When it comes to having a successful singing audition, there are a lot of different elements to consider.
First and foremost, it’s important that a person have the raw talent and ability necessary to pull off whatever they’re singing. Secondly, it’s important that they be presentable and confident. Beyond that, it’s also crucial to pick the perfect song to showcase your voice—and ideally, the perfect song to connect with the people you’re performing for.
On a show like The Voice, where there’s competition both between contestants and between the judges, all of these factors are more important than ever.
And that’s why this audition in particular was so awesome to see.
Just like all auditions on the show, it began with all the judges’ backs turned to the stage and the lights down low.
As it starts, an acoustic guitar plays a backing track as the singer begins to perform. After a few moments, it becomes clear that he’s singing a cover of “Runaway Train” by Soul Asylum, a song originally released in 1992 that became a huge hit at the time.
Although Soul Asylum isn’t necessarily a true one-hit wonder, they definitely don’t have as much of a high profile as many other ‘90s bands like them. Still, the singer does an awesome job recreating the feel of it.
Right from the beginning, judge Adam Levine seems like he’s very engaged with the performance.
While his voice is awesome and gritty, at the beginning the judges are just listening without turning around.
The song keeps getting better and better as he sings but there’s still a ton of pressure as nobody is turning. The crowd claps along with him but his family and friends are still just waiting anxiously by the sidelines.
Then it all happens at once—judge Blake Shelton and Levine turn around at the same time! With that out of the way, the singer hits one last huge note at the end of the song.
Right before it ends, judge John Legend hits his buzzer to turn around as well!
When it’s finally over, the judges get a chance to see the performer.
He introduces himself as Patrick McAloon from Barrington, Rhode Island. As he explains, he’s been making music for 25 years and is fixated on String and Peter Gabriel.
At this, Levine’s eyes light up and he starts trying to “reel” McAloon in! Still, all the other judges have plenty of great things to say as well. Legend tells him that he has charm, presence and a great voice in his range.
After that, it’s finally Levine’s turn to talk.
As he explains, he thinks that he and McAloon are musical soulmates!
Both of them love Soul Asylum, both of them love the grittiness—and in the meantime, Shelton is asking judge Kelly Clarkson what the name of the band even is!
Although Shelton tries to give a good pitch for McAloon as well, it seems inevitable what’s going to happen. After everyone has had their say, McAloon has to make a decision… and he goes with Levine! Needless to say, this was a masterclass in how to have a great audition.
Congratulations to Patrick McAloon on his amazing performance! Watch the full clip below:
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