The Voice Season 26 Premiere: Contestants Selected for Coaches’ Teams

After months of excitement, The Voice is back for its season 26 on NBC. The competition officially kicked off on Monday night, September 23, 2024. This season features two beloved returning coaches, Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani, alongside newcomers Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé.

As is the tradition with each season of The Voice, the initial episodes are dedicated to the Blind Auditions. During this stage, coaches form their teams based solely on the talents of the contestants’ voices. These auditions are a crucial first step as the coaches handpick promising artists for their teams.

The premiere night certainly delivered, with a total of 10 artists making the cut and earning their spots on one of the coaches’ teams.

Who made it through the Blind Auditions in The Voice season 26?

Team Reba

Danny Joseph

Hailing from the United Kingdom, Danny Joseph, 37, began his career performing in the London Underground, where commuters occasionally recognized his talent. In 2016, he moved to America, grappling with a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. Joseph expressed how creating music became a vital part of his healing process.

During his Blind Audition, Joseph’s powerful version of I Put a Spell on You inspired Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, and Michael Bublé to turn their chairs, with Stefani joining in at the very last moment. Ultimately, he 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 vocalist from Texas, comes from a musical lineage and has encountered numerous challenges while pursuing a career in music. Although his performance of Don’t Think Jesus initially did not secure a chair turn, his heartfelt delivery left a lasting impression.

Upon finishing, McEntire utilized the new Coach Replay button—a first in the show’s history—enabling her to select Eugene for her team after his performance had concluded.

Team Snoop

Jake Tankersley

Jake Tankersley, a 31-year-old country singer from Claremore, Oklahoma, opened the night with his rendition of Zach Bryan’s Something in the Orange. His performance quickly captivated both Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani, with Stefani blocking Reba McEntire strategically.

Despite the competitive atmosphere, Tankersley’s impressive vocals led to all four chairs turning.

Torre Blake

Torre Blake, the daughter of NFL quarterback Jeff Blake, showcased her talent with a performance of On & On, which caught the eyes of Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani. Snoop admired her smooth vocals, while Stefani aimed to enhance Blake’s distinct sound.

Encouraged by her father from the audience, Blake ultimately chose to join Team Snoop, marking another achievement for the rapper-turned-coach.

ChrisDeo

ChrisDeo, a 16-year-old from Queens, New York, expressed deep emotion through her performance of Jason Miraz’s I Won’t Give Up. Coming from a challenging background, ChrisDeo’s undeniable talent shined through.

Snoop Dogg was the first to turn his chair, followed closely by Michael Bublé, who turned his at the end. Snoop praised her spirit and resilience, welcoming her to Team Snoop.

Team Buble

Sofronio Vasquez

Filipino artist Sofronio Vasquez impressed the coaches with his rendition of I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor. Growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood in Mindanao, Philippines, Vasquez viewed music as his escape from poverty. His dynamic performance encouraged all four coaches to turn their chairs.

Despite fierce competition, Bublé secured his commitment by highlighting their shared background and the prospect of representing his country with pride. Vasquez joined Team Bublé, becoming the first member of the team and a strong contender.

Kiara Vega

18-year-old Kiara Vega from Tampa, Florida, delivered a soulful interpretation of Amor Eterno by Rocío Dúrcal, gaining three chair turns from Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, and Snoop Dogg.

Although McEntire did not understand the Spanish lyrics, she was moved by the emotional depth of Vega’s performance.

Bublé’s fluency in Spanish and heartfelt praise ultimately convinced Vega to join Team Bublé.

Team Gwen

Jan And

Jan Dan swiftly captured the attention of Gwen Stefani and Michael Bublé with his version of Almost Doesn’t Count. Stefani emphasized the need for him to improve his stage presence and audience connection.

With Snoop Dogg and Reba McEntire supporting him, Jan ultimately chose to join Team Gwen, impressed by Stefani’s immediate coaching insights.

Sydney Sterlance

Fifteen-year-old Sydney Sterlance from Buffalo, New York delivered an outstanding rendition of Drivers License by Olivia Rodrigo, earning a rare 4-Chair Turn. Gwen Stefani pointed out her connection to Rodrigo, eager to help Sterlance refine her unique style.

While Bublé and Snoop Dogg made compelling arguments for their teams, Stefani’s personalized approach and fiery enthusiasm resonated deeply with Sterlance. In the end, the young artist joined Team Gwen, anticipating her journey in The Voice‘s musical boot camp.

Don’t miss a moment of the musical adventure on The Voice season 26! Catch The Voice every week, Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c, or stream anytime on NBC.

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