The Voice 25 Final Blind Audition: Olivia Rubini retro vibe wowed the coaches panel, but only ONE team remained.
The Voice Season 25 Blind Auditions came to a close on Tuesday night (March 12). The season has been, slow as far as talent is concerned, but there have been a few glimmers of hope. For instance, Olivia Rubini stood out as the final audition of the season. She earned John Legend’s final spot as he searched for singers to fill up his team. (Read our Recap)
Twenty-four year old Olivia from Wilmington, Delaware, introduced herself, saying “I love expressing myself through my style.” She loved growing up in a musical household which included her dad, a producer and musician. At 14, Olivia approached her father saying, “I’ve watched you produce everybody else, maybe you can give me a go.” Her musical approach is to blend the 70s sounds of Linda Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks with the fun pop sounds of Miley Cyrus and Harry Styles.
She sings “Long Long Time” by Linda Ronstadt, displaying a great classic sound that features a beautiful ache and a hint of rasp. It doesn’t take long for John to turn, finalizing his team. Ruby Leigh, season 24 runner-up did a very good cover of this song, but while her version had a more country sound with yodels, Olivia’s take is arranged like a soft rock song. She hit some big notes, teasing even more range to come. Her retro vibe with an edge is refreshing and could stand out in the competition. She is reminiscent of season 13 winner Chloe Kohanski.
Olivia might have been a 4-chair turn if the teams weren’t full
Reba McEntire, whose team was full, confessed that she would have hit her button because she’s a “great singer.” Chance the Rapper agreed, saying he would have also turned if he had a spot on his team open. “I think you are a star.” Dan + Shay added to the chorus, saying that if they could have, they would have turned as well. “I can tell you believed what you were singing and that made me believe what you were singing,” said Dan. Shay added, “I would buy your album today.”
The coaches’ praise had Olivia in tears. She couldn’t believe she was the last contestant. John said, “I was waiting for the perfect person to fill my team with” adding, “I’m so happy I didn’t have to fight these people for you.” He called her an artist, noting that while she messed up after his chair turned, she got right back on track by the end of the song.
John closed out his team in true John fashion singing his “Welcome to Team Legend” theme song as he’s become known to do on the show whenever he finalizes his team.
Olivia wasn’t the only standout of the night. Reba wrapped her team up with another stellar vocalist, L. Rodgers who sang “Wild Horses.” Chance’s final member, Val T Webb, although a bit old-fashioned, showed she could be a force to be reckoned with on “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here.” (Watch her full audition HERE). The final night of auditions was one of the stronger episodes. Hopefully the impressive performances continue into the Battle Rounds.
