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You’ve watched the breakout stars of The Voice, the vocal forces who’ve wowed judges and captured fans. However, the journey to success is often far from flawless. Behind those celebrated wins lie tales of auditions that, despite all efforts, didn’t quite make the grade.
But these aren’t your typical failures. They don’t have the cringeworthy energy of American Idol's infamous auditions. These contestants are talented in their own right; they just didn’t manage to impress the judges like others did. And in some cases, even stellar performances weren’t enough to secure a spot! Let’s dive into ten of the most memorable “failures” from The Voice auditions, which, unexpectedly, helped make the show even more lovable.
10. Lachlan Geraghty: “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith
On the Australian version of the show, Lachlan Geraghty hoped for Boy George to be his mentor. Many people had noted that his voice was reminiscent of Sam Smith's, and Lachlan believed Boy George would be the ideal coach to help him fine-tune his sound.
His performance was a little slow-paced, but his powerful belt impressed the judges. They acknowledged his talent by constantly whispering, “he’s good.” But none of them could hit the button because Boy George was the only one with room on his team.
During his audition, the crowd urged Boy George to press the button and turn his chair, but he never did. When the song ended, Boy George simply waved hello instead. His pickiness was infuriating, with one of the judges even saying, “George is on all of our nerves.”
The contestant was a redhead from Brisbane, and Boy George pointed out that he was too similar to Sam. However, Boy George encouraged him to be more authentic and true to himself. Despite not making it, Geraghty was encouraged to come back the next year, with the judges saying, “Please come back—you know you got three people that want you on their team.”
9. Tiana Goss: “Say It Right” by Nelly Furtado
During a blind audition on The Voice 2022, Tiana Goss showcased a beautiful voice as she sang Nelly Furtado’s “Say It Right.” Although it quickly became evident she struggled with pitch, particularly on the main chorus. Unfortunately, she lost control during their performance, leading to no chair turns from the judges. Honestly, it all came down to a stylistic mismatch.
As expected, Blake Shelton had no clue about the song choice, but the other coaches were encouraging. Despite the misstep, they motivated her to take a staccato approach to highlight the pop elements in her vocal range. Unfazed, Goss made a triumphant return in season 23, giving her dreams another shot.
8. Kenza Blanka: “Papaoutai” by Stromae
During a memorable audition on The Voice, Kenza Blanka performed “Papaoutai” by Stromae. From the very beginning, it was evident that she had a strikingly unique and powerful voice that grabbed everyone’s attention. As she sang, the judges couldn’t help but praise her youthful tone, acknowledging how special it was.
Kenza’s performance was full of infectious energy, with the audience on their feet, clapping and dancing along. The judges were captivated, coming close to pressing their buttons and turning their chairs to show support. However, her occasional spontaneous screams and squeaks seemed to hold them back, making them hesitate. Still, Kenza Blanka delivered an unforgettable performance, leaving a lasting mark with her incredible talent and stage presence.
7. Alyssa Witrado: “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt
In a blind audition on The Voice 2022, 19-year-old Alyssa Witrado took a daring chance. From Fresno, CA, she stepped onto the stage to sing No Doubt’s timeless classic “Don’t Speak,” aiming to impress coach and former band member Gwen Stefani.
The performance began with confidence, capturing Gwen’s attention as she pressed her button, clearly intrigued by Alyssa’s choice of song. However, when the chorus hit, Alyssa’s voice wavered, and it became evident that she had lost control. Her random body movements also added an awkward and unexpected twist to the performance.
As her pitch became inconsistent and her voice blurred together, the performance strayed from perfection. Nonetheless, Alyssa managed to secure a spot on Gwen’s team. Blake Shelton acknowledged her brave song choice, calling it exactly what it was—a bold decision. With Gwen’s guidance, there’s hope she can refine her skills.
6. Gemma Nha: “Nessun Dorma” by Luciano Pavarotti
Prepare to be amazed by Gemma Nha’s stunning rendition of “Nessun Dorma” by Luciano Pavarotti on Australia’s The Voice. The moment she begins to sing, her powerful voice fills the space, leaving the audience in complete awe. Her pitch is flawless, delivering every note with impeccable precision and control.
Gemma not only has remarkable vocal ability, but her expressive eyes add a depth of emotion that truly captures the audience’s attention. Several judges were eager to turn their chairs, though their teams were already full—except for… you guessed it, Boy George.
Once again, Boy George held back from turning his chair, much to the frustration of his fellow judges. In a last-ditch effort to convince him, the other judges shouted and pleaded for him to change his mind. It’s difficult to understand why Gemma didn’t make it to the next round, as her exceptional performance suggests it may have been a matter of style that kept her from progressing. Nevertheless, Gemma Nha’s powerful performance will forever be remembered for her extraordinary talent and undeniable stage presence.
5. Jake Daulby: “Way Down We Go” by Kaleo
Get ready to be mesmerized by Jake Daulby’s rendition of “Way Down We Go” by Kaleo on The Voice Australia. From the first note, his deep, soulful voice grabs your attention, sending chills through your spine.
His gravelly tones add a unique flavor that resonates emotionally. Although Jake faced some pitch challenges, a few of the judges came agonizingly close to pressing their buttons, recognizing the raw talent within him. It’s easy to imagine he would have been a perfect fit for Blake Shelton’s team in the U.S.
Despite any setbacks, Jake’s undeniable charisma shines through as he smiles at the end, fully aware of the love and support from the audience. This performance is a testament to his incredible vocal abilities and the powerful connection he establishes with listeners.
4. Hanna Rohkohl: “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia
Prepare to be enchanted by Hanna Rohkohl’s rendition of “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia on The Voice Germany. With a quiet voice that initially started off a little too soft for the judges, Hanna soon proved that she possessed a unique solo quality in her performance.
The judges found themselves on the fence, torn between recognizing her beautiful tone and wondering if she had enough power to make it to the next level. While there were moments of slight loss of control during the turns, Hanna’s talent couldn’t be denied. If we’re being picky, you can hear a slight nasally tone as she reaches the chorus.
Despite these minor critiques, Hanna’s performance showcased her musicality and her ability to create an intimate atmosphere. Her rendition evokes a sense of vulnerability and authenticity that captivates the audience.
3. Luna Envy: “My Immortal” by Evanescence
Step into the mystical world of Luna Envy’s rendition of “My Immortal” by Evanescence on The Voice Australia 2014. From Melbourne and just 21 years old, Luna started her performance with a gentle, ethereal tone. Despite facing some pitch issues, her haunting voice, which could have been perfect for a Halloween theme, didn’t quite blend seamlessly with the song.
Despite the challenges, the judges couldn’t help but be drawn to Luna’s one-of-a-kind style, seeing the potential for greatness. While her performance didn’t hit the notes they expected, Luna graciously took their constructive feedback in stride.
However, it was her eyebrows that truly captured the judges' attention. Her artistic brow shapes became a focal point, prompting the judges to lean in for a closer look. As Luna exited the stage, she showed her graceful side with a sweet curtsey. Even though her performance may not have been flawless, Luna Envy’s unique style and undeniable stage presence left the audience wanting more.
2. Kateřina Kolčavová: “Believer” by Imagine Dragons
Prepare to be wowed by Kateřina Kolčavová’s powerful performance of “Believer” by Imagine Dragons on The Voice Czecho Slovakia 2019. From the outset, her commanding vocals, paired only with the drumbeats, drew the audience in. Two of the judges were especially captivated, with Jana Kirschner dancing non-stop, fully immersed in the rhythm.
Kateřina brought a fresh take on the song by altering the spacing between the notes, offering a unique spin on the familiar track. Her accent added a special twist to the lyrics, giving them a distinct flavor. As the song progressed, she dug deeper into her voice, producing a rich, gravelly tone that resonated deeply. Many viewers even claimed she was more talented than the judges themselves.
1. Ole Aleksander Wagenius: “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
Get ready to experience Ole Aleksander Wagenius’s memorable performance of “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey on The Voice Norway. Despite a minor pacing issue at the start, Ole quickly made his mark with his powerful vocal projection and commanding stage presence.
Ole was certainly a sight to behold. With an epic soul patch, he exuded confidence throughout his performance, frequently raising his hand as if pulling an emergency brake. His hair was gelled to the side, as if caught in a fierce easterly wind, adding to his unique presence.
Although the judges were on the verge of turning their chairs, they admitted they couldn’t fully connect with his performance. While Ole demonstrated solid technical skills, his high notes were occasionally off-pitch. The performance was impressive but lacked a distinctive vocal style. Still, Ole Aleksander Wagenius’s dynamic stage presence and clear talent made his audition unforgettable on The Voice Norway.
