The Voice 25 Blind Audition: Elyscia Jefferson slays with a Michael Jackson cover
The final week of The Voice Season 25 Blind Auditions kicked off on Monday night as the coaches tried to fill up their teams. By the end of the episode, each team had nine artists going into the final night. The last audition was an unlikely pair, as an R&B singer joined Team Reba McEntire. (Read our Recap)
Elyscia Jefferson, is a 20-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland with a bubbly personality. Stating that she loves to write jingles, she sang a fun ditty she wrote specifically for The Voice. She gigs with her dad and her four uncles in a family band called Sound Connection where they perform at weddings and other events. Her dad is “super proud” of her, he stated in her video package. He taught Elyscia to stay focused on her dream. Prior to her audition, she shared that she hoped to work with Reba or John Legend.
Her performance of “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” by Michael Jackson started slow and smooth, allowing it to build. The arrangement of the song made for some nice vocal moments which prompted Reba and Dan + Shay to turn quickly, followed by Chance the Rapper. She had some notable moments singing adlibs, coupled with great stage presence. She’s the type of performer who simply makes you smile. She hit some bigger notes towards the end. A future song choice that provides a showcase for her range and vocals will give her even more of an opportunity to shine.
R&B singer Elyscia picks a surprising team
Chance said, “That was a crazy arrangement, and I want to be there to support you in picking the songs and just showing America who you are.” Reba said, “The way you perform on stage, you are very at ease and comfortable.” It’s Elyscia’s youth and talent that inspired Reba. The young artist’s effortless delivery reminded John of Brandy. Believing it was too late, he didn’t turn. Shay is “such a fan,” he said, and Dan loved her “incorporation of vibrato.”
Elyscia opts to go with Reba as her coach. “She had the vocal talent, the stage presence, she has great range, she’s R&B, she’s just everything I was looking for,” said Reba. The coaches realized with Elyscia’s reactions to Reba that they were likely toast. Additionally in her video package, Elyscia expressed the desire to work with a female coach.
The other true standout of the night was four chair returnee and Team Chance member, Serenity Arce who wowed with explosive vocals on “This City.” An honorable mention goes to Dan + Shay’s AJ Harvey with his storytelling and effortless take on “Girl from the North Country” by Bob Dylan. Monday offered some solid auditions, and hopefully, the Blinds end with a bang on Tuesday night (March 12) as the performances have been a bit slow this season. I’m ready for battles to start to see how talented singers like Elyscia blossom.
