Reba McEntire, as fans know, has an unparalleled understanding of how music can convey emotion and truth. The April 8th episode of The Voice featured the first round of Knockouts, where contestants Asher HaVon and Tae Lewis from Team Reba competed against each other. Prior to their performance, they sought the guidance of special guest mentor Keith Urban, who provided valuable feedback to help them prepare.
HaVon, 31, confided in McEntire, 69, about his recent emotional breakup and revealed his plans to channel those feelings into his cover of “Un-break My Heart” by Toni Braxton. Urban commended HaVon’s range after hearing him practice, and advised him to start off slowly before building up to the climax.
When HaVon performed the classic 1996 song again, it moved his coach McEntire to tears. “Oh Asher, you got me. I felt your heart breaking. That’s what you want, and you got it. So, bravo,” the “I’m a Survivor” hitmaker said to HaVon, her voice quivering with emotion.
Reba McEntire Gets Teary Eyed After Hearing Contestant Asher HaVon’s Rendition Of ‘Unbreak My Heart’
Before taking on the tune once again, HaVon told McEntire: “I just went through a breakup, and I love to get on stage and kind of be in character, but this time, there is no character. It’s just me.” He continued: “This is my first time facing those emotions.” McEntire replied: “Yeah, music is the best way to do it. It’ll heal your heart. It’ll help it.”
In an on-screen interview, the contestant provided more devastating context. “I chose my [career] dreams over my relationship,” he said. Despite the intense emotional turmoil caused by severing ties with his former partner, the vocalist said that pursuing his dreams has brought him immense personal growth (something McEntire noticed as well). After his moving initial performance for Urban and McEntire, the country legend asked HaVon: “That hurt, didn’t it?” He then said it did.
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Lewis, HaVon's Knockout competitor, made a promise that his chosen song wouldn't be a "crying song." He then displayed his musical skills and country flair by performing arousing rendition of Cody Johnson's "Nothin' on You," hinting that their upcoming competition would be on a higher level.
During the Knockouts round, HaVon unleashed the full power of his extraordinary vocal range and performed another poignant cover of "Un-break My Heart" that completely mesmerized McEntire and fellow coaches John Legend, Chance the Rapper, Gwen Stefani and Dan + Shay.
On the other hand, Lewis delivered an exceptional performance of "Nothin' on You," showcasing his impressive skills as a country artist.
"You guys give me chills, make me cry. I felt like a proud mama sitting here. You both got so much soul," McEntire said after watching both performers sing their hearts out.
"Asher, you open your mouth and this stuff comes out. Like, where did that come from? And I'm in awe. Wow. And then, Tae, you come up here, and you're a ball of energy," the "Fancy" artist added.
When the moment arrived to select the winner for her team from the duo of competitors, McEntire made a decision based on her intuition and emotions, ultimately choosing HaVon.
She expressed that there was an unexplainable quality about him that set him apart from anyone else. "Something about him is different than anybody," she gushed.
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Despite not being declared the winner, Lewis' journey, to fans' relief, did not come to an end. The other judges, including Legend and Chance the Rapper along with Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay, were determined to add Lewis to their teams. With Legend and Chance both putting in a convincing pitch, Lewis remained true to his country aspirations and ultimately joined Team Dan + Shay.
The 25th season of The Voice graces television screens every Monday evening on NBC. If you miss the live broadcast, the same episodes can be streamed on Peacock the following day.
Each Monday night, viewers can indulge in two hours of captivating battles, knockouts and performances like these, with the show commencing at 8 p.m., ET.
