How close was Damali to not making Season 17 of The Voice? So close, Blake Shelton didn’t think a chair had turned and started launching into a consolation pep talk. Kelly Clarkson, of course, quickly corrected him, noting that she had turned at the very last second. It was part of a strategy, she said….
His audition: Zach Bridges, 28, of Pearl, Mississippi, performed “Ol’Red” by Blake Shelton. Zach showed off a solid country tone from the start and got a pretty quick chair turn from the original singer of the song. By the midway point in the song, Gwen Stefani turned as well. Gwen said she turned because she’s…
His audition: Calvin Lockett, 25, of Nashville, Tenn., auditioned with “Just My Imaginaton” by the Temptations. His impressive range prompted a quick chair turn from Blake Shelton. Gwen Stefani and John Legend followed. Gwen complimented him on his “coolness.” John called it a “masterful” performance. Blake liked Calvin’s “unique” sound. Calvin decided to join Team…
His audition: Matt New, 29, of Midland, Texas, “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee. He immediately showed off a nice tone and impressive range. Kelly Clarkson turned in early in the performance. Gwen Stefanie soon followed suit. And Matt enticed a third chair turn in John Legend on the very last note. Gwen complimented…
His audition: Steve Knill, 37, of San Francisco, Calif., performed “Up To the Mountain” by Patty Griffin. His soulful version of the song earned an almost immediate chair turn from Kelly Clarkson. He proceeded to show off all sorts of vocal gymnastics. But Kelly was the only coach to turn, meaning Steve automatically became Team…
Her audition: Brooke Stephenson, 28, of Bolton, Connecticut, performed “Let Him Fly,” by The Dixie Chicks / Patty Griffin. She delivered a nice blend of soul and country and a displayed a really nice ache in her voice. And that combination prompted chair turns from Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton. Kelly complimented her…
His audition: Brennen Henson, 20, of Flint, Mich., performed “Riptide” by Vance Joy. A really strong opening from Brendan made an impression, but he was well into the song because Gwen Stefani turns. Brennen turned in an impressive audition, but it wasn’t until the very end that Blake Shelton turned as well. Gwen likes the…
Her audition: EllieMae, 21, Jerome, Idaho, performed “Merry Go Round” by Kacey Musgraves. EllieMae was well into the song when she enticed a chair turn from Blake Shelton. And that prompted quite a smile from the gal from Idaho. And a few tears. Blake said he loves her folksy sound. And since he was the…
The battle round begins next week on The Voice. And I can already envision lots of Team John Legend artists being stolen. John, the show’s defending champion coach, landed another four-chair turn during Tuesday’s show in the form of Khalea Lynee. If you’re counting – and I am – that makes five four-chair turn artists…
Marybeth Byrd told her local radio station that auditioning for The Voice Season 17 wasn’t something she planned out. She was in Nashville, working on music with a friend when he mentioned that The Voice was holding open calls locally and she should give it a shot. “I’m like, ‘I could never do that. That’s…
