Miami Latin Singer Seduces 'Voice' Coaches for a Four-Chair Turn
Willie Gomez
In the past, it’s always been Kelly Clarkson who turned for the Spanish-speaking singers during Blind Auditions on The Voice, but season 24 is turning out to be a whole different animal, and 37-year-old Willie Gomez from Miami made all four coaches turn.
But it was Gwen Stefani who turned first for Willie’s performance of “La Bachata” and for a minute there, it looked as if it was going to be a one-chair turn for the singer-dancer, who moved to Miami with his family from the Dominican Republic when he was 11 years old.
But it wasn’t long before Niall Horan, Reba McEntire and John Legend followed suit.
“I thought I had you,” Gwen said when Willie finished singing.
“You still have me,” Willie said, but did he mean it? Gwen now had to fight to get him on her team and she was up against some stiff competition.
In addition to singing, Willie is also a dancer, having danced with the likes of Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and Christina Aguilera, and it was obvious from his performance that he has great moves.
In fact, there was a video message from Britney, “Willie is a dancer of mine and not only is he a great dancer but he’s also an amazing singer. Sending all my kisses to you.”
Niall was first to try to woo Willie on his team: “That was so cool. I could tell you were up there [makes as if to dance]. I would be, too, if I could sing like that.”
Willie explained, “I was trying not to dance too much because I'm also a dancer, but I did a little bit.”
Niall continued, “That was so impressive. It was such a strong, round voice. What a performance. It was brilliant.”
Then Gwen made her plea, saying, “Your voice is so beautiful and flawless. You have so much stage presence. You're gorgeous.”
Niall pretends to text: “Blake, she is flirting his pants off.”
Back to Gwen, “I literally need you on my team, so I'm just trying to flirt. I'm joking. I just like this vibe, the energy. I really think that you're super gifted, super talented. I would love to work with you.”
Next John made his pitch, saying, “Your tone is really rich. You have a really nice baritone, but also, I liked it when you got breathy, too. It sounded like, ‘Oh, I can hear this guy making a record that'd be huge.’ Latin music right now is just so big. It is pop music in a lot of ways. The fact that you can dance, and you can sing the way you can sing, you can do all the things you need to do to be a big star. I would love to be your coach. I think we could have a lot of fun together.”
Related: Watch the 'Powerful' Blind Audition That Gets All Four The Voice Coaches to Turn
“I know you're going to be shocked to hear this, but I didn't understand a word you said,” Reba jumped into the conversation.”
And Nial couldn’t resist saying, “She says the same thing to me.”
Reba ignored him and continued, “I speak two languages -- good and bad English. I could give you some Reba-isms and some Okie talk, but I thoroughly enjoyed your performance, you're singing, your movements. You're just cute as button. Glad to have you here and best of luck to you.”
Then it was time for Willie to make his decision, and, at first, it was surprising.
“It would be an honor to work with any one of you,” he began. “You guys are amazing, but my heart is telling me I should go with John.”
John couldn’t help bragging, “Another four-chair turn for me. Willie Gomez, this guy’s the whole package. He’s good looking, he can sing, he can dance. I think we’re looking at a star here.”
Courtesy: NBC
Gwen didn’t understand what had happened. She said, “We were locking eyes, this whole chemistry thing, and [she makes as if a knife across her throat], he doesn’t choose me, he chooses John freaking Legend. Hopefully, he’ll eat some humble pie soon.”
Then Willie explained, “Gwen turned first and what she had to say, she almost convinced me, but my heart told me to go with John. I’ve loved his music for a very long time. He’s also collaborated with Latin artists before, he sang in Spanish, I had to go with my gut.”
The Voice airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
