If you watched the October 2 episode of the NBC reality singing competition Voice, you’d think it was John Legend taking the audition stage. But in reality it was just a double.
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Legend appears to have a doppelgänger: 34-year-old contestant Talakay, who took the stage on the Blind Audition episode to perform a soulful rendition of the Sam Smith classic “Stay with Me.”
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Legend turned his chair first before the singer began the chorus of the song. Reba McEntire was the only judge to turn in her chair before the song ended. Before Niall Horan and Gwen Stefani turned over in their seats after the performance ended, Legend referred to their passing similarities: “Wait ’til you see his face.”
“You know, I’m on the Internet,” Legend explained to Talakai. “A lot of people send me pictures of people they think look like me. And most of the time I say, “Not really,” and then I turn around and look at you… we have the same hairstyle. He really really looks like me. I’d like to see you on Team Legend.”
Horan continued and said, “Sam is a good friend of mine, and I know what this song means to them, and as I was listening, I was like, that’s a crazy voice for sure, but I was just struggling to make an emotional connection. I need to get hooked. Luckily, you have two great coaches who have stuck with you.”
“I really like your voice and your range,” McIntyre added. “I know I don’t stand a chance against John. I just want to come out and look at you. I’m already a big fan, so you’re welcome. Voice.”
Stefani closed out the judges’ comments by praising the singer. “Your voice is so beautiful, especially when you hit those really low notes, and they’re so smooth and easy and gorgeous,” she said, “so I’m looking forward to seeing more of it and seeing if you agree with Queen (McIntyre) or you choose this legend (John), you will be great. Congratulations!”
The Sacramento, California native eventually joined Team Legend. Naturally. Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:00 pm ET on NBC.
Photo courtesy of NBC/YouTube