenzie Phipps: Bluefield’s Country Star Competes on The Voice Season 28
The Voice Season 28 premieres on NBC this Monday, September 22, 2025, and one of the standout contestants is Makenzie Phipps, a 23-year-old country singer from Bluefield, Virginia. With a mix of sweet vocals and sassy storytelling, Makenzie brings Appalachian soul to the Blind Auditions. From small-town anthems to chasing dreams in Nashville, her journey has been fueled by grit, family, and faith.
Who Is Makenzie Phipps? A Quick Bio
Full Name: Makenzie LaRhea Phipps
Born: February 16, 2002 (age 23)
Hometown: Bluefield, Virginia
Current Residence: Nashville, Tennessee
Debut Single: “Maybe” (2021)
Marital Status: Married Shane in May 2025
Raised on the Virginia-West Virginia border, Makenzie grew up singing at church and local events, quickly becoming the “girl with the big voice” in her community. After high school, she moved to Nashville to pursue country music full-time.
Makenzie Phipps’s Music
Makenzie’s music blends the emotional depth of Carrie Underwood with the playful edge of Kelsea Ballerini.
“Maybe” (2021) earned Female Country Song of the Year at the Josie Music Awards.
“Pink Whitney” (2023) delivered a fun breakup twist.
“Pick Your Poison” (2024) channeled 90s sass.
She shares originals and covers on Instagram (@makenziephippsmusic) and her Facebook page (Makenzie Phipps), connecting with fans through vlogs and behind-the-scenes moments. “Music’s how I tell my story,” she said in a 2023 interview with Country Evolution.
Height
Makenzie Phipps stands at 5 feet 4 inches. She may be petite, but her powerhouse vocals fill the room. “Small but mighty,” she once captioned an Instagram post.
Family
Makenzie Phipps credits her family as her rock:
Parents: Jason and Angel Phipps, both healthcare professionals.
Siblings: A younger brother and sister who often join her in jam sessions.
Uncle: Ron Simons, a country songwriter who shares Nashville tips.
Husband: Shane, whom she married in May 2025, now cheering her on from the sidelines.
“They’re my first fans and biggest cheerleaders,” she told a local podcast.
From Bluefield Roots to Nashville Dreams
Makenzie began performing at 14, covering legends like Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. By high school, she was writing originals rooted in Appalachian life. After relocating to Nashville, she built her career through open mics and writers’ rounds at venues like the Bluebird Café.
Her songs showcase both her heritage and ambition:
“Maybe” (hopeful love ballad)
“Pink Whitney” (fun, flirty anthem)
“Pick Your Poison” (sassy empowerment track)
She also runs a weekly social campaign, Take Me Home Thursday, promoting adoptable shelter dogs.
Nationality & Ethnicity
Makenzie is American, born and raised in Virginia. Her ethnicity is Caucasian (White), and she proudly carries her Appalachian roots into her music.
Makenzie Phipps on The Voice Season 28
The Voice returns September 22, 2025, with coaches Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg. Host Carson Daly also introduces a new twist—the Carson Callback, a lifeline for overlooked singers.
Makenzie is entering the Blind Auditions with a heartfelt country original. She’s openly rooting for Team Reba, saying McEntire’s experience would be “a dream match.”
Her teaser on Instagram read: “From Bluefield to the big stage—here I go! #Voice28.” Fans online are already calling her “Virginia’s country sweetheart.”
Other contestants of The Voice season 28 include Kirbi, Kanard Thomas, Blake Ellis, and Lauren Anderson.
Net Worth in 2025
Though still early in her career, McKenzie’s estimated net worth is $20,000–$50,000, earned from:
Gigs & Streams: $10,000–$20,000 yearly
Social Media & Merch: $5,000–$15,000
Part-Time Work in Nashville: $5,000–$10,000
Follow her journey on Instagram (@makenziephippsmusic) and tune in for The Voice premiere on September 22, 2025, at 8/7c on NBC.
FAQs About McKenzie Phipps
1. How old is Makenzie Phipps?
23, born February 16, 2002.
2. Where is Makenzie Phipps from?
Bluefield, Virginia; now based in Nashville, Tennessee.
3. What is Makenzie Phipps’s job?
Country singer-songwriter and part-time worker in Nashville.
4. Who are Makenzie’s coaches on The Voice?
TBD at Blind Auditions; Season 28 coaches are Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg.
5. What is Makenzie Phipps’s net worth?
Estimated at $20,000–$100,000 in 2025.
6. Is Makenzie Phipps married?
Yes. Her husband is Shane; they married in May 2025.
7. When does The Voice Season 28 premiere?
September 22, 2025, on NBC at 8/7c.