One of The Voice Season 26’s unmistakable talents is still on the rise in the Knockout Round.
In every given season of The Voice, stories arise about each individual singer. You have new, fresh talent maturing in front of your eyes; seasoned pros demonstrating that they can be stars on another level; and, of course, vocalists who aren’t quite there yet but have so much opportunity to grow that you can’t help but keep an eye on them.
Then there are the stars, the unmistakable presences that captivate your attention from their first performance onward. Jose Luis proved this week on the Knockouts that he is one of those singers who can deliver a powerful performance.
Luis, a teenage singer from Puerto Rico, captivated the competition earlier this season with his impressive performance in the 4-Chair Turn Blind Audition. He then triumphed in his battle round against Austyn Stancil, another promising vocalist. He’s been a part of Team Gwen since the beginning, and in the Knockouts, he faced off against fellow Team Gwen vocalists Camryn Brooks and Deon Jones, a newbie who stole from Team Reba during the Battles.
Luis drew inspiration for his song, “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” by Wicked singer Ariana Grande, from a “heartbreak” that led him to deconstruct his identity and scrutinize his true life goals. The judges picked Luis as the three-way Knockout’s closing act, and his voice quickly dominated the event, leaving Stefani standing up and out of her seat at the conclusion. When it came time to judge the artists, all four coaches offered positive comments for all three singers, but they almost immediately picked Luis out.
“Jose, I would have to choose you, because that performance just cements you as one of the great voices that I’ve ever heard on this show,” the coach, Michael Bublé, remarked.
Coach Snoop Dogg commended Luis’ transforming potential as a performer, highlighting his ability to dominate the stage. “When that mic is in your hands, you turn into somebody different,” he remarked. “I admire your ability to recognize the moment and embrace it fully. This is the essence of success.”
Coach Reba McEntire observed, “When the spotlight is on, you transform into this confident performer.” It was an excellent performance.”
When it came time to choose the winner of the knockout, Stefani applauded all three of her performers, but it was evident immediately that Luis was her decision.
“You are unbelievable,” she said to Luis. “You’ve blown me away; you’re an absolute star. You’re very natural with your skills. “Wow wow wow.”
After the Knockout, Stefani confirmed Luis’ status as one of The Voice Season 26’s apparent breakthrough talents, saying, “He is simply irrefutable. He is one of those singers who leaves you wondering, “How are you real?” “You are so composed and emotional, and I am eagerly anticipating his next move.”