Universal Studios, Universal City, CA — March 23, 2021
The popular singing contest “The Voice” is back on NBC for its 20th season. Pop music sensation Nick Jonas reclaims his red chair (vacated by Gwen Stefani) alongside superstar Coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Blake Shelton. Carson Daly returns as host.
The blind auditions have started and there is some Michigan talent among the performers.
Bradley Sinclair, Rockford, Michigan
Bradley Sinclair, a 22-year-old from Rockford wowed the coaches with his incredible vocal range. Bradley’s bio says “He first got into music by playing with his brother’s drum set. In middle school, he was encouraged to join the choir, where he discovered he had a talent for singing.”
“He continued with his music throughout school and taught himself to play several instruments, but he eventually took a job at a tech store to make some money. A self-described tech nerd, Bradley loves being able to teach people how to use their phones and tablets, but he’s ready to start taking his lifelong love of music seriously. Bradley recently quit his job and moved to Nashville in the hope of jumpstarting his music career.”
Here is Bradley’s blind audition for The Voice coaches.
Bradley chose Nick Jonas as his coach.
Rio Doyle, Adrian, Michigan
“Rio was born with music in her blood and grew up watching her mother perform in a band. When Rio was in the seventh grade, doctors discovered her mother had a brain tumor they were unable to remove completely. Her mother remains at risk of seizures, but she still performs with her band and often invites Rio on stage to join them.”
“Following in her mother’s footsteps, Rio formed a band with people from church and started playing local gigs in high school. She is now focused on her solo music and songwriting and stays busy with her worship team and musical theater. Inspired by her mother’s strength and perseverance, Rio comes to “The Voice” hoping to make her family proud.”
Choosing to perform a cover of Adele’s “When We Were Young,” Rio impressed the coaches by selecting a song they considered difficult to sing and nailing it.
Rio joined Team Legend.
Zania Alake, Detroit, Michigan
Born and raised in Detroit, Zania grew up around stage productions and music. Her mother would have Zania and her sister put on “kitchen concerts,” where they would sing in the kitchen of their home. It was then that young Zania knew she wanted to be a singer. Her parents enrolled her in a performing arts high school, and she continued her artistic education through college. Her talent led her to perform with various known artists, and she co-produced and starred in an Anita Baker tribute show.
More recently, the mother of two has been working as a full-time banker, yet she is still dedicated to her music and songwriting. Zania comes to “The Voice” to see if she has what it takes to make music her full-time career.
Zania Alake’s rendition of Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love” was sweet to the ears of John Legend and she jumped at the opportunity for the Superstar to be her coach.
Rachel Mac, Romeo, Michigan
The perky 15-year old in the cowgirl hat is a huge fan of Blake Shelton, but she did not get a chair turn from her idol. Fortunately, Nick Jonas heard something in Rachel’s voice that made him spin around and assure Rachel she will have a chance to showcase her talent on the show. She sang Patty Griffin’s “Let Him Fly,” an interesting for the young artist.`
Rachel grew up with a single dad — who inspired her love of older music — and two older sisters, who gave her the confidence to start singing and performing in talent shows. She began to use music as a way to express herself and is a self-described hippie at heart.
She has dreamed of being on “The Voice” since she was young and once gave a school presentation on how much she likes Blake Shelton. Rachel is currently a sophomore in high school and participates in theater, marching band, and choir, and she also finds the time to lead youth worship at her church.
With the Blind Auditions now complete the artists rely on their coaches to fine-tune their talent through the Battle Round with the help of celebrity Battle Advisors.
This season’s Battle Advisors include international chart-topping Grammy-winning artist Luis Fonsi (Team Kelly), Multi-hyphenated Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning actor and musician Darren Criss (Team Nick), Grammy-winning R&B singer and icon Brandy (Team Legend), and Grammy-winning country music duo Dan + Shay (Team Blake).
Follow The Lasco Press as we keep you updated on the progress of these Michigan vocal talents as they move forward in the competition.
The Voice airs Monday evenings at 8 pm on NBC
