The Voice 26 Blind Audition: Even with limited spots, Jose Luis gets a 4 Chair Turn singing Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Traitor’
The Voice Season 26 auditions came to a close on Tuesday night (Oct 15) with the 6th and final Blind Audition episode. Coming off Monday night’s show which was possibly the strongest set of performances to date to date, Tuesday’s episode didn’t quite measure. However, it was still thrilling as the coaches filled up their teams, and managed to deliver a couple of 4-chair turns. (Read Our Recap)
One auditioner named Jose Luis, a 21-year-old from Puerto Rico, somehow turned all 4 chairs when each coach only had one spots open on their teams. The Voice played up the suspense with no package to begin Jose’s audition and just him singing without viewers being able to see him. Since his voice is a high tenor voice, it was tough to make out if it was a male or female singer. Jose has an excellent pop tone with great control over his falsetto. When the song is about to end, he hits a few big notes and a few impressive runs which gets Michael Buble to turn, and the other three coaches turn on the last few lines. The ending was suspenseful as he went from a near no-chair turn to 4 chairs in seconds.
In his package, Jose shares about Puerto Rico’s macho culture. “If you’re a man, you have to be this way,” meaning adhering to masculine stereotypes. But he enjoys fashion and loves performing, so he felt like an outcast growing up. Music was a safe space for him. He wants to be a pop artist like Lady Gaga. Jose has been watching the show since Season 1, Competing on The Voice has been his dream.
“I never want to leave this TV show because of people like you”
Snoop Dogg called Jose’s vocals “movie big,” Michael said, “I never want to leave this TV show because of people like you.” Gwen Stefani said, “I feel like you were taking the lyric and making it your story.” She also called out the dynamics and power in his voice, observing, “I don’t think we’ve heard anyone who’s got that kind of power.” Reba McEntire described Jose’s voice as “round” and “full,” adding that it touched her heart. In the end, Jose chose Team Gwen. In other words, it’s just another episode with a Gwen 4-chair turn. Gwen got one 4-chair turn in each episode and her team has the most 4-chair turns this season with six.
Other auditions that stood out in the final audition episode of the season included Mikaela Ayira’s take on Christina Perri’s “Human” which displayed her skills and potential, and Aliyah Khaylyn’s powerful and soulful take on Tamar Braxton’s “Love and War.” I also expect 4-chair turner Katie O to do well on Team Reba with her country through and through style. It should be an exciting season for battles especially with the unpredictability that comes with new coaches in Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg.
