The teams are filling up as the Blind Auditions for Season 26 of “The Voice” approach their end. The atmosphere is electric as the coaches strive to create their perfect teams, and the competition continues to heat up. With only a few episodes left, every performance becomes crucial.
This fifth night of auditions also includes some light-hearted moments to balance the tension, like Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire doing a “fit check” video.
It’s amusing to note that after five episodes, the coaches are still wearing the same outfits, making us question whether this segment was truly necessary. Still, these fun moments highlight the camaraderie among the coaches this season.
With the episodes packed with social media segments and fun interludes, the final Coach Replay Button makes its appearance in Episode 5. Michael Bublé uses it with what might be considered the least pizzazz of all the coaches, signaling the conclusion of this season’s twist.
Timing is everything in this competition, and with only a few spots remaining for each team, every singer must push harder to impress a coach. Fortunately, the song selections tonight are unique and interesting, moving away from the standard music competition fare that we have grown accustomed to seeing.
Michael Bublé Finds a Star and Uses the Coach Replay Button
The night kicks off with a standout performance from Cameron Wright. The coaches receive a wonderful gift in the form of Wright, who attracts everyone with their story. In their introductory video package, Wright reveals their rich musical history, which includes singing backup for their mother when she signed a major gospel deal.
This opportunity led to recording a demo that made its way to the legendary Stevie Wonder. Wonder was so impressed that he invited Wright to perform with him on stage, helping them achieve local fame.
Wright’s journey is not just about music but also about identity. They bravely share their experience coming out as non-binary, using they/them pronouns. Wright feels proud to represent as a queer, femme Black person on “The Voice.”
When they perform Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” the coaches are immediately enamored. In fact, they do not even finish the first line before all four coaches press their buttons, turning their chairs for Wright. Their pure vocals shine through, showcasing a tremendous ability to riff and convey emotion.
After their performance, when Wright has the opportunity to speak to the coaches, they introduce themselves and their pronouns right away. This is especially important after an episode where gender was made a joke by the coaches.
Wright’s willingness to take this platform and advocate for proper acknowledgment is significant for other non-binary viewers watching the show. All four coaches are eager to have Cameron on their team, but ultimately, they select Michael Bublé as their coach.
Bublé expresses his confidence, stating that they can make it to the finale. The audience is advised to keep an eye on Cameron; they may go far in the competition!
Bublé’s night is his most successful so far. He continues to impress the audience with his talent for finding unique singers. Following Cameron Wright, independent folk artist Mark Shiiba takes the stage. Drawing inspiration from Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz, Shiiba performs a classic by Bob Dylan using a guitar and harmonica.
At first, it is a sad moment for Shiiba, as they earn no turns from the coaches. However, Bublé reminds everyone that he still has the chance to activate his Coach Replay Button. With that, he does, ensuring that Shiiba is safe and still in the running. Bublé expresses his belief that Mark Shiiba can become a star and is eager to take a chance on him.
Snoop Dogg Continues To Be a Formidable Opponent
Snoop Dogg stands out as one of the most impressive rookie coaches in the recent history of “The Voice.” He has built a wonderfully balanced roster and consistently brings in a diversity of artists. One of the singers to impress him is Eliza Pryor, who is living the dream of many young, aspiring performers.
Originally from Dallas, Pryor now resides in Los Angeles, where she aims to make it big while still attending high school. Her resume is already impressive, including work in television, film, and video games. Now, she hopes to add singer to that list.
Pryor showcases her talent by singing “Linger” by The Cranberries, all while wearing striking teal cowboy boots. As she holds out her final note, Snoop Dogg turns at the last moment.
He recognizes her potential and knows that this is his last chance to have her on his team, especially since he does not have the Coach Replay Button available. Snoop believes that she will blossom under his guidance and mentions that he plans to introduce her to some Ella Fitzgerald as she continues her musical journey.
Later in the episode, we meet Brad Sample, who feels that “The Voice” may be his last opportunity to succeed. He brings a different energy to the stage with a rock performance.
Sample’s unique high voice catches the attention of both Reba and Snoop, who both turn their chairs, expressing their admiration for his artistry. Snoop adds him to his team, further solidifying the diverse mix of talent he is gathering this season.
To conclude his night, we hear from another artist who crosses over into the country genre. Mary McAvoy takes the stage with a country-pop sound that intrigues Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé. Despite not wearing a cowboy hat, she impresses the rookie coaches.
The competition becomes fierce as both coaches vie for her talent, leading to a barter between them. Snoop offers his Team Snoop towel, while Bublé pitches his signature hockey jersey and a handmade macaroni necklace.
Ultimately, McAvoy’s intuition leads her to choose Snoop, marking another victory for him. Even though she didn’t get any turns initially, Reba congratulates her on joining “The Voice” family and expresses her eagerness to steal her in the next round.
Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire Stack Their Teams
So far in the season, Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani have allowed the new coaches to shine. However, they know when to step into the spotlight themselves. Tonight, Gwen adds some unique singers to her team. Among them is Kay Sibal, who arrives with her brothers supporting her from the audience.
Coming from a family of five, Kay’s parents are Filipino immigrants. They encouraged her to have a backup plan when she expressed her desire to pursue musical theater.
Today is particularly significant for Kay, as it coincides with the anniversary of her father’s passing from cancer. He was her biggest supporter, and she sees this performance as a sign from him.
Kay performs “From the Start” by Laufey, bringing a heartfelt energy to the stage. Her jazzy tune resonates with the coaches, earning a turn from everyone except Reba. With her bubbly personality and a vibe that aligns with Gwen Stefani, Michael Bublé tries to leverage his connection to jazz music to sway her choice.
Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg supports Gwen while Reba boosts Bublé’s chances. Ultimately, Kay chooses Gwen, marking an important moment for her journey.
Returning from having no chair turns in Season 21, Camyrn Books finds new luck with an entirely different group of coaches. She impresses everyone, earning a four-chair turn and successfully joining Team Gwen Stefani. Additionally, Beya, who hails from the Aloha state, also joins Gwen’s team, adding to the diversity of her roster.
Now, it’s Reba’s turn to add more talent to her team. Lauren-Michael Sellers hopes for a second chance at age 35 after overcoming a tough childhood. She shares her story of losing custody to her mother, who struggled with mental health issues, and being sent to live with her father, whom she had little connection with.
Despite her challenges, Lauren-Michael has found purpose as a music education teacher, working with children on the autism spectrum.
Her rendition of “Ocean (Where My Feet May Fail)” brings smiles to the faces of the coaches, especially Gwen Stefani. The emotional performance prompts all four coaches to turn their chairs for her.
After her heartfelt performance, Lauren-Michael expresses her desire to sing country music. Moved to tears, Reba becomes her chosen coach, recognizing the significance of this moment.
The fifth Blind Audition episode showcases a variety of talent, but not every singer walks away with a coach. Drake Hyde’s unique voice does not match the typical deep country sound, leading him to go home without a chair turn. Proud mother Dahlia Jones also leaves the studio without a coach. Despite these disappointments, the episode remains a celebration of new music and fresh talent.
With the coaches now cautious about making turns, as their rosters fill up, the stakes are lower than earlier in the season. However, this cautious approach allows some coaches to secure artists whom others may steal in the next round.
As the episode concludes, it is clear that the Blind Auditions are not just about finding talent but also about sharing stories and building connections. Each performance offers a view into the lives of the singers, reminding the audience that music is more than just entertainment; it is a form of expression and healing.
As we look forward to the upcoming episodes, it is evident that the competition is just beginning. Each singer brings their own story and unique sound, enriching the experience of “The Voice” for both the coaches and viewers.
With the coaches pushing to fill their teams, the next round promises to be even more exciting, featuring surprises, challenges, and memorable performances. Viewers are encouraged to stay tuned as the journey continues, and the singers strive to make their dreams a reality.
As the fifth episode of the Blind Auditions in Season 26 of “The Voice” draws to a close, viewers are left with a profound sense of connection to the artists and their journeys.
The blend of talent, emotion, and personal stories has elevated the competition, showcasing not just the singers’ abilities but also their resilience and courage. Each performance serves as a reminder that music is a powerful form of expression that can heal and inspire.
Cameron Wright’s impactful debut stands out as a testament to the importance of representation. By confidently sharing their identity as a non-binary artist, Wright not only attracts the coaches but also sends a message of inclusivity to audiences everywhere.
Their journey emphasizes the significance of visibility in the music industry, inspiring other non-binary individuals to embrace their true selves. The support from all four coaches reinforces the idea that music transcends boundaries and fosters a sense of community.
Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg’s impressive roster continues to grow, demonstrating his knack for discovering diverse talent. His ability to recognize potential in young artists like Eliza Pryor shows his commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Snoop’s approach emphasizes the importance of mentorship, encouraging artists to flourish while retaining their unique styles. This season, he has proven to be a formidable opponent and a genuine supporter of his team.
The emotional narratives of artists like Kay Sibal and Lauren-Michael Sellers add depth to the competition. Their stories highlight the struggles and triumphs that many face in pursuit of their dreams, reminding viewers that behind every performance is a person with hopes, fears, and a longing for connection.
The judges’ responses to these heartfelt stories further emphasize the human aspect of the show, showcasing their investment in the contestants’ journeys.
As the competition heats up, the stakes will only grow higher. Coaches must show their strategies carefully, balancing their desire for talent with the urgency to fill their teams. The Blind Auditions serve as a vital stepping stone toward the next phases of the competition, where the real challenges will begin.
With each episode, viewers are treated to a rich scheme of music and storytelling, making “The Voice” not just a singing competition but a celebration of diversity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead, fans can expect even more exciting performances and emotional moments as the journey continues. With only a few spots left on each team, the pressure is on for contestants to make their mark and secure their place in this beloved competition.
As the season unfolds, the anticipation for what lies ahead grows, promising a attractive experience for both contestants and viewers alike.
