The Voice Season 26 Recap: 61-Year-Old Shines in Blind Auditions, Night 2
If you missed Monday’s Night 2 of The Voice’s Season 26 Blind Auditions, you might want to grab the popcorn. Reba McEntire found herself blocked, Snoop Dogg called for an instant replay, and Michael Bublé revisited his unconventional past as a Chuck E. Cheese character. Meanwhile, Gwen Stefani seemed strategically ready to promote a returning contestant from Season 1. Yet, the question remains: which auditions truly warrant the coaches’ recruiting efforts? Let’s dive in to see how the night unfolded.
Dreion, representing Team Snoop, delivered an electrifying rendition of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Shining Star,” earning an impressive Grade: A. This foster-care survivor brought a unique flair to his performance, causing all four chairs to spin. Despite the enthusiasm, previous seasons have left fans hesitant about a showman succeeding.
Mor Ilderton, a 20-year-old indie folk artist on Team Michael, attempted “Coal,” earning a Grade: B+. Though he showcased an impressive vocal maturity, nerves marred his performance, giving it a vulnerable edge that caught Michael’s attention enough to utilize his Block on Reba.
Felsmere, now as “Kelsey Rey” after her previous Season 1 stint, returned to the stage with “Some Kind of Wonderful,” garnering a Grade: C. While she exuded confidence, her performance felt far too familiar and lacked the original touch needed to captivate the audience.
Kamila Kiehne, just 17 and now part of Team Michael, chose to cover “Black Velvet,” receiving a Grade: C+. She initially impressed the coaches, but by the end of her audition, control became a significant issue, leading to some regrets for earlier chair turns.
Tanner Frick, representing Team Reba, crafted an impressive performance of Morgan Wallen’s “Thought You Should Know,” scoring an A. His rustic tone suggested authenticity, and the emotional depth he brought to the ballad was palpable.
Rowdy Shea, acting as the quintessential ranch hand, sang “You Shouldn’t See Me Like This,” and earned a Grade: B. While his vocals didn’t shine as brightly as Tanner’s, he displayed a smooth sound that felt radio-ready.
The trio 323, named after Tallahassee’s zip code, performed “You Drive Me Crazy,” reaching a Grade: B+. Their confidence was shaky, but their harmonious blend provided a pleasant listen, despite one member’s clear unease.
Now, turning to one of Night 2’s standout performers: Gail Bliss, a 61-year-old flight attendant, under Team Snoop. She earned an A for her pitch-perfect display of “If It Hadn’t Been for Love.” With years of experience showcasing her adept vocal control, her audition was nothing short of stunning, leaving viewers wondering why all chairs didn’t turn for her captivating performance.
Austyns Stancil, on Team Gwen, delivered a soulful rendition of Smokey Robinson’s “Ooo Baby Baby,” receiving an A-. His heartfelt performance won over the coaches despite one notable misstep, showcasing a range that couldn’t be ignored.
As we wrap up this recap, we want to hear your thoughts: Which past contestants would you love to see give it another shot? Make sure to share your favorites from this week’s performances in the comments.