LI's Kaitlyn Velez eliminated on 'The Voice'

In a short segment showing only the beginning of their song and then a cut to coach Blake Shelton's decision, 21-year-old Long Islander Kaitlyn Velez lost to 19-year-old Alabamian Berritt Haynes in Tuesday's Battle Round of the NBC singing competition "The Voice."

"And that's a wrap on my [V]oice journey!" wrote Velez on Instagram, posting with photos of herself and Haynes and a short video of them rehearsing Coldplay's "Yellow," the song for their on-air duet. "Short but sooo sweet. unfortunately our entire performance wasn't shown but i swear it was so amazing! I'm so incredibly grateful for this experience," she said.

Velez complimented her fellow singers chosen this season by coaches Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande, John Legend and her and Haynes' coach, country-music star Shelton. The season-21 contestants — who include West Islip's Bella DeNapoli, 22, on actor-pop star Grande's team — are, she said, "some of the most special people I've ever met and I couldn't have picked better people to go through this life changing experience with."

The Berklee College of Music student, formerly of Ronkonkoma and now of Copiague, praised Haynes as "the best partner this little New Yorker could ever ask for," adding, "To say I'm proud of you is an understatement. Getting to know you and … work with you was one of the most special parts of this experience. You are so talented and it's only up from here! Friends for life."

Haynes on his own Instagram account called Velez "absolutely awesome and so talented. … I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you!!"

Velez, the daughter of mom Aris, an elementary-school teacher, and dad Carlos, who works for a Farmingdale vehicle-inspection services company, went on in her post to thank Shelton for being "my amazing coach," adding, "I'm so grateful for the time spent together and can't thank you enough for believing in me as well as giving such incredible advice!"

Saying she was grateful for the support she has received, the Connetquot High School graduate vowed, "To all the new friends who didn't know me before and to my friends/family and supporters GET READY because what I have in store is without a doubt, my best work yet. Let's just say that what I have next, won't be able to stay off your mind (24 days but who's counting??)."

Among those commenting on her Instagram message was DeNapoli — who has advanced to next week's Knockout Rounds — who wrote, "I love you so so so much."

Shelton tweeted after the episode that Velez and Haynes "both stepped it up for this performance and it paid off!"