The Voice contestant RaeLynn has shared her excitement at being mentored by her idol Miranda Lambert.
The teenager came face-to-face with Lambert on Monday night's (March 5) episode of The Voice when the country singer appeared as a guest mentor for husband Blake Shelton's team.
RaeLynn had previously spoken about her admiration for Lambert, even singing the star's 'Hell on Heels' track in her blind audition.
Speaking to reporters on a conference call, she said: "I have been talking about Miranda Lambert ever since I first auditioned for this show. She is such an inspiration to me, and for them to bring her out as an advisor, I almost had a heart attack!
"I told myself I wouldn't cry because I didn't want her to think I was being a crazy psycho-fan, but I almost did cry!"
RaeLynn said that she has been listening to Lambert's songs since was 11 years old and meeting her idol in person "was a dream come true" that she will never forget.
"I love her and I love Blake," she said. "I can't believe The Voice let me meet the person I've been listening to my whole life; that was pretty magical to me."
RaeLynn - who said she is flattered people on Twitter have called her "Little Miranda" - was paired against Adley Stump in this week's first battle round, where she triumphed in their performance of 'Free Fallin'' and moved to the next round.
She told reporters that she didn't think being mentored by Lambert had given her any edge on Stump, who was given guidance by Kelly Clarkson. "I think we both did amazing and I love Adley, she'll do great things," she said.
As for being picked by Shelton, she said: "To see somebody you have looked up to your whole life believe in you is amazing. Words can't describe how much I have learned from him because he's an amazing guy and an amazing talent."
At just 17 years old, RaeLynn is the youngest competitor on the show, but she said she doesn't feel at a disadvantage because of her age.
"Being in a competition with amazing singers who have been singing their whole lives is kind of nerve-wracking and scary, but I have to think about the fact the coaches see something special about me that puts me up there with them," she said.
"I have to be confident. I know God has a plan for me on the show and I'm excited to live out that plan and do what He wants me to do.
"Music is my passion and it's what I want to do for the rest of my life, so I can't wait to show America what I can do in the live rounds."
