The Voice 24 Recap: Blind Auditions 4 Live Blog with Videos
The Voice season 24 Blind Auditions continue with new coach Reba McEntire alongside returning vets John Legend and Gwen Stefani and sophomore coach and current champ Niall Horan. Carson Daly returns as host. We’ll be live blogging all the Blind Audition performances right here.
The Voice 24 Spoilers Top 56 Blind Auditions Contestant List
The Voice 24 Preview: Twenty Artists to Watch
Laura Williams – 20 – Fingers Crossed by Lauren Spencer Smith
NBC previewed this audition earlier today. Laura was bullied a lot as a kid, consequently her parents pulled her out of school. Having experienced betrayal by friends she believed were trustworthy, her song pick resonates. After a few beautiful low notes, Gwen and Niall hit their buttons, followed by Reba and John. 4-chairs! Laura’s vocal style is not only similar to Spencer-Smith. But if you’ve ever watched the latter’s Tik Toks, you’ll recognize the performance style which involves full body histrionics.
Gwen is impressed with Laura’s composure and control. The singer admits that The Voice is her first gig. Niall loves her vibe and mentions how the song is very difficult to sing. Reba straight up calls Laura a prodigy. She’s impressed with her confidence, and would only “enhance” her “God-given gift” as a coach. John promises not to over coach her. Laura is a One Direction fan, among others, which is probably why Laura picks Niall. She giggles as she chooses him – 4-chair turn – Laura picks Team Niall
Ms Monet – 50 – Higher Love by Stevie Winwood
She’s been a background vocalist for over 30 years. Her day job is working as a deejay at a jazz radio station. She toured with Huey Lewis for 3 years, and from their she toured with an array of greats. She sings with a sturdy alto. She’s reminiscent of Wendy Moten from a few seasons ago, another older singer looking to capture the spotlight, finally. It takes a minute but Gwen and then Reba finally turn. Hm. I wonder if she’s disappointed that John didn’t hit his button.
Niall confesses he didn’t turn because he didn’t believe he could help her. Reba loves her range and energy and compliments her polish. Gwen thinks she can help shape her stage persona. Oh. Ms. Monet sang backgrounds on Gwen’s 2017 Christmas album! John says, “You deserve the spotlight.” Niall points at Reba as Ms. Monet decides. She picks “Miss Reba.” – Reba and Gwen turn, Ms. Monet picks Team Reba
Jason Arcilla – 34 – Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
Hidden in darkness as his performance begins, and no video package to start, Jason could be mistaken for a smokey female alto singer. But surprise! Gwen turns and blocks Reba, who hits her button at the last minute. Jason is all for Gwen. He picked the Fleetwood Mac classic, because it reminds him of his childhood in Hawaii. He put music aside for 10 years after having a daughter in high school. He’s now a single father.
Reba loved his song choice. “You touched my heart,” she says. John appreciated the roundness of his tone. “Very welcoming.” Gwen and Reba both thought he was a woman. “You’re on my team no matter what!” Gwen gushes. Niall heard a “few pitchy moments” which is why he didn’t turn. – Reba and Gwen turn, Gwen BLOCKS Reba – Eh, Jason, with his reggae background, would have probably chosen Gwen in any case.
Giuliana Amaral – 21 – Rainbow in the Dark by Dio
Giuliana is your standard 80s style rock chick, with the devil hand et al. Her grandfather was a bass player. In high school she started her own rock band. I SMELL A NO TURN. She accompanies herself on electric guitar. She’s a decent singer, but has a dated, cliched sound. And indeed, the coaches stay put.
Niall felt her vocal had only one level of dynamics. Gwen agrees, and also noticed some “tuning things.” – NO TURNS
Kaylee Shimizu – 17 – Golden Slumbers by the Beatles
Kaylee is the second artist tonight from Hawaii. She started singing at the age at 7. Currently, she’s busking for tourist money. Kaylee’s sister and mom sing, dad not so much. Her late great grandfather loved her song pick. He passed away after battling leukemia. 4 chairs turn VERY fast after Kaylee displays her beautiful tone and incredible range. Some of her phrasing choices are odd, but she’s not afraid to put her own stamp on a cover.
John calls her voice “dazzling.” Kaylee brings her family out on stage. “You know you can win The Voice,” John states. Gwen compliments her slow vibrato. “I’ve never heard anything like that before.” Actually, the wide vibrato was a little weird at times. Niall calls her technically gifted. Reba once again talks about being a stunted young singer by comparison. Kaylee chooses John. – 4-chair turn, Kaylee chooses Team Legend
BIAS – 23 – God’s Country by Blake Shelton
He’s a good ole boy from Chattanooga. His father introduced him and his twin to music. Currently, he’s a worship leader. He’s very twangy with a country sound. But he’s got a bit of a raw edge. He’s having tuning issues though, which is probably why it takes Reba and Gwen longer to hit their buttons.
And yep, Niall notes his pitch issues. It’s why he didn’t turn. Gwen was happy she turned to watch the end of his performance. She appreciates his spark and energy. “My names Gwen Shelton! Just a phone call away!” Reba hit her button because of the crowd reaction to him. “I’ve been listening to you for a long time,” he tells her. John liked his soulful take on the song. Oh BIAS must be a HUGE Blake fan. He picks Gwen – Gwen and Reba turn, BIAS picks Team Gwen
David Simmons Jr. – 40 – Tainted Love by Soft Cell
He’s from the midwest but lives in Los Angeles doing session work. He’s gay, and struggled growing up in a religious household. But when he came out to his Dad, he was very accepting. David sings a funky run-filled cover of Tainted Love. Maybe too many runs, which is perhaps why nobody turns.
David co-arranged the song, he says. Gwen calls the arrangement creative. John thought the performance sounded nervous and shaky. David did sound nervous. It turns out John knows a person that David works with. – No Turns
Wait…Reba is 68 years old? I assumed she was born in the 60s.
Rachele Nguyen – 17 – Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis
Rachele’s parents were born in Vietnam. Her grandmother inspired her to pursue music. She seems nervous. Very nervous and pitchy. And she sounds young. A couple of more years and she’ll be a better singer. When she hits a big note Reba hits her button. She’s lucky to get a turn. Rachele might have been better off waiting a year or two.
Gwen gives her some advice on singing runs. “You’re off to a really good start.” Niall thinks she’ll be great when she matures into her voice. Reba turned because she wants to help Rachele blossom. John sees her potential. – Only Reba turned
LVNDR – Hotline Bling by Drake
LVNDR sings everybody’s favorite song to flip, Hotline Bling. She starts the song off ballady and slow, showing off her pure tone. She’s very jazzy as she accompanies herself on electric guitar. Niall hits his button first, followed by John.
“That was perfection,” John says. She pronounces her name “Lavender.” She gifts scented necklaces to each of the coaches. John loved the magical “vibe and feel.” He calls her performance “musical daring.” She’s only been singing and playing a couple of years. She taught herself to play watching Youtube videos. Niall calls her “something special.” You’ve got “character” in abundance, he says. “Stunning.” Reba regrets not turning around. LVNDER chooses Niall. – Niall and John turn, LVNDR picks Team Niall
Walking Eagle – 27 – Everybody Wants to Rule the World
He’s the fifth generation to have the Walking Eagle name. His father is Dakota while mom is Jamaican. He teaches music at an elementary school. I don’t know what I was expecting, but not a clear high pop voice. He’s got a few pitch problems, but he’s got a great tone. The pitch problems, though. Probably why he didn’t get a turn.
Niall covers the song and was looking for more grit. John calls his voice “welcoming” and was also looking for more edge. – No Turns
Jacquie Roar – 37 – Hear for the Party by Gretchen Wilson
Jacquie is a wedding DJ and fronts her own country band. She has a boyfriend and a 6 year old daughter. Her gritty growly sound isn’t very distinct at first. The coaches hesitate to hit their buttons But finally ALL FOUR CHAIRS TURN. Once she knows she’s in, the performance is more urgent and energized.
Reba liked the song choice and compliments her range. John wonders if she was planning to pick Reba. She promises to hear everyone out. Niall appreciated her range and showstopping style. Gwen admits her own relationship to country is “a little weird.” But she’s come to love the genre. John loves her growl and range. He jokingly calls himself the “obvious choice.” Before she chooses, Jacquie’s daughter joins her on stage. And Jacquie picks Gwen. Her daughter is a big fan. – 4 chairs, Jacquie picks Team Gwen
Gwen won over two solidly country artists from Reba! There is one Block left. Reba has it.
