Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Nelson Cade III during his blind audition on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

The Cali-based artist turned four chairs with his blind audition cover of “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan.

And coach John Legend was so impressed with his performance that he used his only block to help land Nelson for his team.

Here’s what Nelson told Voice Views about his path to The Voice and that blind audition.

Turn out auditioning for the show wasn’t Nelson’s idea.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for The Voice Season 18 and what prompted you to do it?

Nelson: My fiancé Stephanie actually signed me up without me knowing. We go to L.A. all the time. She enjoys taking pictures of the city and I’ll be content walking around with her, aimlessly playing my guitar and singing. I thought we were doing that yet another time. But instead, she dropped me off at the convention center, handed me some paperwork then said, “Here, get out and go play for these people.” It was pretty impromptu, to be honest.

Voice Views: Why did you choose “Pride and Joy” for your audition song? What’s your performance history with that song (for instance, is it one you’ve played often)?

Nelson: I chose “Pride and Joy” because it is such a familiar song for me. I play it and sing it at all my gigs and it reminds me of Steph and what music is supposed to be — expression.

Voice Views: Did you have a coaching preference heading into the blind audition? Why did you decide to go with John Legend as your coach?

Nelson: Going into the blind auditions, I was definitely leaning toward John. But as the actual performance came closer and closer, I became more open-minded. I realized the day of, “I’ve never been in the same room as these people. Who knows what connection I might feel?” I chose John Legend for several reasons. First off, he turned first. Second, he used his one and only block on me. Last, I felt that his teaching/coaching style is something that I could quickly absorb and apply.

Voice Views: What was it like performing and watching the coaches turn so quickly for you?

Nelson: The entire time I prepared for the blind audition, I was mentally prepared for anything, a turn, no turns, etc. When John turned (and fast) I was thinking in my head, “Well, guess I’m on the show now.” Then as the rest of them turned I realized yet again, “You really have put in the work. This is what you should be doing.”

Voice Views: And what are you hoping to gain from your time on The Voice?

Nelson: During my time on the show I hope I can absorb and learn as much as possible about singing, performing, writing, composing, behind the scenes stuff, etc. I also want to make a point to all the communities that raised me. The whole “it takes a village” idiom is very present in my life because I was raised by several villages. I want them to see what happens when you approach your obstacles with perseverance. I dealt with countless things to prevent me from being here or being in this line of work altogether. I want to inspire all the other kids, young adults, full-grown adults, even the elderly. It’s never too late to chase your dreams. I didn’t spend a lot of time waiting for this opportunity, I spent a lot of time preparing for ANY opportunity.

For more on Nelson and that impromptu jam session with Stevie Wonder that he mentioned on the show, head here.