Seconds after Andrew Igbokidi began singing Billie Eilish’s “when the party’s over” for his The Voice Blind Audition, coaches Gwen Stefani, Camila Cabello and Blake Shelton hit their buttons. And it didn’t take John Legend long to join the 4-chair turn party. An enthusiastic Camila watched the rest of his performance, on her feet swaying to the music.
The 22 year old is Nigerian and lives in Arkansas.
“I’ve never seen on the show somebody who has such a mixture of styles,” said Gwen. “I don’t know what kind of music you listen to growing up.” Andrew shared that he listens to classic singers like Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley and Celine Dion. Gwen is in a place in her life where she “just wants to help people” and would love to coach Andrew.
Camila reminds John that he was the last to turn his chair. “When I make a decision, I make it with conviction,” John insisted. The rest of the panel isn’t buying it. “You made so many interesting choices,” John said to the young singer, who states that he’s done musical theater, but in the past year he has been applying to med schools and got accepted by four. But then he realized that “music is too big a part of me” and that The Voice gives him a chance to pursue it.
After Andrew professed his love for West African music, John rattled off his relationships to artists in the genre. “I really believe you have the ability to stand out so much,” he said.
“I feel vulnerable right now,” said Camila, who is so enthusiastic, she’s screaming. “I really, really believe in you,” she gushed, adding that she loves the Billie Eilish song that he covered. “It’s a pop song, but you added these crazy runs to it.” she said. “I love your tone. You put so much emotion to it.” She believes she can help him polish his performances.
And then for what seems like the eleventy-billionth time, Camila reminded Andrew that she herself competed on a singing competition show. Did former coaches Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson remind artists this often that they were also on singing shows?
Blake attempted to worm his way into Andrew’s good graced through the two singers’ southern connections. Of course, Blake knows all about Arkansas coming from neighboring Oklahoma! “If it’s not country, I’m always sticking out like a sore thumb over here,” said Blake, adding, “You live in Arkansas, you’re country too.” Andrew, not seemingly down with that, replied, “A little bit!”
Andrew’s mom, off to the side, urged him to choose John, which seems like the logical choice. But to find out who the singer picks, tune into The Voice on NBC Monday September 26 at 8 pm to find out.
