As the Blind Auditions for Season 25 of "The Voice" draw close, coaches are racing to finalize their teams.
One standout from the recent auditions is Ducote Talmage, a country music performer who impressed the judges with his rendition of Morgan Wallen's popular track "Sand in My Boots," securing a spot on two teams.
Country Clash on 'The Voice'
Dan + Shay and John Legend all turned their chairs, vying for 20-year-old Ducote's interest in joining their teams.
The "All of Me" singer told the hopeful contestant, "I know I can be a great coach for you. Even if I didn't grow up listening to country music, I do know what a great song is and I do know how to help you plan a great performance."
"And I've taken a country artist all the way to the lives because she trusted me."
The dad-of-two also asked, "Do you want to get lost in the sea of country artists on Dan + Shay's team, or do you want to do something renegade and revolutionary and join Team Legend?"
In acknowledging John's "solid pitch" to Ducote, Shay Mooney also pointed out John's insufficient country credentials.
Shay doubted whether John's efforts truly enhanced his case, noting that the EGOT winner's arguments might not have been as compelling as intended.
"He mentioned a lot of things that I think he thought was helping his case, but I don't know if it really did that."
John said, "I'm just telling the truth," then Shay responded, "You're telling the truth that you aren't in country (and) you don't know anything about country."
John presented his unconventional argument to Ducote, emphasizing that the decision was far from conventional, "It's not the traditional choice, it's not the obvious choice."
Just then, Shay Mooney chimed in, asserting that the option was incorrect, "It's not the right choice."
"You don't know anything about Country." Upon hearing Shay's revelation, John was taken aback, realizing his lack of knowledge about the Country. Ducote, at long last, became part of Dan and Shay's team.
Despite being new to the group, John appeared unfazed by the duo's inexperienced status. "Dan + Shay's team is looking formidable. I'm impressed."
"But I would take advantage of their youth and inexperience, and I will beat them."
READ MORE: Grammy-Nominated Singer Allowed to Compete on 'The Voice': Fans Debate, Is This Fair?
