After months of anticipation, The Voice has returned for its season 26 on NBC. The competition officially began on Monday night, September 23, 2024. It features two returning coaches, Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani, along with newcomers Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé.
As with every season of The Voice, the early episodes focus on the Blind Auditions, where coaches create their teams based solely on the contestants’ voices. These auditions are a critical first step as the coaches curate their teams of promising talents.
The premiere night did not disappoint, with a total of 10 artists making the cut and securing a spot on one of the coaches’ teams.
Who made the cut during the Blind Auditions in The Voice season 26
Team Reba
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Danny Joseph
Danny Joseph of The Voice season 26 (image via NBC)Born and raised in the United Kingdom, 37-year-old Danny Joseph used to perform in the London Underground, where commuters would occasionally drop coins into his hat as a gesture of encouragement. His journey took a significant turn in 2016 when he moved to America and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Joseph described how creating music helped him feel better.
During his Blind Audition, Joseph’s powerful rendition of I Put a Spell on You moved Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, and Michael Bublé to turn their chairs, with Stefani joining in at the last moment. Joseph ultimately chose to join Team Reba, securing his place in the competition.
Kendall Eugene (Coach Replay!)
Kendall Eugene of The Voice season 26 (image via NBC)
Kendall Eugene, a 37-year-old singer from Texas, comes from a musical family and has faced numerous setbacks while chasing his dream of musical stardom. Despite not initially getting a chair turn during his performance of Don’t Think Jesus, Eugene’s heartfelt singing left a lasting impression.
When Eugene completed his song, McEntire decided to use the new Coach Replay button, a first in the show’s history. This allowed her to choose Eugene for her team after his performance had ended.
Team Snoop
Jake Tankersley
Jake Tankersley, a 31-year-old country singer from Claremore, Oklahoma, stepped on stage as the first act of the night. He performed Zach Bryan’s Something in the Orange, drawing quick chair turns from Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani, with Stefani strategically blocking Reba McEntire.
Despite the competition, Tankersley’s vocal prowess led to all four chairs turning.
Ultimately, Tankersley joined Team Snoop, solidifying his spot with a Death Row chain necklace handed to him by Snoop himself.
Torre Blake
Torre Blake, daughter of NFL quarterback Jeff Blake, performed On & On and caught the attention of Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani. Snoop appreciated her “smooth” vocal quality, while Stefani focused on helping Blake develop her unique sound.
Encouraged by her father on stage, Blake decided to join Team Snoop, marking another win for the rapper-turned-coach.
ChrisDeo
ChrisDeo of The Voice season 26 (image via NBC)
ChrisDeo, a 16-year-old from Queens, New York, brought emotion and vulnerability to her performance of Jason Miraz’s I Won’t Give Up.
Living in a challenging environment, ChrisDeo’s talent shone through despite the odds. Snoop Dogg turned his chair first, followed by Michael Bublé, who turned at the end. Snoop praised her spirit and resilience and welcomed her to Team Snoop.
Team Bublé
Sofronio Vasquez
Sofronio Vasquez of The Voice season 26 (image via NBC)
Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez wowed the coaches with his performance of Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive. Growing up in a poor neighborhood in Mindanao, the Philippines, Vasquez saw music as his way out of poverty. His powerful performance led all four coaches to turn their chairs.
Despite intense competition from the other coaches, Bublé won over Vasquez by emphasizing their shared connection and the potential to make his country proud. Vasquez joined Team Bublé, becoming the first member and a strong contender.
Kiara Vega
Kiara Vega of The Voice season 26 (image via NBC)
18-year-old Kiara Vega from Tampa, Florida, delivered a soulful performance of Rocío Dúrcal’s Amor Eterno, earning three chair turns from Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, and Snoop Dogg.
Despite not understanding the Spanish lyrics, McEntire turned because of the emotional impact of Vega’s singing.
Bublé’s fluent Spanish and heartfelt compliments won Vega over, bringing her onto Team Bublé.
Team Gwen
Jan Dan
Jan Dan quickly drew the attention of Gwen Stefani and Michael Bublé with his performance of Almost Doesn’t Count. Stefani focused on improving his stage presence and connecting with the audience.
With the backing of Snoop Dogg and Reba McEntire, Jan chose to join Team Gwen, impressed by her immediate coaching impact.
Sydney Sterlance
Sydney Sterlance of The Voice season 26 (image via NBC)
Fifteen-year-old Sydney Sterlance from Buffalo, New York, delivered an impressive rendition of Olivia Rodrigo’s Drivers License, securing a rare 4-Chair Turn. Gwen Stefani was quick to highlight her connection with Rodrigo, aiming to help Sterlance develop her unique style.
Bublé and Snoop Dogg also made compelling cases, but Stefani’s personalized approach and evident enthusiasm resonated with Sterlance. Ultimately, the young singer joined Team Gwen, looking forward to her journey in The Voice’s musical boot camp.
Don’t miss a single moment of the musical journey on The Voice season 26! Tune in on The Voice every week, Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c, or stream anytime on NBC.
