It’s no secret that front-runners can be recognized within one episode of singing competition shows. With the blind auditions for season 15 of NBC’s The Voice coming to an end, it’s time to uncover this season’s unforgettable auditions.
1. Kennedy Holmes
This 13-year-old St. Louis native shocked and inspired the coaches with her powerful rendition of Adele’s ballad, “Turning Tables.” The precision and clarity of Kennedy’s vocals, not to mention her emotion and poise, prompted the converted four-chair turn. All the judges expressed their awe of the young girl’s talent in an epic fight for the singer whom Blake Shelton deemed a potential winner.
“I think she could win, I really do,” Shelton stated.
“Very, very rarely does someone come around that kind of reignites our passion for what we do. And to hear you sing today did that,” Levine added, backed by the roaring sounds of an excited audience.
Luckily for Hudson, Holmes’ love for her music and an impromptu dream-duet experience locked the potential star into her team.
Check out Kennedy Holmes’ audition here.
2. Kymberli Joye
I mean, it’s pretty impossible to ignore anyone who can take on Whitney Houston. With a rigorous background in Gospel music and experience singing background vocals for Childish Gambino, Kymberli Joye was more than prepared for her audition.
Her absolutely epic performance of Whitney’s “Run To You” stunned R&B coaches Jennifer Hudson and Kelly, prompting Clarkson to use her only “block.” Not only did this prevent J-Hud from scooping up Kymberli, but it also graced us with some ever so entertaining bantering between the coaches as well. While the block may have ended the coaches’ friendship, it certainly paid off landing Clarkson one of the season’s most soulful singers yet.
Check out Kymberli Joye’s audition here.
3. SandyRedd
Possibly the strongest powerhouse vocalist of all the auditions thus far, SandyRedd’s R&B take on Bishop Brigg’s “River” locked in two chair turns within the first 10 seconds of opening her mouth. Of course, it wasn’t long until the rest of the coaches turned around to see who was behind the killer performance.
SandyRedd left nothing on the table, showcasing her gritty vocals and passion for music, making it impossible to take your eyes off the TV. If all that’s not enough to convince you of her talent, she left THE Kelly Clarkson SPEECHLESS.
“I’ve never heard Kelly not say anything before,” Adam Levine joked.
After finally gathering her post-shock thoughts, Kelly expressed, “I don’t care what team you go with, I just wanna see you win,” prompting SandyRedd to put her faith in the pop-star’s hands, picking her as her coach.
Check out SandyRedd’s audition here.
4. Michael Lee
Every season we are presented with the blues rocker who inevitably ends up on Team Adam.
Regardless, Michael Lee’s vocal chops and insane guitar skills can’t be ignored. The 30 year old showed off his unique grit in a cover of B.B King’s “The Thrill Is Gone,” inspiring Jennifer, Blake and Adam to turn. Not to mention, eliciting Jennifer’s first shoe-throw of the season.
In an attempt to win Lee over, Levine made sure his history with rock and guitar was known, expressing, “I am maybe the only one who has worked with a solo guitarist, who plays the blues, who plays that style of music.”
However, after some careful contemplation and loads of bickering between the coaches, Lee went with Blake.
Check out Michael Lee’s audition here.
5. MaKenzie Thomas
Think you recognize this one? You probably do. Mackenzie Thomas is returning from season 14 in an attempt to prove her passion.
For those of you who are new to The Voice, MaKenzie didn’t make it onto a team last season, but Kelly encouraged her to return to the show after gaining more experience, for a second chance to win over the judges.
Returning stronger than ever, MaKenzie’s effortless navigation of runs and unignorable soul shined through in her insanely beautiful performance of Jessie J’s “Big White Room,” earning her a spot on Team Jennifer.
Although she only got one chair turn, there’s no doubt that the upcoming magic to come might invoke the other coaches’ hope for steals in the battle rounds.
Check out MaKenzie Thomas’ audition here.