The University of Iowa student appeared on NBC’s “The Voice” Monday night and is moving forward in the competition led by pop star Gwen Stefani.
Eli Ward, 21, of Waterloo, Illinois, is a Division I athlete who competes in track and cross country at IU. He also writes, records and produces music.
Ward appeared in the final episode of the Blind Auditions for Season 24 of The Voice, a singing competition where established singers form teams of talented up-and-coming musicians who battle it out on stage to win the show.
“Leaving my music career during my senior year of college was definitely not the easiest decision, but I think it was absolutely the right choice,” Ward said before his stage appearance. “I think turning the chair will further confirm this.”
Ali Ward picks Gwen Stefani’s team at ‘The Voice’ auditions
The student-athlete took not one, but two chair turns from pop star Gwen Stefani and country’s favorite singer, Reba McEntire.
Ward performed “Bruises” by Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, charming “The Voice” coach and former One Direction singer Niall Horan within seconds of his performance, as evidenced by Horan’s “Ooh.”
Stephanie was the first to reach out to Ward, followed later by McIntyre. The country singer was the first to greet Ward after he finished his performance, visibly shaken by the experience, placing his hand to his chest as the crowd applauded.
“Hey, I’m good,” McIntyre said. “How are you?”
“I’m fine,” she said with a smile. “Are you okay?”
“I’m great,” Ward said. “Sorry, that was crazy.”
“Well, Eli, that was really wonderful,” McIntyre said. “I liked your song that you sang and it is completely different from all the songs that are in my team. I love your voice. It’s a different tone. I liked your approach to everything. I really liked it. That’s why I turned around and would like to have you on my team. Team Reba.”
That’s when Horan noticed how similarly he and Ward were dressed, both wearing white undershirts with light-colored buttons and pants, and moved to stand next to the UI student.
“We’re just two tough guys,” Horan said. “Look at us, we are so beautiful together.”
Stephanie told Ward how well he started his performance, showing her his potential.
John Legend, another coach on “The Voice,” noted that he and the other coaches sensed Ward’s surprise when Stephanie turned to him and said Ward wouldn’t have to feel that feeling again. Instead, Ward can simply attend the show, be inspired and “perform his best,” Legend said.
“I think you’re really very talented,” Stephanie said. “I love raw talent and I’d love to have you on the team, Gwen.”
Ward, who decided to join Stephanie’s team and will continue to appear on the show, announced his participation on social media in September, sharing with followers that he was “excited to let you all in on a little secret.”
Ward’s music is available to stream on Spotify.
Where can I watch season 24 of The Voice?
Watch Season 24 of The Voice on NBC or stream it next day on Peacock. “The Voice” airs Mondays at 7:00 pm Central Time and Tuesdays at 8:00 pm Central Time.
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and the arts for the Des Moines Register. Contact her at PBarraza@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.