Country Evolution recently caught up with country artist Makenzie Phipps for an in depth interview covering a whirlwind chapter of her life. Having spoken with her before, this conversation felt like a true check in as she reflected on major life milestones, her experience on Season 28 of The Voice, the meaning behind her Christmas music, and her excitement for what lies ahead in 2026.
A Year of Big Life Changes
As Phipps shared during the interview, 2025 will be hard to top. The two biggest things happened back-to-back: marriage and an adventure on The Voice. She shared, “We went on our honeymoon. I was home for like a week, and then I left for The Voice.”
Despite the timing, Phipps said she was able to fully enjoy the moment. “I really wasn’t nervous, per se, like going out there,” she explained. “I basked in all of the glory of my honeymoon. Just spent time with my husband because we both knew that I was going to be gone a bit.”
Her run on the show ultimately kept her away for two months, something she said was tough but worthwhile. “Even people that made it to knockouts and playoffs, they were out there for over three months,” she noted.
The Voice Experience and Team Snoop
One of the most intense moments of Phipps’ career came during her Blind Audition, when she landed the final available spot on Team Snoop Dogg. She described the pressure of knowing teams were filling up fast. “I was getting so stressed about that,” she said. “I just remember the day of, I was like, no spots left.”
When Snoop turned his chair on her final word, it became a moment she will never forget. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. I can’t believe he did that,’” she said. “It’s a moment I will never, never forget.”
Reflecting on the experience, Phipps acknowledged the role of timing and chance. “Sometimes it’s just the luck of the draw,” she said. “In this case, last was great, because I wouldn’t be where I am if I wasn’t last.” She also explained that once the spots are filled, the people waiting to audition no longer have a chance, so if she had been farther down the list, she may not have been able to audition at all.
Watch the Audition
Friendships That Last Beyond the Show
Beyond the performances, Phipps emphasized how meaningful the relationships were off camera. She spoke fondly of fellow contestants including Ralph Edwards, Austin Gilbert, Aaron, Kirbi, and Aubrey, describing them as a tight knit family.
“We were all going through this big milestone together,” she said. “It’s just nice to have people that can relate to you with so many different things.”
Downtime was filled with jam nights, games, ping pong tournaments, and group dinners. “We would all get together for like jam nights,” she shared. “That is truly the part that made all of our evenings.”
Coming home was surprisingly emotional. “There were definitely some tears that were shed when I got back home,” she admitted. “Not even because I got eliminated, per se. It was just, I’m not going to be with my friends.” She also explained that the shift in routine brought uncertainty.
Working With Snoop Dogg
Phipps also opened up about what surprised her most about working with Snoop Dogg. “He is just so involved with his team,” she said. Even after her elimination, his support continued. “They send me packages out of nowhere. He sent me ice cream one time. He has sent me wine.”
She added that Snoop’s genuine care stood out. “He genuinely remembers all of us,” she said. “He’ll be like, ‘Hey, Makenzie, how are you doing?’ I thought that was really cool.”
As for lessons learned, she said his message was consistent. “He’s very big on just making sure all of us are staying true to who we are, being sure that we’re all kind to one another and supporting one another through thick and thin.”
Gratitude for the Opportunity
Looking back, Phipps expressed deep gratitude for her time on the show. “The percentage of people that audition and make it to where we made it was like point zero six percent,” she said. “I’m just so forever grateful for the experience.”
She compared the feeling to nostalgia for simpler times. “It was just so much fun,” she said. “That’s what makes it so bittersweet.”
The Story Behind “Christmas Snow”
During the interview, Phipps also reflected on her Christmas song “Christmas Snow,” which she released a few years ago. “It was the first and only Christmas song I’ve ever written,” she said.
The song came together quickly after brainstorming with her team. Working with her husband Shane, she finished the song just in time to record it in Knoxville, Tennessee. “I really liked how it turned out,” she shared. “It kind of gives off country Hallmark vibes.”
She described the song as intimate and cozy. “It’s definitely a song I feel you could play sitting in a cabin and it’s snowing and you’ve got the fireplace on,” she said.
While she has not yet pitched it to a Christmas movie, she admitted, “I need to. I didn’t even think about that.”
“Christmas Snow” Performance
Holiday Traditions and Oreo Balls
When it comes to Christmas traditions, family time tops the list. Phipps and her family have started meeting in Pigeon Forge as a central gathering spot. “We make little appetizer food and watch movies and play games,” she said.
She also revealed her signature holiday treat. “Every year I have to make my notorious dessert for Christmas, which is Oreo balls,” she said, explaining the simple three ingredient recipe of Oreos, cream cheese, and white chocolate.
As for decorations, Phipps admitted her tree goes up early. “My tree is already up,” she said. “We put it up mid November.”
Makenzie Phipps’s Story
Hailing from Bluefield, Virginia, Makenzie Phipps has built a loyal following with her authentic country sound. Her performances have ranged from national anthems at sporting events to fairs, festivals, and television appearances. Her renditions of “Amazing Grace” and “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You” have earned nearly four million views.
Phipps maintains a strong connection with fans through social media, where her following is approaching one hundred thousand. She has won multiple industry awards and plans to release new music in January.
Recently, her hometown honored her with the Key to the Town, the Outstanding Citizen Award, and a proclamation declaring December 6, 2025 as Makenzie Phipps Day, recognizing both her national success and her continued community involvement.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Phipps is already focused on what comes next. “I am very excited for what 2026 holds,” she said. “I have been working on some new material. I’m going to be starting 2026 off with a bang.”
Fans can keep up with her music, tour dates, and merch through her website and social media platforms. “I’ve been working on my 2026 calendar for shows,” she added.
