The Voice Blind Audition: Holly Forbes Moment That Everyone Has Been Waiting For
It was a sensational third night of Blind Auditions for The Voice Season 21 (Read our Recap). Without a doubt, the strongest line up yet. My favorites were 13-year-old popstar Hailey Mia, past Idol contestant Jeremy Rosado, and it’s no secret that Holly Forbes came to wow. The promo with her singing has been all over our TV screens and YouTube ads, and finally the moment that the viewing audience has been waiting for has come.
Holly, from Catlettsburg, Kentucky explained in her video package that she dealt with bullying as she lost her hair at a young age due to a medication for seizures. She is a mom whose day job is being a caretaker. Her personality really shined bright in the package, similar to her performance.It took just 10 seconds for Holly to get chair turns from coaches Ariana Grande, John Legend who was blocked by Ariana, and Kelly Clarkson. Holly even gave a moment to say “I love you guys” after they turned. Blake Shelton turned later in the performance. Holly’s tone is one of the purest tones I have ever heard grace The Voice stage. It’s giving me singer-songwriter powerhouse vibes like singers Sara Bareilles, Brandi Carlile. And her choice of runs and vocal moments like the growl she did are a little reminiscent of YEBBA. She gave everything in this performance. This is the type of audition that would have had former coach Jennifer Hudson throwing stuff at Holly if she was still a coach on the show.
Holly, Kelly and Ariana are in tears
After the performance, Holly is in tears, along with Kelly and Ariana. Blake notes that everyone will say that he turned last, but he loved the way she hit the “little notes in the verses” and said that’s what makes her “an artist.” Ariana called it “incredibly moving” and “emotionally charged.” Ariana is so happy that she blocked John on this one. Kelly tells Holly to remember that Ariana stole the opportunity for her to work with John.
Holly says that her daughter Violet is the biggest fan of Ariana. John jokes about being blocked before congratulating Holly for her “compelling” performance. Kelly says Ariana is great, but that she is “great too,” adding that she loved the raspy, soulfully thing. Kelly reminds young Violet that she herself is cool too. Blake jokes, using the analogy about loving too much sugar or playing with fire when it comes to Violet loving Ariana.
The show ends on a cliffhanger. Will Holly pick the singer that best fits her genre, Kelly, or will she opt for Ariana who used her block and whom her daughter loves? At this point, Blake once again seems out of the running.
I’m excited to see what Holly does later in the season with song choice because she could sing a variety of styles. We haven’t had a lot of powerhouses of this style on The Voice. Picking clever, storytelling songs like “Rocket Man” should help her pave the way, no matter what team she is on.
Watch The Voice Blind Audition: Holly Forbes 4-chair turn
