Editor’s note: The below recap contains spoilers for ‘The Voice’ Episode 2.Another night of Blind Auditions onThe Voice, and this episodegets Season 26 back on track! To help hammer in the “athletic” angle of the season, former Olympics correspondentSnoop Doggis giving his fellow coaches a pep talk in the coaches' locker room. And once again,Snoop is the season’s brightest star.His willingness to play into the bits, even withMike Tirico, and lean into the camp of it all proves his arrival on the show is worth every penny. Coach Snoop is in the house!
If you haven’t figured it out, it’s rookies versus vets onThe Voicethis season. WhileGwen StefaniandReba McEntirehave experience behind them,the young blood finds they have rookie appeal. Between Snoop Dogg andMichael Bublé, the third night of Blind Auditions is quite successful for them both. Is this a sign that a rookie may walk away with the season?
Snoop Dogg Continues To Dominate on ‘The Voice’ Season 26
The night’s festivities begin with a mystery artist; they tease her through her voiceover, stating that people are often shocked when they see her. Upon hitting the stage, she singsSam Smith’s “Too Good At Goodbyes” as she is shot from behind. All we can see is her cowboy hat, highlighting the juxtaposition of her artistry from her appearance.Georgia Starnesearns a four-chair turn and proves immediately that, with the country image and pop sound, she has cross-over appeal. The 21-year-old shocks the judges, who all believe she can become a star,by selecting Snoop Dogg. What was exciting about Starnes’ section of the show was that they allowed her to be an artist. Perhaps her story will be revealed later in this season, but as viewers,we were granted the opportunity to listen to a star being born without being emotionally swayedinto believing we want to like her.
Continuing with artists who bring music first and story second is an act from Nashville, Tennessee.SavsandLeah Colonformed a beautiful folk duo known asMistermoon. SingingKacey Musgrave’s “Deeper Well,” they earn a turn from Reba McEntire and Snoop Dogg. Taken by their unique love for harmonies, Reba shares how when she would sing withKelly Clarkson, they would both battle to sing the harmony part. Meanwhile, Snoop asks if they sang bluegrass because, as he says, he’s got some “greengrass.” Oh, Snoop! The Nashville duo ultimately selects Snoop as their couch, a truly shocking decision based on their style. Knowing the showman can craft a star out of them,Mistermoon may feel the diversity in his song portfolio will aid them throughout the competition.
Episode 3 Pits Reba McEntire vs. Michael Bublé
Duringthe first night of the season,The Voiceintroduced us toBen Fagerstedt,a young crooner who didn’t get selected by any of the coaches. Tonight, we meetEdward Preble, a 19-year-old who can be best described as “Baby Bublé.” Between his stylistic suit collection and old-soul speaking voice, there was no doubt that Preble had his eyes set on the jazz singer as his coach, right? Wrong. He initially was hoping to join Team Snoop as he appreciates the way that Snoop reads lyrics like it’s poetry. So who jigged with his jive? He performs the standard “Luck Be a Lady” and earns an immediate turn from the D-O-Double-G. Bublé was toying with whether he should turn for his protégé and eventually does. Now, Baby Bublé has one of the rookies to select as his coach.He decides on Team Bublé— probably a very smart choice in the end.
Bublé also gives his signature hockey jersey toJeremy Beloate, who lost two brothers and his father to addiction. The rookie singer and songwriter shows his best assets as a personality onThe Voicetonight. He is having tons of fun and keeps everyone laughing, even trying his mightiest to sway his prospective singers with comedic lies and on-the-spot raps. Snoop throws two yellow flags as he is threatened that Bublé’s coming for his gig! This isa strong showing from the Canadian crooner.
While there were bound to be emotionally touching stories,Creigh Riepearrives and shares a tale that has a likely connection to many. Following his dreams to Nashville, Riepe shares that he was a part of a band. When the band split, he turned to alcohol, leading him down a park path. Thankfully, he is now two years into his sobriety, revealing that his family gives him strength. The 32-year-old father steps foot on the stage and proves he’s a force throughBenson Boone’s “Beautiful Things.” He makes his family proud with his exceptional performance and the veteran coaches know they hear a star and turn for him. Riepe selects Reba McEntire, whichcould be the making of a winning relationship.Reba also addsStar TrekR&B album-making wedding singerAdam Bohananand gravelly-voiced fellow ginger country singerTate Renner.
10 Singers Who Should Have Won ‘The Voice,’ But Didn’t
Can we get a recount?
Gwen Stefani Finds Some Luck in the End
It starts as a very slow night for Gwen Stefani. Between being beaten by other coaches or not turning, Stefani was in a bit of trouble. When 14-year-old viral singerJaylen Dunhamarrives, the coaches do not initially turn for him. But, upon meeting him, Stefani states it was the best shocking reveal she’s ever seen. While Snoop believed the contestant had the voice of a woman, it was actually a teen whose voice is changing. Stefani notes that she can tell that Dunham was worried he wouldn’t receive a chair turn, which affected his performance, so she tells him that they have a new button this season. Say hello toEpisode 3’s entry of the Coach Replay Button. Stefani decides to add the former Amateur Night at the Apollo singer to her team. Young contestants often do well when it comes to the live shows; should Gwen and Jaylen remain together at that point, the youngster might havehigh hopes of winning this season.
The evening’s final performance causes the judges to rock. It’sFrankie Torres, a 24-year-old cover band rock singer. Taking onHeart’s “Magic Man,' Torres earns a very late turn from all four coaches.Torres is called a powerhouse. Stefani compliments her, connecting over their rock roots. Reba truly did not want to lose out on Frankie Torres either. She goes on stage, allows Torres to hold her trophy from last season, and has the confetti cannons shot off to show her what it will feel like to winThe Voice. In the end, however, Torres goes with theNo Doubtsinger.
While the night is filled with happiness for many, some singers leave the stage in rejection.One of the most shocking passes of the nightwas that ofTiffany Taylor. Taylor, who previously appeared in the filmCamp, took on “What Was I Made For,” but the coaches do not feel she was made forThe Voice. Having a theater background is not a benefit, as formerThe Lion KingactorMalcolm-Aliis also passed on.
This evening’s festivities were perfectly balanced. There were some sad stories to tell, but the artists were allowed to shine on their own.Perhaps the strongest night of talent so far, the third night of Blind Auditions may defy the odds of the winning artist coming in the middle of the audition process. If you’replaying along withThe Voiceapps, you can add some of these performers to your own roster and feel like a superstar in your own right.
‘The Voice’ Season 26 finds its stride.
The Voiceairs Monday and Tuesday this week on NBC in the U.S. All episodes are available to stream the next day on Peacock.
