NBC’s The Voice has been a launching pad for countless aspiring musicians, but some of the industry’s biggest names were actually rejected from the show. These stars, now household names, didn’t make it past the early rounds of the competition.
From the country chart-toppers to Grammy winners, here’s a look at eight famous singers who auditioned for The Voice but were initially turned away.
1. Luke Combs
Despite his eight Grammy nominations and six CMA awards, Luke Combs was once rejected from The Voice. The country artist, known for hits like “Fast Car,” tried out for the show, but was told he was “too boring to be on television.”
Combs shared in a 2022 interview that, although he made it to the second round, he was ultimately cut. Reflecting on the experience, he recalled being surrounded by thousands of people and waiting hours for his turn. “It was a clown show,” he admitted.
2. Chappell Roan
Before winning a Grammy for Best New Artist, Chappell Roan auditioned for The Voice at just 15 years old. The “Pink Pony Club” singer performed Rihanna’s “Stay,” but had a frustrating experience when a producer didn’t even look up from his phone during her audition. Roan later expressed that she felt invisible and was dismissed quickly, despite singing a cappella in an attempt to stand out.
3. Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen, now a dominant figure in country music, was part of The Voice Season 6, where he started on Usher’s team before being stolen by Adam Levine. However, he was eliminated during the playoffs. Reflecting on his time on the show, Wallen said, “I’m thankful for that time… It kick-started me a little bit.” He also mentioned that being cut gave him time to figure out who he was as an artist and focus on building his career.
4. Maren Morris
Maren Morris, who won a Grammy in 2017, was rejected by both The Voice and American Idol early in her career. During a 2019 interview, she revealed that not making it on the competition shows was a blessing in disguise. “Now people cover my songs for their auditions… I get to collect the check and have some sweet revenge,” she joked.
5. Lainey Wilson
Before becoming a mentor on The Voice, Lainey Wilson auditioned for the show a remarkable seven times. “I didn’t even make it to the part where they turn the chairs around,” she confessed in a 2024 interview. Despite repeated rejections, Wilson’s determination paid off, and she is now a respected figure in country music.
6. Camila Cabello
Though Camila Cabello rose to fame with Fifth Harmony on The X Factor, she initially auditioned for The Voice before making that leap. She passed the producer round but ultimately left to pursue a chance to meet One Direction, who were performing on The X Factor at the time. In 2022, Cabello returned to The Voice as a coach, bringing her full circle.
7. Anthony Ramos
Hamilton star Anthony Ramos was cut in the first round of The Voice and didn’t even make it to the TV auditions. He was told to “work on your breathing and come back next year.” Ramos later returned to the show as a mentor for Reba McEntire’s team in 2023, finding success in his own way.
8. Melanie Martinez
Melanie Martinez is known for her unique style and major success after appearing on The Voice Season 3. Though she was eliminated from the show after making it to the top six, she later reflected on how the experience taught her a lot about what she wanted in her career.
“I was really in love with songwriting,” she said, adding that performing other people’s songs on the show was a challenge. Today, she is known for her original music, such as “Play Date.”
Source: people.com
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