Gwen Stefani wasn’t about to let a talented young singer slip through her fingers on The Voice. During night three of the season 26 Blind Auditions, 14-year-old Jaylen Durham took to the stage with an emotional performance of Beyoncé’s “Listen,” only to be met with an unexpected twist: none of the coaches turned their chairs. But thanks to Stefani’s use of the new replay button, Jaylen got the second chance he deserved.
The Blind Audition saw Jaylen delivering a powerful rendition of “Listen,” with his voice prompting coaches to guess the performer was far older. “I thought it was a 35-year-old woman,” Gwen confessed, echoing Snoop Dogg’s surprise. Jaylen, who has been singing since he was just two years old, has made quite a name for himself, winning Amateur Night at Showtime at the Apollo and going viral online at the age of 12. Despite some vocal shakiness as the song progressed, Jaylen’s talent was undeniable.
Yet, when the song ended, no coach had turned their chair, leaving Jaylen and his mom Jessica visibly disappointed. But all hope wasn’t lost—this season, The Voice introduced the Coach Replay button, and Gwen Stefani was ready to use it. When she finally turned around, she was stunned to see such a young talent behind the powerful vocals. “They switched out a person. Was that you singing?” she asked, rushing to give Jaylen a hug.
Michael Bublé praised Jaylen’s current talent, suggesting that he’d be even more incredible in a few years, while Gwen couldn’t get over how skilled he already was at just 14. She acknowledged the nerves that crept in but highlighted his control in the lower register and his ability to handle a massive live stage. Without much hesitation, she pressed the replay button, putting Jaylen on her team and igniting cheers from the audience.
Host Carson Daly couldn’t help but acknowledge the rollercoaster of emotions, thanking Gwen for her decision. “One minute, they’re in a funeral, and then all of a sudden it’s a wedding,” he told her. “I mean, you’ve never seen emotions turn like that.” The Replay button brought renewed hope to Jaylen and his family, transforming what seemed like a loss into an unforgettable victory.
The Voice season 26 continues to air on NBC, with the new Replay button adding an extra dose of drama and emotion to the competition. As viewers follow along, they’re sure to see more heartwarming moments like Jaylen’s—and maybe even a few more tears from Snoop Dogg.
