The voice There are two Hawaiian singers in the season 25 competition, so it’s only fitting that they team up in the Battle Rounds for an iconic duet!
Kamalei Kawa’a and Gabriel Goes took the stage during Monday’s battles to pay tribute to their home state with a performance of the islands’ iconic anthem: “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.
Kamalei is a native Hawaiian, while Gabriel was born and raised in the state by Brazilian parents. However, they both expressed their love for their home in their powerful duet, which featured season 25’s coaches – Reba McEntire, John Legend, Chance the Rapper It is Dan + Shay – praising how the two combined their wildly different styles into a memorable performance.
“You are total opposites,” Reba marveled. “Kamalei is calm, he knows where I am. And then (Gabriel is just): ‘Ah, I’m here! And I’m going to have fun!'”
“The energy you guys brought is incredible,” praised Shay. “The song selection was amazing. You brought good vibes. You represented Hawaii really well.”
John told Chance he was leaning towards Kamalei, praising her “graceful” voice, although he also congratulated Gabriel on the energy and personality he brings to his performances.
Ultimately, while Chance praised Gabriel for “rising to every occasion”, he chose Kamalei as the winner of the battle, sending him to the knockout rounds.
“It was really hard to choose between them,” Chance admitted. “But I think Kamalei was a little more committed to the lyrics and had a stronger understanding of the song… I think he still has a lot more to show.”
ET spoke to the season 25 coaches before the premiere, where they shared what it was like to receive The voicethe first pair of coaches in the history of the competition.
“They give great grades. They are very good”, praised Reba. “They know the business, but they also have a lot of heart and that’s what they’re looking for.”
Dan + Shay say they’ve been fans of the show for years – they served as mentors to Blake Shelton team back in season 20 and even entered the scene guest coach Niall Horan’s team last season – but acting as a full-time coach for the first time was a whole new experience.
“It changed everything for us,” Shay admitted. “I really enjoy the process of working with these artists, and you really get attached. It’s painful when you have to let people go, but it’s been an amazing experience.”
Chance returns this season for the first time since Season 23 Voice debut, where he joined Blake, Niall and Kelly Clarkson. He told ET that it’s especially exciting to be back with a whole new roster of coaching talent.
“I’ve always looked up to John and he’s helped me in so many different ways,” he reflected. “Being working with him and then being around Reba, and Dan + Shay, and this amazing team… I miss Blake, but it’s really cool to be back in the building.”
Despite the good vibes, however, the coaches are still quite competitive. With Niall stepping aside this season after winning back-to-back titles, the Voice the trophy is up for grabs – and there’s a better than average chance that it could go to a first-time champion, as only John has won the competition before.
“It’s getting hot out there, for sure,” Shay revealed.
“That’s why we’re here,” Reba agreed.
The voice airs Mondays at 8pm PT/ET and Tuesdays at 9pm PT/ET on NBC.
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