Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Jonathan Mouton and John Legend after the former’s blind audition on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

And why not? His cover of “Leave the Door Open” prompted a chair turn from John Legend before he ever hit the chorus.

And when the song ended, the 30-year-old from Los Angeles wound up with John and Ariana Grande lobbying him to join their teams.

Jonathan opted to join Team Legend, becoming its first member.

Here’s what he had to say about his blind audition experience.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for The Voice?

Jonathan: In October of 2020, I was contacted by a casting producer who had ran across my music video cover of Post Malone’s “Circles” that I released weeks prior. With the COVID-19 pandemic being at its height at the time, I was asked to shoot three audition videos in which I chose to cover Stevie Wonder’s “If It’s Magic,” Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven,” and Beyoncé’s “Halo,” for consideration. In early April of 2021, I received a phone call and was told that I had been selected for a blind audition!

Voice Views: Why did you decide to perform “Leave the Door Open” for your audition song? I noticed you previously released a cover of that song.

Jonathan: I’ve spent the last ten years listening to both Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. When they joined forces as Silk Sonic and released “Leave The Door Open” earlier this year, I fell in love with the song. In addition to it being a No. 1 hit, I felt like it represents my artistry, which is a fusion of both old and new school soul.

See also …
More about Jonathan Mouton and the music he’s already released

Voice Views: How would you describe that blind audition experience?

Jonathan: For me, the blind audition will go down as one of the brightest moments of my life. I’m so incredibly thankful to have graced that stage in front of those four coaches and America. I’m still on a high from that amazing experience!

Voice Views: Why did you decide to join Team Legend?

Jonathan: Ariana Grande and John Legend are two of my favorite artists of all time and to have them both turn their chairs for me was an indescribable feeling. I have so much respect for John Legend as the first African American male EGOT winner, and as an African American male myself, growing up with his example makes my wildest dreams a possibility. In addition, I felt like he truly understood how greats like Luther Vandross and Peabo Bryson have influenced my sound. I feel honored to be on #TeamLegend.