For 13 years, The Voice has provided a platform for aspiring artists to break into the music industry. The competition is heating up as the season 26 Battle Rounds continue Tuesday (Oct. 22.) Artists must outsing their own team members if they hope to advance to the Knockout Rounds. And for Jan Dan, a member of Team Gwen Stefani, the competition wasn’t the only thing on his mind as he fought to continue his journey during Monday’s (Oct. 21) episode.
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Jan Dan Was Fighting for More Than Just Himself on ‘The Voice’
After The Voice wrapped up Blind Auditions for season 26, coaches Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani were set with 14 artists on their respective teams.
The Battle Rounds sees each artist pitted against a fellow member of their coach’s team in a singing match. The artists face off during a side-by-side performance of the same song. Then, the coach must choose one artist to advance to the next round of The Voice.
Jan Dan caught the attention of coaches Gwen Stefani and Michael Bublé with his Blind Audition performance of Brandy’s “Almost Doesn’t Count.” Ultimately, he went with the legendary No Doubt frontwoman. During Monday’s (Oct. 21) episode, Dan squared off against 14-year-old wunderkind Jaylen Dunham in an epic performance of Stevie Wonder’s “For Once in My Life.”
The “Hollaback Girl” hitmaker had no idea just how prophetic the song’s opening line would prove for Jan Dan: For once in my life, I have someone who needs me.
After the Newark, New Jersey-born artist had finished nailing that performance, Stefani had quite the shock in store for her fellow coaches: Jan Dan’s wife is pregnant.
“She’s due today,” Dan replied, much to his coach’s astonishment. “She’s 2.5 centimeters dilated right now.”
That ignited a spark of urgency in Snoop Dogg, at least. “Get the scissors! He’s going to have to cut that umbilical cord!” joked the West Coast rapper.
So Did He Stay or Did He Go?
While Jaylen Dunham showed a poise well beyond his 14 years, Gwen Stefani said she had to choose the artist who she felt was ready for The Voice “right now.” And that was Jan Dan.
“He should definitely name his baby Gwen,” joked the “Just a Girl” singer. “It has to happen.”
Featured image via Instagram
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