Sadie Bass auditioned for Season 22 of The Voice with a performance of Keith Urban‘s “Stupid Boy.” Gwen Stefani liked her performance from the start, and told Camila Cabello she thought it was “pretty.”
Despite that, Stefani didn’t turn her chair until the near end of the song…and only after Blake Shelton turned his chair. The husband and wife duo geared up to compete over 25-year-old Bass.
Bass is originally from Michigan, but has since moved to Tennessee to chase her dreams. Stefani’s dad is from Michigan, so she was quick to point out that shared connection between her and Bass.
While opening up to the coaches, Bass explained she has terrible stage fright. But she worked through her fears so she could sing for them on The Voice:
“The stage fright thing can keep someone from opening up, and honestly, thrusting yourself into this most awkward, horrifying situation of a performance, that’s a h— of a way to overcome your fear right there. So congratulations, you did it,” Shelton said.
Shelton didn’t want to let Stefani talk, and prematurely welcomed Bass to Team Blake. But Stefani made a pretty convincing speech. She said:
“A lot of this will have to do with your coach. Cause sometimes you just need that person that can just be a mirror to yourself and say ‘Listen, you are amazing. You just need to let it loose right now.’ So my coaching would be just building you up…“
Stefani recognized the fact that Bass’ “lane” is in country music. But she said she’s learned a lot about the genre over the years she’s been with Shelton. She also related to Bass’ love of songwriting, since Stefani is a songwriter herself.
Shelton could tell that Stefani’s speech touched Bass, so he tried to protest. “Don’t fall for this!” he pleaded. But it was no use…Bass picked Stefani as her coach.
Head below to watch Bass sing “Stupid Boy” and see how Stefani got her to join her team.