21-year-old Jackson Snelling delivered an emotional performance of Justin Moore’s “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” during the Season 24 premiere of NBC’s The Voice on Monday evening (Sept. 25).
Prior to his blind audition, the Austin, Indiana native shared his inspiring story, revealing that he and his brother are adopted and that they are both on the autism spectrum. He shares a close relationship with his brother and often sings to him to help stimulate his brain.
“He’s like my built-in best friend,” Jackson said of his brother. At a young age, Jackson awoke and found his father dead. This moment deeply impacted his life.
Jackson Snelling may look familiar to some as he previously appeared on American Idol Season 19 in 2021. At the time, he performed an original tune that he wrote for his brother to help them cope with their father’s death.
Watch Jackson Snelling’s Blind Audition On The Voice Below
With his brother and mom, Dacia, watching from the other room, Jackson delivered a soaring performance of “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” The performance served as a tribute to his late father.
“If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” was released by Justin Moore in February of 2011 as the lead single on his second studio album, Outlaws Like Me. It climbed the charts and became his second No.1 single at country radio. Written by Dallas Davidson, Rob Hatch, and Brett Jones, the song was originally recorded by singer/songwriter, Rhett Akins, in 2006. Akins’ version of the song failed to chart.
Gwen Stefani And Reba McEntire Turned Their Chairs
Donning a black cowboy hat and black suit jacket, the 21-year-old had the captured the attention of the coaches, especially Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire, who each turned their chairs for him.
“Now I’m proud to be here and say that I have autism and being on the spectrum… music has helped me so much,” Snelling told the coaches following his performance.
Niall Horan then took a moment to explain why he didn’t turn his chair.
“Really nice song choice. I personally didn’t turn. I just heard a couple of little pitchy things and then when she went and she’s married to Blake Shelton and then she went, I was like, well, I can work with a bit of pitch, but I don’t know if I can work against this,” Horan said. “I can’t wait to see this fight.”
“He’s afraid of me now,” McEntire quipped.
“I’m very excited to meet you. You have a gorgeous tone of voice and I’m very excited for you,” John Legend complimented.
Snelling Grew Up Listening To Reba
Now, it was time for McEntire and Stefani to attempt to convince Jackson Snelling to join their teams.
“Who did you grow up listening to?” McEntire asked Snelling, to which he replied, “I grew up listening to you Ms. Reba.”
McEntire appeared to get a bit choked up as she shared her love for country music.
“I tell you, Jackson, I love country music so much. I grew up on a working cattle ranch. I’m a third generation rodeo brat, so country music is my life, my foundation. So to hear you come on the voice and sing like you did today, I am just so proud to be in the country music business and proud that you’re representing us here on The Voice today,” she shared. “You did a great job. I love your tone. Love that song anyway, touches my heart, so congratulations and I’d love to be your coach. We would have so much fun together developing you to make those finals and win this thing.”
Stefani Tried To Persuade Snelling To Join Her Team By Using The Blake Shelton Card
Stefani pulled the Blake Shelton card when it was time to address the contestant.
“I’m very super selective on when I press my button, especially sitting next to Reba McEntire, she’s going to judge me. Okay. So at that moment it was like nothing else mattered. I love this guy’s voice. I’ve heard enough country music in the last eight years. I married Blake Shelton and name-dropping right now,” she admitted. “What you did so well with your tone in the way that you just cradled the lyrics. I mean, you really did touch my heart, but listen, I know that the queen is going to come beat me right now.”
McEntire then interfered with Stefani’s pitch to Snelling as she stood in front of her and stated, “She’s saying all the right things. I’m going to veto all of that. Let’s rewind that footage there. My gosh, you’re a good salesperson.”
“Listen to me, Jackson. I’ve had two number one Country hits on country radio,” Stefani added before McEntire said, “I’ve had more than two, next.”
Earned A Spot On Team Reba
Ultimately, Snelling decided to join Team Reba.
“This a tough one. Ms. Gwen, you made a very, very awesome argument, but I’m going to have to go with Ms. Reba,” Snelling said.
After Jackson Snelling joined Team Reba, McEntire gushed over the contestant.
“What I’m listening for when I hear a country performer is not too much trying just an honest country singer and for Jackson to come up and do this,” McEntire explained. ”That took a lot of courage and I’m very proud to have him on my team. We want to have so much. Love his voice. It’s just like great chocolate. It’s just rich.”
“You Picked The Queen”
Stefani also praised the contestant.
“I can’t wait to watch you sing. I’m actually super bummed about Jackson. I really want a country artist on my team. You picked the queen. I don’t. So whenever I get that feeling, then I’m just going to press and fight,” Stefani added.
McEntire then danced across the stage and celebrated, shouting, “I got a cowboy.”
This blind audition aired during the official kick-off of Season 24 of The Voice, ushering in the new star-studded panel of coaches, which includes Niall Horan, John Legend, Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani.
Season 24 Premiere
Niall Horan returns for his second consecutive season, alongside Gwen Stefani and John Legend, both of whom have made their comebacks to The Voice following a brief hiatus.
Meanwhile, Reba McEntire is making her debut as a coach on The Voice, replacing Blake Shelton, who announced his decision to step down from the singing competition earlier this year. Shelton appeared on The Voice for a total of 23 Seasons and holds the title of the longest and winningest coach in the history of the show with nine wins.
The Voice airs on Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC at 8/7c.
