Biloxi native Deon Jones took the stage for battle rounds of The Voice season 26 on Monday night, and while he wasn’t crowned winner, his performance shook the coaches enough to force Gwen Stefani to steal the aspiring star for her team and keep his run going on the NBC singing competition.
“I had to steal Deon. I couldn’t let him go home. It seems like he can do almost anything with his voice. He’s not only just a good singer, but he’s a great performer,” Stefani said after Jones was ousted by Danny Joseph in the duo’s battle round.
Jones went into the round at a slight disadvantage, considering Joseph was one of the more touted contestants from blind auditions. While Jones scraped past with a single chair turn that landed him on Reba McEntire’s team, Joseph was the recipient of a coveted four-chair turn that had all four coaches vying for him to be on their team. He ultimately chose the Queen of Country Music, as well.
Even with blind auditions placing Joseph higher on the totem pole, both artists shone bright on Monday night. The two fed off each other’s energy during the performance of “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown. With each putting everything on the table to try to advance to knockout rounds, the coaches were chirping positive remarks throughout the rendition.
Afterward, Joseph and Jones embraced each other with a hug as the coaches were given a chance to fully react to the electric outing.
“I’m literally blown away right now. You’re both such characters,” Stefani said as Snoop Dogg added, “That song was deep. And the way you guys sang it, y’all sang it with the same conviction and same passion that James has. Like Gwen said, it wasn’t just singing; it was performing.”
While most of the coaches put their weight behind Joseph but also touted the soul Jones displayed, it was up to McEntire to make the tough choice of who she would be keeping on her team.
“Danny, you came out just like you did on the blind auditions with that raw energy and that gravel. It’s just like I’m here to tell you a story and you did. Deon, the soul in you when you sing, it comes from your toenails. It’s just that energy goes by your gut and your heart, and that’s what comes out. You both did a magnificent job today,” McEntire said.
“This is a tough one because y’all are both great. The winner of the battle is Danny.”
As Joseph was reaffirmed as a member of Team Reba, host Carson Daly reminded the other three judges that they had a chance to steal Jones or let the Mississippi soul singer go home. That’s when Stefani pressed the steal button and welcomed Jones to his new home with Team Gwen.
“I just want to thank Ms. Reba for the opportunity and to have this moment to be on a show like this and deciding to go after my dreams. As you told me, everything happens for a reason,” Jones said before being saved by Stefani. He was then all smiles as Stefani hugged him and told him that his Voice journey was alive and well.
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