On October 7, 2025, a 20-year-old from Littlestown, Pennsylvania, stepped onto the stage of The Voice Season 28 and transformed her small-town roots into a national spotlight. Aubrey Nicole, a 2023 Delone Catholic High School graduate and current Belmont University junior, didn’t just sing—she poured her heart into a rendition of Cam’s “Burning House” that left country music legend Reba McEntire in tears. But it’s not just her soulful voice or her ability to hit every note with precision that has fans buzzing. It’s her resilience—a grit forged through personal and professional challenges—that has made her a standout on The Voice and an inspiration to dreamers everywhere. From facing her father’s cancer battle to overcoming the high-stakes pressure of a national stage, Aubrey’s ability to rise above adversity has captured hearts, proving that strength isn’t just in the voice—it’s in the spirit.

A Small-Town Songbird with Big Dreams

Littlestown, Pennsylvania, a quiet town in Adams County, isn’t the kind of place that typically produces national stars. With a population barely topping 4,500, it’s a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone. Aubrey Nicole Dittmar grew up splitting time between Littlestown and nearby Hanover, singing in church choirs, school musicals, and even while mopping floors at Ripleigh’s Creamery, a local ice cream shop. A viral Facebook video from Ripleigh’s, showing her belting Adele’s “When We Were Young” while working, has racked up over 245,000 views. “We’re so proud of you, girl,” the shop posted. “You are the sweetest songbird and truly deserve every ounce of success!”

Aubrey’s love for music started early. As a child, she idolized Reba McEntire, whose larger-than-life voice and heartfelt storytelling shaped her own style. “I grew up watching The Voice with my parents,” she told The York Dispatch. “They’d say, ‘You’re gonna be on that stage someday if you work hard enough.’” That prophecy stuck with her, but the path wasn’t easy. Aubrey faced self-doubt, financial struggles, and the emotional weight of her father’s cancer diagnosis. Yet, each obstacle only fueled her determination.

Now a junior at Belmont University in Nashville, studying commercial music, Aubrey is chasing her dream of becoming a singer-songwriter and a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Her sound—a soulful blend of country, gospel, and blues—draws from influences like Carrie Underwood and Chris Stapleton. But it’s her ability to channel life’s hardships into her performances that sets her apart. “I want my songs to mean something,” she told The Voice producers. “I want to tell stories that touch people.”

The Power of Resilience: Facing Her Father’s Cancer

The defining moment of Aubrey’s journey came during the Knockout Round, aired on October 27, 2025, when she chose Martina McBride’s “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” for her performance. The song, about supporting a loved one through illness, wasn’t just a strategic pick—it was deeply personal. Aubrey dedicated it to her father, who battled cancer as she left for college. “Moving away was hard,” she shared on the show. “I was scared for him, but he’s in remission now, and I wanted to honor that fight.”

The performance was a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Coached by Reba McEntire and The Eagles legend Joe Walsh, Aubrey delivered a rendition that left the audience—and McEntire—speechless. Her voice carried the weight of her father’s struggle, each note trembling with love and hope. McEntire, who lost her stepson Brandon Blackstock to cancer in August 2025, was visibly moved. “That song is special to me,” she told Aubrey. “You sang it with your whole heart, and it touched mine.” Entertainment Weekly noted the moment as one of the season’s most poignant, with McEntire’s tears drawing national attention.

Aubrey’s resilience shone through not just in the song choice but in how she carried herself. She faced off against teammate Leyton Robinson in the Knockout Round, a high-stakes sing-off where only one could advance. Despite the pressure, Aubrey stayed composed, channeling her nerves into a performance that earned her a spot in the Playoffs. “Being able to sing that on that stage for all those people was more than I could have asked for,” she told The York Dispatch. Her ability to transform personal pain into art resonated with viewers, who flooded social media with praise: “Aubrey’s story is why I watch The Voice. She’s real, raw, and unstoppable.”

The Blind Audition: A Dream Come True

Aubrey’s journey on The Voice began with her Blind Audition on October 7, 2025. Singing “Burning House,” she poured her soul into the ballad, her voice weaving a delicate balance of ache and strength. Reba McEntire, the only coach to turn, was visibly emotional. “You know sound penetrates walls, and boy, it went through this chair and hit my heart,” she said. “You’ve got that gift.” Aubrey, who had prayed aloud backstage—“God, please let me be your instrument”—was overcome. “I looked at Reba, and she was tearing up,” she told The Evening Sun. “Then I saw she was real, sitting there, shining under the lights, and I started crying too.”

The moment became even more unforgettable when Snoop Dogg ran onstage to hand her a tissue. “He’s so sweet,” Aubrey laughed. “Literally one of the most genuine people.” The clip went viral, with fans calling it a “classic Voice moment.” For Aubrey, just standing on that stage was a victory. “I kept telling my parents I just hoped I’d get an audition,” she said. “To be there, in front of Reba, my lifelong idol—it was unreal.”

Surviving the Battle Round: A Test of Grit

The Battle Round on October 14, 2025, tested Aubrey’s resilience in a new way. Paired with Cori Kennedy, a powerhouse country singer from Minnesota, she performed Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood’s “Somethin’ Bad.” The duet was explosive, with Aubrey’s sweet, yodel-like tone complementing Cori’s gritty growl. “Aubrey’s harmonies gave the song nuance and passion,” Soap Central noted. Niall Horan called the performance “flawless,” while Michael Bublé said choosing a winner was “impossible.”

Reba chose Cori as the winner, a decision that could have ended Aubrey’s journey. But in a dramatic twist, Reba used her only Save to keep Aubrey on Team Reba, just as Snoop Dogg hit his Steal button. “Aubrey performed her a** off,” Snoop said. “I wanted her on my team.” After a brief deliberation, Aubrey stayed with Reba, a choice that reflected her loyalty and trust in the coach who first believed in her. “I know your potential,” Reba told her, sealing the moment. Fans celebrated online: “Aubrey’s staying with Reba was the right call. She’s got that fire!”

The Battle Round showed Aubrey’s ability to adapt. “I’m used to ballads,” she admitted. “This was out of my comfort zone.” Yet, with coaching from Nick Jonas, she embraced the challenge, proving she could hold her own against a seasoned competitor. Her resilience—staying focused under pressure and trusting her instincts—carried her through.

A Community’s Pride

Aubrey’s success has ignited Littlestown and Hanover. “It’s an outpouring of love and support,” she told The Evening Sun. “I’m so blessed.” Her former employer, Ripleigh’s Creamery, led the charge, sharing the viral video of her singing while working. Her high school, Delone Catholic, and her Belmont University peers have rallied behind her. “My mom watches with her friends and FaceTimes me after every performance,” Aubrey said. “My parents are my biggest supporters.”

Her community sees her as proof that small-town dreamers can make it big. “She’s one of us,” a Littlestown resident posted on X. “Watching Aubrey on The Voice makes me believe anything’s possible.” Her former music teachers, vocal coaches, and even college professors have been credited in her journey. “There’s so many people who helped me get here,” she said.

A Voice Beyond the Stage

Aubrey’s resilience extends beyond music. At Belmont, she’s not just a singer but an actress, landing a role in the 2023 web series Rosemary Street. Her audition for Belmont’s music program was, fittingly, Reba’s “Fancy”—a full-circle moment when she joined Team Reba. She performs with Southbound, Belmont’s country music ensemble, honing her craft in Nashville’s competitive scene.

Her father’s cancer battle shaped her perspective. “It taught me to cherish every moment,” she said. “It’s why I sing with everything I have.” That authenticity resonates. Whether it’s the tenderness of “Burning House” or the defiance of “Somethin’ Bad,” Aubrey’s performances feel like conversations with the audience. “I want people to see someone from their hometown and feel inspired,” she told The Evening Sun. “There’s no limit to what you can do.”

The Road to the Playoffs

As The Voice heads into the Playoffs, Aubrey is one of 16 contestants vying for just six spots in the Live Shows. Each coach can advance one artist, with two wild card spots decided by viewer votes. Aubrey’s Knockout performance has positioned her as a frontrunner on Team Reba, with fans and critics alike praising her emotional depth. “Aubrey’s got that spark,” a Gold Derby recap noted. “She’s a contender.”

Her journey reflects a universal truth: resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about pushing through it. From her father’s illness to the nerve-wracking auditions, Aubrey has faced every challenge with grace and determination. “If you want to do something, just do it,” she said. “I’m just a normal person from Littlestown.”

An Inspiration for All

Aubrey Nicole’s story is more than a The Voice highlight reel. It’s a testament to what happens when you refuse to let adversity define you. She’s the girl who sang through her nerves, honored her father’s fight, and turned a small-town upbringing into a national platform. Her resilience has inspired fans to share their own stories on X: “Aubrey makes me want to keep going, even when life gets tough.”

As she prepares for the Playoffs, airing on NBC Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m., Aubrey carries Littlestown with her. “I hope I’ve made you all proud,” she posted after her Knockout win. She has—and then some. Whether she wins The Voice or not, Aubrey Nicole is already a champion. Her voice, her heart, and her unbreakable spirit remind us all: no dream is too big, no obstacle too great, when you rise above with resilience.