Judge Left Crying In Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird” Blind Audition Performance

Another season, another round of magical blind auditions, and the kickoff episode on September 25th didn’t disappoint after a Voice hopeful didn’t just turn four chairs: she also made judge Niall Horan tearful.

“Wow, that made me emotional,” were the first words Niall said after Alexa Wildish struck a chord with the judges with her stirring rendition of the Fleetwood Mac classic “Songbird”.

Horan was left in awe of Wildish’s “phenomenal performance”, as he shared his emotional connection to the song. 

Watch her unforgettable performance below:

Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie were major influences

“Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks are half the reason why I even picked up a guitar and started writing songs. She’d be so proud of that. I’m so proud of you for taking it on.”

Still feeling the goosebumps, The former One Direction star revealed as he was sharing his thoughts on Alexa’s rendition.

“Songbird” is one of the most well-known songs from Fleetwood Mac’s classic best-selling 1977 album Rumours. This heartfelt melody is penned by McVie, one of the four she solely wrote for the album.

McVie, who died of a stroke in November 2022, often concluded Fleetwood Mac’s live performances with her rendition of this poignant song.

Other judges poking fun at Niall

The Voice judges Gwen Stefani and John Legend, while also in awe of the performance, took turns teasing Niall.

“Alexa, it’s crazy. One second ago, you were deep in love, and now you’re like, ‘Oh my god, I’m at The Voice.’ Niall is dying,” Stefani said.

Stefani also noted how Wildish was able to temporarily own “Songbird”, singing it like it was her own story.

“It sounds like you’re a songwriter. The way you were able to take those lyrics and sing them like it was your story, there was something so real about it. I would love to have you on Team Gwen,” the judge added.

Calling all fans to the stage! 📣 #TheVoice returns with @reba, @johnlegend, @gwenstefani, and @NiallOfficial Sept 25th 8/7c on @nbc and streaming on @peacock. pic.twitter.com/qqTfNQOeNz

— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) July 20, 2023

As Horan expressed his admiration and invited Wildish to his team, Legend teased him for nearly proposing to Wildish in his bid to gain an extraordinary singer to his team.

“This guy is gonna propose to her sooner or later,” Legend poked fun at his fellow judge, to which Horan replied,” Geez, it’d be great television, wouldn’t it?”.

The giddy Wildish ultimately chose Team Niall. 

https://twitter.com/OT5Dailys/status/1705370381119332473

A strong kickoff

Monday marked the start of a fresh chapter in the history of The Voice, not only as it premiered its 24th season but also because it marked the very first episode in which the iconic Blake Shelton wasn’t in the mix. 

Seated in his red swivel chair alongside returning coaches Horan, Legend, and Stefani was the esteemed Reba McEntire. Her seamless integration into the panel made it seem as though she had been a part of it for years. 

The way Jordan Rainer just slayed this @reba cover!! 🤠 #TheVoice pic.twitter.com/Cob9BRF3VU

— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) September 26, 2023

And the first episode delivered with some of the best The Voice has to offer. McEntire definitely enjoyed her first season as the show kicked off with Jordan Rainer singing a cover of the country star’s “Fancy”. Rainer obviously went to Team Reba.

While Legend and Stefani snapped up some brilliant singers for their own team, it was definitely Horan’s night. Apart from the amazing Wildish, Niall also obtained two other phenomenal young singers, Sophia Hoffman and Olivia Minogue.