Kata Hay

Kata Hay (born 19 January 1987) is an American country music performer, best known for competing on the 2016 season of The Voice, and for serving jail time for sexually assaulting a minor.

Early life Hay was born in Skiatook, Oklahoma in 1987.

Singing career Hay began singing at the age of two after being inspired by a friend who she watched sing while competing in a beauty pageant, motivating her to enter a similar competition. After her father agreed to pay the $50 nomination fee, Hay performed the Hank Williams song, "Hey, Good Lookin'" and won the pageant which allowed her to compete in the finals held in Georgia. Hay went onto perform at other local events and talent shows.

Organizers of one of the talent shows sent videos of the competitors to Ed McMahon's Star Search, which led to Hay being invited to appear on the show. After her performance on Star Search received two perfect scores, defeating challenger Anna Nardona and winning the grand prize for the Under 12's category, becoming the youngest person to win. Country singer Blake Shelton was the only coach not to turn. Hay revealed that she had previously performed with Shelton as a young child. Hay progressed through the competition to the Top 20 after defeating Chelsea Gann in the battle rounds and Joe Maye in the knockout rounds.

Hay was ultimately eliminated on 11 April 2016 during Week 1 of the live playoffs, after performing the Aretha Franklin song "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman".

Present Hay is continuing to perform, record music and tour, and is expected to perform at several shows in Australia in September and October 2017.

Personal life Hay was previously married to musician Robbie Helton, whom she married at the age of 18.

In December 2025, Hay was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide.

Discography

Albums Title Details High in the Saddle Release date: 2003, Dec 30, 2005 (iTunes) Label: Independent Formats: CD, music download Cowboys, Guitars, and a Lil Bit of Swing Release date: Nov 1, 2004 Label: Independent Formats: CD, music download