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'The Voice' contestant Ruby Leigh plays sold-out shows, stays safe with fans

The 16-year-old Foley, Missouri, native has been turning heads and chairs on NBC's "The Voice."

FOLEY, Mo. — Fans of the singing competition continue to cheer for local artist Ruby Leigh. But some are taking it a little too far.

The 16-year-old Foley, Missouri, native has been turning heads and chairs on NBC's "The Voice."

"She's got a talent only God gives," said Carol Hensley, a family friend and fan of Ruby Leigh. "She's going to go far. I'm going to see her at the Grand Ole Opry one of these days."

When asked what it's like performing on "The Voice," Ruby Leigh said, "I don't get nervous on stage. I'm never nervous on stage. It's the walk to the stage that's the worst part."

Turning all four chairs around during her blind audition, the highest honor possible coaches Niall Horan, John Legend, Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire were impressed by Leigh's country twang and yodeling skills. Leigh ultimately chose to join McEntire's team and has advanced through the first round of elimination battle performances.

Being homeschooled starting at 6 years old in a small town like Foley with about 68 people, Ruby said the attention can be overwhelming.

"Definitely people that want to come to my house," Leigh said. "I don't really want people to know where I live. I don't support that decision. People (want) to come to my house. Things like that. People wanting my phone number that's a different story. It just depends on who you are. (Come) to my house … don't come to my house. Like please don't come to my house."

As a father who has lived in Foley for about 20 years, when it comes to his daughter's safety, Casey Pearson said, "There's always things that you're going to keep your eye on."

"As a family we protect her," Pearson added. "We're around her 24/7. We don't let her out of our eyesight. We're always there to back her up."

Still working in the tire and wheel service industry, Pearson said they spend a large amount of time traveling and managing a lot of Leigh's life as more and more people reach out to her about her music. 

"We oversee everything that she does on social media. So if there is anything that we disapprove of we're right there to handle it," he said. 

With about 200 performances a year, the fan mail will keep coming. 

The next time you can see this local singer will be on Thursday, Nov. 9 at JP's Hideout in Cottleville, Missouri. However, it's a sold-out show with about 100 attendees expected to attend. 

Leigh's next performance has still not been announced by NBC.

She will also be headlining "Strait to the Harper" the George Strait Musical Legacy event Thursday, Nov. 16 in Fort Worth, Texas,.

To book Leigh for a performance, visit her website by clicking here.

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