The Voice returns for Season 26 on Monday, and the show has shared an early release audition ahead of the premiere. The clip features Sofronio Vasquez, who turned all four coaches’ chairs almost immediately with his cover of “I’m Goin’ Down” by Mary J. Blige.
Singer Turns Four Chairs in The Voice Early Release
New coach Snoop Dogg was the first to hit his button to turn around for Sofronio’s performance, after just a few seconds. Michael Bublé and Reba McEntire joined in shortly after that, followed immediately by Gwen Stefani.
The coaches were then able to enjoy the rest of Sofronio’s performance. They were obviously impressed by his vocal ability, giving him a standing ovation at the end of the song. Sofronio shared that he’s from the Philippines.
The coaches went on to praise Sofronio’s performance, with McEntire telling him his “voice is like butter.” She added that his “soulfulness touched my heart,” saying, “You’ve got the whole package.” She pointed out that she won last season, and she thinks he could give her another win this time around.
Stefani told Sofronio that his audition was like a performance at the Grammys. Meanwhile, Bublé pointed out that the Philippines is a special place for him, telling Sofronio, “Your people are such a beautiful people. I can’t even imagine how proud you’re gonna make them.”
Snoop even took off his sunglasses so Sofronio could look him in the eye while he made his pitch. He told Sofrionio, “This here is soul. Your soul. Your spirit.” He encouraged him to join Team Snoop, telling him, “Get in where you fit in.”
It was up to Sofronio to decide which coach’s team he wanted to join. But we won’t find out who he chose until Season 26 of The Voice premieres Monday night at 8/7c on NBC.
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Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit