Though it’s probably been said countless times, The Voice is just a little bit different than other singing competition shows.
For starters, there’s two levels of competition on the show. Like other programs such as American Idol, there’s obviously the basic competition of contestants facing off against one another to see who can perform the best and make it all the way to the end. Beyond that, though, there’s also competition among the judges who get to pick their favorite contestants, coach them, and go head-to-head with the other judges’ teams in the process.
Part of what makes the competition among judges thrilling is the blind audition.
In most shows, the judges can see the contestants as they do their first audition.
Though this is fine in most cases, it means that whatever biases the judges have are going to automatically play into their decisions on the audition. On The Voice, all potential contestants do a blind audition for the judges—meaning the judges’ backs are turned. They can then elect to hit their button to see who is performing (and potentially snag them for their team), or do nothing and let the other judges fight over them.
Because of this unique arrangement, auditions on The Voice often have some interesting surprises—much like this one did.
As the clip begins, out comes one of the rawest, bluesiest vocal leads that The Voice has ever seen.
Right behind it comes a pretty nasty guitar lick as well and already the judges are exchanging glances with one another—there’s clearly someone very special up onstage.
Before long, it becomes clear that the man is singing “The Thrill Is Gone” by BB King, a classic blues standard that goes all the way back to 1951. Though it was originally written by Roy Hawkins and Rick Darnell, it became a hit in 1970 when BB King performed it.
After a few more moments of singing, judge Adam Levine explains to the others that the man onstage is playing guitar while he sings.
Needless to say, Adam Levine is the first judge to hit his buzzer to see what’s going on.
As the performance gets more and more passionate, it’s not long before Jennifer Hudson starts getting a look on her face as well that she’s clearly moved by the song. In short order, she smashes her button as well. Right as the song is ending, judge Blake Shelton hits his buzzer as well to get in on the action. When it’s finally over, Kelly Clarkson’s chair spins as well to reveal the performer.
Still, it’s safe to say nobody expected what they saw.
Though BB King is a grizzled old bluesman, performer Michael Lee appears to be a wiry, clean-cut young man.
Nobody expected such a gnarled vocal performance from Lee and everyone on the judges panel is pleasantly surprised. As Lee gets to know the judges, he explains that he’s from Fort Worth, Texas—and Clarkson kicks herself upon hearing this!
After that, it’s up to all the judges to fight amongst themselves for Lee’s talent. Though Levine and Shelton want Lee for themselves, Clarkson suggests that he go with Hudson even though she has no say in the game.
After some deliberating, Lee is finally ready to make a decision.
After a moment, he decides to go with Blake Shelton!
We’re not sure about anyone else, but we were really hoping that he would’ve chosen Jennifer Hudson… but what can you do. In any event, this performance is just one of many that proves how great The Voice is among all these reality shows. Adding that extra element of surprise and competition in the audition phase takes all the stakes up a level.
Congratulations to Michael Lee on one of the bluesiest performances we’ve ever heard! Check the full audition out below:
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