If you tune into The Voice [1] each season, you'll know that there's no time more exciting than the blind auditions. While zero chair turns are far and few (at least the ones aired), spine-chilling, beautiful covers are aplenty. The judges aren't afraid to call out special talent when they see it — you'll witness Jennifer Hudson [2] hopping on stage to sing a duet with a contestant [3] or throwing her shoe [4] as a compliment every now and then. From Ryan Quinn's soulful take [5] on Steve Winwood's classic "Can't Find My Way Home" to SandyRedd's powerhouse rendition [6] of Bishop Briggs' "River" here are the best auditions of all time on NBC's longstanding music competition.
Season 3: Terry McDermott, "Baba O'Riley" by The Who
Before going head to head in the season three finale with fellow Team Blake contestant Cassadee Pope, Terry McDermott powered through this rock classic by The Who with crystal clear vocals.
Season 4: Judith Hill, "What a Girl Wants" by Christina Aguilera
Having provided backup vocals for artists such as Michael Jackson [7], Josh Groban, and Stevie Wonder, Judith Hill confidently took on Christina Aguilera [8]'s "What a Girl Wants" in her season four audition. Her masterful vocal control and warm tone impressed all four coaches and landed her a spot on Team Adam.
Season 5: Matthew Schuler, "Cough Syrup" by Young the Giant
Indie rocker Matthew Schuler amazed all four coaches with a chilling acapella opening in his rendition of "Cough Syrup." He was so good that he even had Christina playing the air drums in her seat.
Season 5: Tessanne Chin, " Try" by Pink
Season five winner Tessanne Chin lent her signature warm, emotional vocals to Pink's radio hit. Watching her perform vocal acrobatics during her blind audition, you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to realise that she was going to go far in the competition.
Season 6: Christina Grimmie, "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus
Shortly before her tragic death in 2016 [9], Christina Grimmie impressed viewers with her powerful pop sound. Coming into the competition with a loyal YouTube fanbase, Grimmie flaunted her dynamic range with Miley Cyrus [10]' "Wrecking Ball." It wasn't really all that much of a leap when Usher [11] deemed her a "baby Céline Dion." [12]
Season 8: Sawyer Fredericks, "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow" by Soggy Bottom Boys
It's hard to believe that Sawyer Fredericks was only 16 when he first auditioned for The Voice. The coaches immediately took to his folksy growls and the Bob Dylan-esque quality of his voice during his cover of "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow."
Season 9: Jordan Smith, "Chandelier" by Sia
Anyone who's watched season nine of The Voice knows that Jordan Smith can sing anything from Queen to Adele. Sia's "Chandelier" is an insanely hard song to sing [13]. But Smith nailed it in his audition, flaunting smooth, soaring vocals even in the hardest transitions.
Season 9: Sydney Rhame, "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran
Sydney Rhame became the last person to join Pharrell's team in season nine with a tender and vulnerable take on Ed Sheeran's "Photograph." Since all the other teams were full by the time she performed, you can see the other coaches peeking behind their chairs to watch her emotional cover.
Season 10: Ryan Quinn, "Can't Find My Way Home" by Steve Winwood
Schoolteacher Ryan Quinn delivers a soulful performance [14] of Steve Winwood's "Can't Find My Way Home." This four-chair turn contestant will likely bring you to tears, and let's be honest, he's a bit of a hot daddy.
Season 12: Chris Blue, "The Tracks of My Tears" by Smokey Robinson
Taking on Smokey Robinson is no easy feat, but Chris Blue did it with soul, energy, and an undeniable vocal prowess. He joined Team Alicia last in season 12 but became the first artist to help her win The Voice.
Season 12: Lauren Duski, "You Were Meant for Me" by Jewel
It's hard not to love Lauren Duski's warm, vulnerable cover of Jewel's "You Were Meant for Me." Joining Team Blake, the young country singer went all the way to the finale on season 12 of The Voice.
Season 13: Chloe Kohanski, "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac
OK, so we all loved Harry Styles' arrangement of this Fleetwood Mac classic [15] but Chloe Kohanski's cover was pretty great as well. The young chanteuse killed her performance of "The Chain" with a gritty, energetic vocal and an unforgettable rock and roll style—hello, fringe jacket!
Season 13: Chris Weaver, "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding
Sometimes known for his drag persona as Nedra Belle, Chris Weaver honoured the great Otis Redding in this spitfire performance of "Try a Little Tenderness" that had all the coaches on their feet dancing (and Jennifer looking for shoes to throw).
Season 14: Christiana Danielle, "Hotline Bling" by Drake
The Voice is known for its vocal powerhouses, but every now and then, you'll see a more tone-down singer like Christiana Danielle. Channelling the husky, emotional, and creative styles of Imogen Heap and Sade, Christiana brings a tender twist to Drake's hit, which is essentially about a booty call.
Season 15: Kennedy Holmes, "Turning Tables" by Adele
The Voice loves its young contestants, and 13-year-old Kennedy Holmes [16] has to be one of its most talented wunderkinds yet. Even though she's so young, she's able to channel the anguish in Adele's soulful song and hit all of the hardest notes.
Season 15: SandyRedd, "River" by Bishop Briggs
All four judges hit their buttons for SandyRedd's fiery cover of "River" by Bishop Briggs. Her look is amazing, and her energetic performance will give you serious Tina Turner vibes [17].