Shye poses with Michael Buble after turning four chairs and joining his team on The Voice. (NBC Photo)
Shye and Gabrielle Zabosky turned four chairs during the fourth audition episode for Season 26 of The Voice Tuesday night.
Gwen Stefani landed Gabby for her team, giving her four four-chair turns, the most of any coach so far in Season 26.
Michael Buble landed Shye, who ended the evening with a highly-praised performance. That’s his third four-chair turn, tying him with Snoop Dogg.
Reba has only two four-chair turns, but landed a potential Season 26 favorite in 14-year-old Jaukeem Fortson, who was just 13 when he auditioned and turned three chairs covering an Adele song.
Here’s a recap, with Voice Views’ picks for the night’s top performances. Follow the links for profiles on the artists.
BEST OF THE NIGHT
Shye, 17, Glen Cove, N.Y., “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” by Five for Fighting: Shye’s unique tone enticed an immediate chair turn from Gwen Stefani. Then Shye nails a glory note and all three of other coaches turn. Shye continues to impress and delivers a great ending to the performance, bringing Gwen and Reba McEntire to their feet. Reba said her voice is so rich. Gwen said she’s more excited for Shye than any singer so far this season. Michael complimented Shye on her incredible range. Snoop Dogg said Shye is “made for singing.” Shye joined Team Michael.
RUNNERS-UP
Jaukeem Fortson, 14, Elderton, Ga., “Easy on Me” by Adele: Dang. That’s a big voice for a guy who was only 13 when he auditioned. And three chairs — Michael Buble, Reba McEntire and Snoop Dogg turn very quickly. Jaukeem is showing off some pretty impressive vocal gymnastics too. Reba said she blew his socks off. Gwen Stefani, who loves young singers, is clearly disappointed she didn’t turn. Michael said he couldn’t turn fast enough. Snoop complimented Jaukeem on his professionalism and his voice. Jaukeem decided to join Team Reba.
J. Paul, 37, Washington, D.C., “I Keep Forgettin'” by Michael McDonald: J. Paul uses his impressive range to make this cover his own. Gwen Stefani and Michael Buble turn almost simultaneously. If anyting, J’s performance got more impressive after that. That enticed a last-second chair turn from Reba. She complimented J. on having a powerful voice to go with his impressive range. Gwen liked how comfortable he was on stage. Michael called him the “real deal.” J. Paul opted to join Team Michael.
ALSO MADE THE SHOW
Sloane Simon, 19, Pittsburgh, Pa., “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield: Sloane immediately showed off an impressive tone. That tone got an early chair turn from Michael Buble. Gwen soon followed, prompting a big smile from Sloane. This is clearly someone who loves performing. And the song she auditioned with is one of the favorites of her dad, who’s struggling with cancer. Michael called her amazing and loved the way she played guitar. Gwen liked the way Sloane changed the song up a bit to make it her own. Sloane joined Team Gwen.
Michael Alexandersson, 26, Salado, Texas, “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” by Dean Martin and Nelson Riddle: Michael says he’s much younger than he sounds, and he isn’t kidding. His smooth delivery of a song that sounds like it’s up Michael Buble’s alley instead prompted quick chair turns from Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani. Really nice ending from Michael the singer. Michael the coach never did turn. Gwen liked his control and said he’s amazing. Snoop promised to help him with his stage presence. Michael picked Snoop, who’s reaction was: “Ain’t that a kick in the head.”
Jamison Puckett, 34, Los Angeles, Calif., “Faithfully” by Journey: Jamison slowed down the song for an impressive opening. Wow, he showed off nice range too. Then displayed his vocal power for the second half of the audition. That prompted chair turns from Michael Buble and Reba McEntire. Gwen loves his potential. Michael said he has a great voice. Reba called his audition amazing. Jamison joined Team Michael.
Gabrielle Zabosky, 25, Oxford, Pa., “Mr. Know It All” by Kelly Clarkson: Gabrielle shows off a nice tone. There’s the power I knew she was about to deliver. Suddenly, chairs started turning. All four chairs, which caused Gabrielle to veer slightly off course with her audition, but she’d already triumphed at that point. This is a young lady with a big personality. Oh, by the way, Reba McEntire blocked Snoop Dogg. Reba loved her power and dynamics. Gwen Stefani called Gabrielle a diamond in the rough who sounded beautiful when she got it right. Gabby decided to join Team Gwen.
Christina Eagle, 23, Catawba, N.C., “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” by Lainey Wilson: Christina showed off a really nice country voice. She showed off nice stage presence too. Where are the chair turns? Finally, Snoop Dogg turned. Oh, my. That was much better than a one-chair turn. Gwen complimented her attitude and energy. Snoop said there was so much excitement going on stage, he had to turn.
Kevin James Graham, 33, Boston, Mass., “Stay With Me” by Rod Stewart: Dang, Kevin sounded a bit like Rod Stewart. The coaches clearly aren’t certain how old the singer they’re hearing is. Kevin’s clearly was having lots of fun with the performance, and that finally prompted Reba McEntire to turn. Gwen complimented Kevin on his unique vocals. Reba thought she was getting a female singer but says she’s glad she landed Kevin, who will give her a rocker on her team.
Jaukeem Fortson with Reba McEntire after deciding to join her team on The Voice. (NBC Photo)
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