Jaylen Dunham Surprises on “The Voice” with Memorable Performance

Jaylen Dunham, a promising 14-year-old singer from Charlotte, North Carolina, captivated audiences with his recent performance on NBC‘s “The Voice.” Despite not initially receiving any chair turns from the show’s celebrity coaches during his audition, Dunham’s rendition of Beyoncé’s “Listen” impressed the judges enough to earn him a spot on Gwen Stefani‘s team through a new feature of the competition called “REPLAY.”

Having begun his musical journey at a very young age, Dunham has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments. His performances have been shared widely online, amassing millions of views, and he previously won amateur night at the famous Apollo Theatre. His father, Aaron Dunham, expressed immense pride in his son’s dedication to his craft, stating, “Anything he puts his mind to, he goes 110%.”

During his blind audition on “The Voice,” Dunham started his performance with a gentle, low intro, showcasing his developing vocal abilities. As the song progressed, he exhibited his range and potential, although the coaches did not immediately turn their chairs. Stefani, however, was visibly moved once she saw the young performer in person, expressing her disbelief and admiration.

“They switched out a person, right? Was that you singing?” Stefani asked, overwhelmed by the disparity between the powerful voice they heard and the young age of the performer they saw. Remarking on his impressive ability in the lower register, Stefani pointed out potential areas for growth, which she attributed to Dunham’s apparent nervousness.

Ultimately, Stefani decided to utilize the show’s new “REPLAY” feature, allowing a coach to press their button post-performance if they regret not doing so during the initial audition. This adjustment in the show’s format ensured that Dunham joined Team Gwen. “I had to use my REPLAY for Jaylen,” Stefani explained, acknowledging her initial hesitation but ultimate confidence in his talent.

“My favorite part about his voice was when he was coming in and singing his really low, soft voice. He had a lot of control. To think that is live, on stage, at 14 years old, I can’t wait to see what happens next,” Stefani enthused, expressing her excitement for Dunham’s future in the competition and beyond.

“The Voice” airs on NBC, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Peacock, allowing viewers to follow Jaylen Dunham’s journey.