The Voice returned to NBC for the premiere of the popular reality competition show’s 28th season on Monday night, and there was already standout competitor among the new slate of aspiring stars.
During the first round of live auditions, Max Chambers, a 14-year-old from Shreveport, LA, got up onstage to sing “I Want You Back,” the debut 1969 hit from the Motown pop group the Jackson 5. And as soon as he began belting out the familiar opening notes to the song, the crowd immediately went wild, with returning coach Michael Bublé enthusiastically singing along.
Bublé was also first to smash his buzzer, followed soon after by Reba McEntire.
When Chambers was revealed the panel of coaches, also including Snoop Dogg and Niall Horan, they were astounded to learn of the his tender age.
McEntire was the first to speak up, asking the teen how long he had been singing. “Since I was 2-years-old,” he replied. She then asked if Michael Jackson was someone Chambers had looked up to, and he had another surprise in store.
“Yes ma’am, last year I was on Broadway on MJ The Musical playing little Michael Jackson,” he said—causing Horan to fruitlessly pound down on his own buzzer, having missed out on the opportunity.
McEntire then made her case to Chambers. “Well as you know, I’m kind of known as a country singer, but I have recorded everything from Aretha Franklin songs to Diana Ross,” she explained. “And I know that we’d have fun if you chose me as your coach.”
“The joy you just brought the whole room is immense,” Bublé interjected. “You’re 14, it’s gonna be crazy for people to watch how much you grow.” He added that Chambers reminded him of his son, also named Niall, when he was a young man, eliciting laughter from the crowd. “Yes, just call me daddy—call me big daddy now,” he quipped to Horan.
“Your runs are great. Your pitch is great. Sometimes it’s about controlling stuff, and that’s OK,” Bublé continued, making his own case. “That’s what my job is as a coach. You’re awesome, and I’d love to hang with you, man.”
Horan also expressed his disappointment as passing on the young singer. “Max, I’m gonna be honest with you. I’ve got no idea why I didn’t turn,” the former One Direction band member lamented. “Your voice is so mature. That Broadway experience gives you that working voice, a voice that’s been touring. Welcome to the show.”
Then came the moment of truth, when Chambers had to choose which coach to go with. “It would be an honor to work with the both of you, but I think I’m gonna have to go with Mr. Bublé,” he revealed.
With such a strong start, it seems as though season 28 already has a strong contender on its hands. It will be interesting to see how his craft progresses over the course of the season.
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