The emotional rendition got all four coaches—Blake Shelton, John Legend, Gwen Stefani, and Camila Cabello—to turn their chairs for the first Nepalese American singer to audition for The Voice. “That was probably my favorite song that anybody has sung so far and the way you did it was masterful,” Camila said by way of starting the pitches. “I’ve had goosebumps in my whole body. That breath control and extending those notes, I think we both turned [indicating Gwen] around at the same time when you did that one crazy note choice.” Just as Camila had interrupted John the day before, John now cut in on her, pointing out, “I turned around before them, just so you know. I see you Parijita. I see you.” Camila then asked, “What kind of music do you want to make?” As the first Nepalese American to ever audition for The Voice, Parijita replied that she would definitely like to incorporate her culture into her singing and her music. Camila appreciated that thought, and said, “That’s been really, really important to me, too. I would be so excited to work with you.” Then it was Gwen’s turn. Gwen said, “You’re so natural and very unique. You’re so in touch with your heart, it’s incredible. I know that it would be really fun to work together, and I have a lot to offer. I have a lot of experience and I love you.” John then asked if Parijita had brought any family with her. “I did,” she said. “I brought my mom, my aunt, and my dad. Since season 1, The Voice has always been our family show. They owned a small restaurant and specifically closed on Mondays to watch The Voice on Monday night.” John continued his query, asking, “When you are listening to music, do you listen to a lot of music from the area where your friend is from? And he hit paydirt with her answer. “I do listen to Nepalese music, but my favorite genre is R&B and soul,” she said. “I know a coach up here that would be very good at working on R&B and soul,” John said. “The best artists are able to bring the music of their culture and of their roots into the wider global landscape of music. I think your voice is that kind of transcendent voice and it would be an honor for me to work with you." Finally, it was time for Blake to make his pitch, but he admitted, “I know good and well that I’m in over my head here.” John jumped in, saying, “Who knew that Blake Shelton was the underdog on The Voice?” Blake continued, “It’s true but it doesn’t mean that I’m also not as big of a fan of yours as everybody else is here. There is nobody else like you on my team. [Then he jokes, teasing Camila who always uses the line] I also have been on a singing competition show.” Camila won’t let him get away with that: “Blake, you’ve said a lot of dumb things but this is the dumbest one. Have you been in a girl group, too? It’s not too late Blake.” But Blake gave up, knowing he didn’t have a shot at landing Parijita on his team: “You know what? Screw it. Just pick a coach.” But before she picked, Parijita gifted each of the coaches with rudraksha beads that came from Nepal. John wrapped things up: “We’d all be so lucky to work with you, but who do you pick as your coach?” Parijita’s mother, father and aunt were all unanimous in encouraging her to pick John, and she did! “I have been losing a lot but it’s time to build up Team Legend,” John said. “Parijita, what a magical young lady. It was such a flawless, beautiful performance. I think she’s one of our most formidable artists in this competition. I love team Legend.” The Voice airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Next, Watch John Legend Block Blake Shelton on The Voice to Get a Country Crooner on His Team!
