The Voice Season 24: Blind Auditions Deliver a Mix of Surprises and Triumphs

Last Updated on October 3, 2023 by SPN Editor

Thirty-six contestants are selected by the four coaches in the Voice Season 24. Coaches John Legend and Niall Horan, alongside Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire, found themselves in a fierce battle during the third round of blind auditions.

Deejay Young, a seasoned performer who has been touring with “Hamilton,” graced “The Voice” stage with his remarkable falsetto and commanding stage presence. His blind audition left a lasting impression, leading to turns from John Legend, Gwen Stefani, and Reba McEntire. Deejay’s impressive performance eventually led him to choose the team of one of his musical idols, John Legend.

Mara Justine, a confident 21-year-old vocalist from Galloway, New Jersey, showcased her immense vocal range in her rendition of Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” It was a fierce battle among the coaches to win her over, with Niall Horan making a valiant effort. However, it was John Legend who sealed the deal with an impromptu “All of Me” duet, securing a “soulful” and “amazing tone” singer for his team.

Ephraim Owens, a passionate singer from Indianapolis, Indiana, chose to perform Labrinth’s “Beneath Your Beautiful.” John Legend was impressed not only by Ephraim’s urgency and fervor but also by his technical prowess. A big fan of John Legend, Ephraim’s decision to join Team Legend was a win-win for both.

• Also Read: Niall Horan wows the judges to steal the Voice Season 23 Premiere show

Stee, a seasoned performer hailing from Bluffton, South Carolina, made a striking entrance on the show with his rendition of Maroon 5’s “Sugar.” Stee not only achieved the rare feat of a four-chair turn but also secured the first block of the season. With a desire to honor his late cousin, who was an ardent John Legend fan, Stee was inclined towards choosing Legend’s team.

Claudia B., a 24-year-old talent from Nashville, Tennessee, delivered a bluesy interpretation of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” that left the coaches in awe during the blind auditions. The moment all three judges, John, Niall, and Reba, turned their chairs during her audition was a memorable one. Claudia’s unique style and vocal prowess promised a bright future on “The Voice.”

Talakai, a 34-year-old singer from Sacramento, California, with a remarkable vocal resemblance to John Legend himself, left a lasting impression on the judges. His rendition of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” showcased the richness of his voice and an enviable tone, earning him a spot on Team John Legend.

Joslynn Rose, a 16-year-old talent from Lake Benton, Minnesota, displayed a unique vocal style reminiscent of Billie Eilish. Gwen Stefani was captivated by Joslynn’s ability to emote through her singing, going so far as to throw her shoe as a sign of admiration after Joslynn picked her as her coach.

Kristen Brown, a 24-year-old country singer from Roseville, California, made a surprising choice by selecting Gwen Stefani over Reba McEntire. Gwen was taken aback but impressed by Kristen’s “diamond in the rough” talent and unique tone, promising to help her refine her skills.

Juliette Ojeda, a bilingual 20-year-old singer from Miami, Florida, delivered an audition filled with energy and passion, even if it was a bit manic. Gwen saw great potential in Juliette and looked forward to working on her stage presence and control.

Jenna Marquis, a 19-year-old talent from Simi Valley, California, made a surprising song choice with Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag.” Her performance showcased the versatility of her voice, impressing Gwen, who described working with such a young artist with a distinct musical identity as a “dream.”

Chechi Sarai, a 32-year-old singer from Los Angeles, California, made a remarkable start to her audition with an incredible whistle tone. Her ability to display various facets of her voice during her performance earned the attention of all four coaches. However, it was Gwen Stefani who found a kindred spirit in Chechi, cementing their connection.

Rudi, a 28-year-old vocalist from San Antonio, Texas, offered a soulful R&B take on the classic song “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore, resulting in a mesmerizing four-chair turn. Her vocal control and stage presence impressed Gwen Stefani, who considered her a “full-package deal.”

• Also Read: Niall Horan’s Revenge Plot Takes Center Stage on The Voice Season 24

Sophia Hoffman, an 18-year-old singer from Chula Vista, California, returned for Season 24 after a previous attempt in Season 23. With her powerful vocals and compelling belt, Sophia managed to turn both Reba and Niall Horan during her blind auditions. Niall was particularly drawn to the grit in her powerful vocals, securing her a spot on his team.

Alexa Wildish, a 34-year-old talent from Lyons, Colorado, displayed her ability to emote and made confident vocal choices that resulted in a four-chair turn. While Niall noted some pitch issues, her storytelling and passion made her a strong contender in the competition.

Olivia Minogue, a 19-year-old from Lockport, Illinois, arrived wearing a Niall necklace, indicating a clear preference. Niall hoped to bring out more of Olivia’s rasp and bluesy tones, given her choice of Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down.”

Julia Roome, a 13-year-old from Warwick, New York, impressed Niall with her young age and unique stylized tone. Drawing comparisons to his reigning champ, Gina Miles, Niall saw potential in Julia and decided to test out a similar partnership in Season 24.

Reid Zingale, a 27-year-old storyteller from Nashville, Tennessee, showcased his ability to infuse emotion into his lyrics during his blind auditions. Niall was quick to recognize Reid’s potential and expressed confidence that his fans would embrace him on his team.

Noah Spencer, a 20-year-old from Richlands, Virginia, garnered interest from Gwen Stefani, Reba McEntire, and Niall Horan with his gravelly and emotional singing style. Ultimately, Niall’s shared musical preferences with Noah made him the ideal coach.

Jordan Rainer, a 33-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee, took a risk by choosing a song famously performed by Reba McEntire herself during her first season as a coach. However, Reba was impressed by Jordan’s rendition and his Johnny Cash-esque look, securing him a spot on her team.

Jackson Snelling, a 21-year-old from Austin, Indiana, displayed some pitch issues during his audition. However, Reba was drawn to his “honest country singing” and compared his voice to chocolate, a compliment that made the risk of song choice pay off.

Ruby Leigh, a 16-year-old yodeler from Foley, Missouri, achieved the remarkable feat of a four-chair turn with her unique talent. With a shared love for yodeling and country western music, Ruby’s choice to join Team Reba was a natural one.

Mac Royals, a 30-year-old artist from Wrightsville, Arkansas, may not have been a country singer, but his heartfelt connection to Reba McEntire’s music, formed during his childhood while watching her TV show with his grandma, led to a surprising coaching choice during a four-chair turn.

Tom Nitti, a 31-year-old from New Hartford, New York, performed Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” for his audition. Reba turned her chair for Tom at the last minute, suggesting a potentially fated connection, given Tom’s cowboy spirit.

Alison Albrecht, a talented artist from Los Angeles, California, earned the admiration of Reba McEntire, who was the only coach to turn her chair during her blind auditions. Reba was impressed by Alison’s powerful vocal range and sincere delivery.

“The Voice” Season 24 promises to be an exciting journey with these diverse and talented contestants, each bringing their unique style and voice to the competition.