Photo: NBC
Adam Levine told a rising country artist, “I’m like Blake Shelton, but better.”
Jared Shoemaker, 32, took the stage with a powerful performance of Zach Top’s “I Never Lie” during the blind auditions that aired on Monday (March 9). The Richmond, Kentucky-born Voice contestant said as he shared his story that he joined the Navy in 2012, and read that singing releases endorphins. He began signing daily, and now, he plays music full time.
“I’m so happy right now because their teams are full,” Levine said, referring to fellow coaches Kelly Clarkson and John Legend. “The subtle simplicity of your voice is so refreshing. And the emotion and the little breaks of your voice that I love so much, I mean, you just have one of those great voices. And man, I just don’t have anybody like you on my team. It’s gonna be really fun.”
Clarkson said she’s “a fan,” and applauded Shoemaker’s song choice. Legend said he would have turned his chair if he’d had a spot on his team, and said this season will be “fun” because “w all have country artists on our teams.”
“Imagine, I’m like Blake Shelton but better!” Levine said. He and Shelton classically bantered with one another as coaches on the show. Shelton departed from The Voice in May 2023 after 23 seasons. He remains the most-winning coach in Voice history. Levine said to Shoemaker, “welcome to my team.”
The Voice: Battle of Champions airs on Monday nights at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on NBC. It’s available to stream the next day on Peacock. Watch the audition here: