The Voice Coach Showdown: Jackson Snelling’s Heartfelt Journey
On The Voice, a moving story can quickly win a singer the audience’s heart, even before they hit the stage for their Blind Audition. But when you back that up by pouring your passion and emotion into a moving song? Well, you’ve got a Coach showdown on your hands.
That’s precisely what happened to Jackson Snelling, a talented young man from the small town of Austin, Indiana. He took the stage after sharing his touching story, introducing viewers to his autistic brother Dawson, and candidly discussing the loss of his father. Snelling’s mission on The Voice was to make his father proud and pay tribute to him with a song that resonates with anyone missing someone dear: “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” by Justin Moore.
What followed proved that he was more than ready for this pivotal moment in his musical journey.
Almost immediately after he began singing, Jackson Snelling earned the support of one Coach: Gwen Stefani. The camera then shifted to Reba McEntire, who appeared to be searching for something specific. It wasn’t until Snelling reached the highest note in the song that McEntire finally turned her chair, prompting Stefani to playfully shout “No!” and rush across the stage, attempting to block McEntire’s view with her coat.
After the humorous Coach rivalry settled down, and the Coaches had a chance to speak with Snelling, John Legend commended him, saying, “You have a gorgeous tone of voice. It was really inviting, warm. You’re in very good hands, and I’m very excited for you.”
Then, it was Reba McEntire’s turn to engage with Snelling. She asked about his musical influences, and he responded promptly: “I grew up listening to you, Miss Reba.”
McEntire, clearly touched, shared her deep love for country music and how proud she was to have Snelling represent the genre. “We would have so much fun together developing you to make those finals and win this thing,” she said enthusiastically.
Next up, Gwen Stefani stepped forward to make her case: “I’m very super-selective on when I press my button, especially sitting next to Reba McEntire. She’s gonna judge me, OK?” Stefani playfully remarked. She went on to praise Snelling’s tone and the emotional depth of his performance, expressing how he had touched her heart. However, she couldn’t help but acknowledge the impending arrival of the “Queen of Country” herself.
A playful argument ensued, with Reba McEntire showcasing her queenly scepter, asserting her title as the Queen of Country (and possibly the Queen of The Voice now that she’s joined the show).
Stefani, trying her best to win Snelling over, brought out her husband, country music icon Blake Shelton, and mentioned her credentials: “I’ve had two number-one country hits on country radio,” she said.
McEntire humorously responded, “I’ve had more than two. Next.”
Stefani, while seemingly resigned to her eventual fate, wrapped up her pitch by saying, “Pick me as your Coach if you don’t pick Reba.”
In the end, despite Gwen Stefani’s compelling arguments, Jackson Snelling decided to follow his heart and choose his childhood influences. He picked “Miss Reba” to be his Coach, a decision that left both Snelling and the audience excited for what’s to come.
Now the question remains: How far will Jackson Snelling go in his musical journey on The Voice? To find out, don’t miss The Voice, airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and available for streaming the next day on Peacock.
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