Second chances on competition shows don’t always come around. But when they do? Sometimes they turn into a full-circle moment.
That’s exactly what just happened for Ashley Marina. Fans may remember the singer from “America’s Got Talent,” where she first appeared when she was just 12 years old. Now at 18, Marina stepped onto the stage for the Blind Auditions on “The Voice” Season 29; and ended up with a moment contestants dream about: a triple-chair turn from the coaches.
Marina performed “Tonight I Wanna Cry” by Keith Urban, and by the time her audition wrapped, Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend had all turned their chairs to see who was behind the voice.
Considering her earlier competition moment didn’t end the way she hoped, it seems like this one hit a little differently.
Ashley Marina Reflects on Her ‘AGT’ Experience
Before performing, Marina shared a bit about her past reality TV experience. She appeared on Season 15 of “America’s Got Talent” back in 2020 when she was only 12-years-old. (P.S. Check out her previous audition here.)
Marina said, “It was an incredible experience but then I was cut after the second round… I was really, really young. And now I’m 18 years old.” She then explained, “I don’t have a plan B, so I’m down to do whatever it takes.”
Let’s be real; walking into a Blind Audition with that mindset takes guts.
Still, Marina looked completely at home once the music started. Her performance showed off a strong country influence while also hinting at some versatility. And apparently, the coaches heard it too.
All three hit their buttons during the performance, turning their chairs and officially giving Marina the rare triple-turn moment.
Not a bad way to kick off a “The Voice” journey.
The Coaches Weigh In
After the song ended, the coaches jumped in with their thoughts; and there was plenty of praise to go around.
Clarkson pointed out the mix of influences in Marina’s voice while also keeping things honest about the pressure of the moment.
“I could hear country in there but I could also hear other influences musically, which I think is really important. You were pitchy after we turned around… I don’t know if that’s cause you got nervous,” which Marina confirmed.
Clarkson continued, “I think you have a killer voice and I would love to help you tackle those nerves, girl.”
Levine jumped in to say that he knows how difficult these auditions can be, calling them a “grueling process.” He went on to say:
“We’re taking so much in. It almost gets harder to really be able to identify what’s truly great. And what’s really nice is when you have a moment like listening to you. You absolutely know that what you’re listening to is really special. You tackling the nerves and you getting past that literally is the formula to do well and succeed on the show. That’s what we’re here for.”
Legend, meanwhile, focused on the musicality he heard in Marina’s voice saying he wanted to help Marina with “her gift.”
“We heard the different parts of your voice, and it was really beautiful, and it was really tasteful, and it was really musical. And the fact that you’re doing all that at the age of 18 is just so impressive.”
He then explained, “You have this beautiful gift and we’re just here to cultivate it and help you develop the confidence you need. And I would love to be your coach on this journey.”
Ashley Marina Joins Team…
With three coaches making their case, Marina had a pretty big decision to make.
So who did she choose? Team Legend! The pick means Marina will continue her journey on the show with John Legend as her coach as the competition moves into the next round: The Battles.
And honestly, it seems like the singer might just be getting started. If Marina’s Blind Audition proved anything, it’s that sometimes a second chance really does make all the difference.
Fans can tune in to new episodes of “The Voice,” Mondays at 9:00pm ET on NBC, streaming next day on Peacock.
