Idol Chatter & Voice Views

His audition: Shawn Sounds, 33, of Houston, Texas, performed “All My Life” by K-C & Jo Jo. Showing off a combination of vocal power and versatility, he earned chair turns from John Legend, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. A big ending prompted Kelly to turn as well, making Shawn one of just seven Season 16 singers to earn a four-chair turn. John was particularly impressed by that ending. “It’s like you did the triple-axle in figure skating and nailed it,” he said. Shawn opted to join Team Legend.

More about Shawn:

* His real name is Lionel Taylor and he’s a middle-school business education teacher.

* Shawn, he told Voice Views, is his middle name. “Sounds” came from a fan who said I don’t sound like anyone else and that I have a “sound” all my own,” he added, explaining how he came upon his stage name.

* His Voice bio tells us he got an early start in singing and enrolled in college-level classes for vocal performance, theater and dance by the time he was in fourth grade. Hs family moved to Florida when he was in high school and he joined a community choir that traveled the state singing with artists such as Barry Manilow.

* Though teaching, he’s remained active in music. He’s part of an R&B trio called Six Minutes ‘Til Sunrise that released a 13-song album called “Time of Our Lives” in October 2017. The other members of Six Minutes ‘Til Sunrise are Tanika Keys and Ron Johnson.

* He also front an event band called “The IndiePocket Band.” As a solo artist, Shawn says he plays “all types of music from R&B, pop, soul, neo-soul, and jazz standards.

* Shawn says he hasn’t released solo original material yet, but has plans for an EP and album. “My sound is smooth and signature in that it embodies elements of classic R&B, soul and contemporary jazz,” he said.

* Shawn said he auditioned with “All My Life” because it’s “a cross-over hit that many people know, like and love. I dedicated that song to my niece who I love with ‘All My Life.’ The writer of this song was inspired by his daughter, and similarly, I am inspired by my niece to pursue my dreams and goals.”

* He admitted the blind audition process was nerve-wracking because he was well into the performance before anyone turned.
” I knew I needed to finish strong. Towards the end of the song, I closed my eyes and just sang from the heart. I didn’t really realize that the coaches turned for me until I opened my eyes once I finished the song. Seeing all four of their faces was overwhelming (in a good way) and a huge relief. My blind audition will always be a memorable performance for me.”

* And why did Shawn go with John Legend as his coach? “In short, he’s new and hungry. As the new kid on the block, he has a point to prove. He wants to win. I chose John because my goal is to win and it only makes sense to choose someone that has the same fervor and goal in mind. Furthermore, his resume is impressive in that he’s an EGOT award winning entertainer, and I would love for him to coach me on the show as well as guide me throughout the industry as I follow in his footsteps.”

Instagram
Twitter: @iamshawnsounds
Facebook
YouTube