The live rounds of The Voice kicked off on Monday evening (Nov. 8), with the Top 20 performing for their chance to advance to the Top 13 before a live audience at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, CA.
It seems The Voice producers saved the best for last, as Wendy Moten’s jaw-dropping rendition of Dolly Parton/Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” closed the show.
The 56-year-old Tennessee native’s powerhouse vocals earned her a standing ovation and praise from her coach Blake Shelton, as well as the rest of the coaching panel, including Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Ariana Grande, who raved over her vocal abilities.
Shelton labeled Moten one of the most deserving vocalists that he’s ever coached.
“I’m gonna say this, and I’m probably gonna catch a lot of heat for it, but I don’t care,” Shelton admitted. “I’ve been doing this show for 21 seasons, as a coach, and there is nobody that I want this more for, ever, than you. You deserve this.”
Clarkson then gushed over Moten’s impeccable talents.
“Oh my gosh, you know I am obsessed with you… You are so gifted,” Clarkson added. ”That is such a big song, and don’t think I missed that little run that you did… You are so incredible, it’s insane if you don’t make the finale.”
Watch Moten’s epic cover of “I Will Always Love You” below.
Moten previously performed The Beatles’ “We Can Work It Out,” Sting’s “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You,” and Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way.”
Shelton admitted that, he “can’t even imagine the offers” that Moten will receive following her time on NBC’s The Voice.
The talented singer scored a massive solo hit in 1992 with her song, “Come In Out Of The Rain,” and has even worked with artists such as Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, John Oates, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Tyler, Alice Cooper, Buddy Guy, Michael Bolton, Michael McDonald, and Al Jarreau, among others.
The Voice reveals the Top 13 tonight (Nov. 9) at 9/8c on NBC.
