Todd Michael Hall (age 50) of Saginaw, Michigan sang a cover of “Jukebox Hero” by Foreigner during the Blind Auditions of The Voice 2020 (Season 18).
“Juke Box Hero” was written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones and is a track from Foreigner’s 1981 album “4”. It peaked at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock chart in July 1981. Released as the album’s third single in early 1982, it subsequently went to number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Voice judges or coaches John Legend followed by Blake Shelton turned their chairs for Todd Michael Hall.
John and Blake had a long time pitching themselves to Todd with the former praising Todd’s voice and saying Blake has never beaten him yet. Blake on the other hand, showed Todd that he’s a closet rock afficionado by naming the albums of rock bands that he bought as a kid.
After weighing in their comments, Todd Michael Hall decided to be a part of Team Blake Shelton.
Episode: 1 (February 24, 2020)
Week: 1
Coach: Blake Shelton
Song: “Juke Box Hero” by Foreigner
Todd Michael Hall is not a novice singer and performer. He is best known as the lead singer for New York-based hard rock band Riot V since 2013. Hall has also sung in many other metal bands including Reverence, Harlet, and Jack Starr’s Burning Starr. He was also featured in Avalon, a metal opera project created by Timo Tolkki.
Judges Comments:
Nick Jonas said, “There were many moments when I was thinking you had reached the peak of your range and then you would just push it one step further.”
Todd Michael replied that he was on a mission to reach his head voice. Kelly congratulated him because he did it.
Kelly continued, “You’re incredible. I don’t even think rock music really exists anymore.” She said does not believe people who call themselves rock. “There is footage of me going, ‘What?!’ My mind was blown the entire time.” She said Todd Michael gave it his all. She also thinks Todd Michael would shred some Ann Wilson (the lead singer of rock band Heart).
Blake Shelton said that’s his plan and “Some Whitesnake.”
Nick said the challenge in the future would be nailing a song selection that takes Todd out of just one lane.
Blake Shelton disagreed vehemently and said, “Don’t you dare get out of that lane. You stay your a** in that lane!” Blake said the only reason he didn’t choose rock music is because he sounds “like this”(making a circle round his face).
“But the reason that you do is because you sound like that, man. That is incredible. That takes me back to the hair bands, man. That’s what I love. That is a direct path to the finale, dude,” Blake concluded.
John Legend commented, “Not only were you hitting those high notes in the stratosphere, but I thought your low tone was beautiful, as well.” John thinks there’s so much more that Todd can do in rock and he feels that rock is under-utilized on The Voice.”
That’s because they never had guys like Todd who can deliver, according to Blake and John.
John wound up his comment by saying, “It was magical. So impressive, Todd.”
Blake upped his pitch by saying that the first two albums that he bought were Twisted Sister (American heavy metal band) and Ted Nugent’s “Cat Scratch Fever”. I love the music and the era that you represent. You like to rock, I like to party. Let’s put this thing together.
John Legend wasn’t about to give up either, saying that music defies boundaries. “Blake has never beaten me on this show. I feel like his glory days have passed him is what I’m telling you.”
Blake named another rock album that he bought. Then getting serious he told Todd, “You’re the only guy that can be in that lane with those songs and introduce them to a new generation.”
After all the pitching by John and Blake, Todd finally chose Blake Shelton as his coach for The Voice.
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