When Robert Hunter took the stage on The Voice, he had no idea his little daughter would end up influencing his final decision. The singer blew everyone away with his rendition of Cody Johnson’s “Til You Can’t,” catching the attention of both Kelsea Ballerini and Michael Bublé.
After getting two chair turns, the 33-year-old invited his family to join him on stage. His wife and daughter, Mary Blake, came up for what became a heartwarming moment of decision-making.
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“I am looking for storytellers, writers, artists, and the way you told that story is what really interests me. I’m new here, but I’m also now, and I’m also now in country. I would really love to work with you,” said Ballerini during the show.
Bublé joked about his past experiences. “Over and over, beautiful country artists have turned around, and Kelsea has beat me. I have not been here for 700 seasons like Adam, and I obviously haven’t learned my lesson yet!”
Adam Levine chimed in with his thoughts. “Robert, listen to me. It’s my 17th season coaching on the voice. Okay? 17 blind auditions roughly about 80 people, 80 x 17 equals a lot and not a number I can give you right now because I’m a musician. I loved what you did, would have loved to turn around for you, but unfortunately, I have retired from turning around for country singers,” said Levine.
Mary Blake made the difference when she got excited about Ballerini’s “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too).” Playing along, Ballerini offered to change her name to “Broccoli” to win Hunter over.
John Legend complimented Hunter’s singing abilities, capping off a memorable audition. The Voice returns with more blind auditions on March 3.
Erica Banas is a news blogger who’s been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she’s ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C’mon now!) She’s also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights
