Rocking head-to-toe denim – as well as some brown cowboy boots – Donny Van Slee captivated both Reba McEntire and Dan + Shay during his blind audition for The Voice season 25, showcasing his one-of-a-kind vocals and rasp during his own iteration of LANCO’s “Greatest Love Story.”
McEntire’s Uses Her Only Block
Just 14 seconds into the song, Reba could not help but feel captivated by Van Slee’s vocals, turning her chair around and using her only block on double chair coaches Dan + Shay. The GRAMMY Award-winning duo also attempted to extend Van Slee an offer to join their team, however, McEntire’s quick thinking prevented them from doing so. Naturally, both Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney threw their hands up in defeat, all while the “I’m a Survivor” singer shared a smile and a laugh.
With both John Legend and Chance the Rapper failing to turn their chairs around, Van Slee secured a spot on Team Reba by default. Letting out a massive cheer and a “Let’s go!” as soon as he completed his blind audition, it is safe to say that Van Slee is content with working with the Country Music Hall of Famer nonetheless.
Dan + Shay Offer Encouragement Despite Being Blocked
“We tried… Buckle up, Reba. We’re coming for you,” Dan + Shay said as they greeted the Weeki Wachee, Florida native, prior to praising his performance.
“Unbelievable tone. That was the first thing that I noticed. In country music, that tone is a really big, important piece of it,” Shay shared with Van Slee, before his partner added in his insight.
Dan then dished, “That’s a great song choice for you too. That’s just a great rootsy kind of thing. I feel like your voice lends itself to that style really, really well. Bummed we didn’t get you. We got blocked by Reba. You’re in good hands… Congratulations.”
Lands A Spot On Team Reba
Reba proceeded to praise Van Slee, who will be joining Team Reba alongside The Voice season 25 hopefuls Tae Lewis and Josh Sanders.
“I love your voice. I love the little raspiness, and when I heard you, my first thought was ‘Block them!’” because I knew they were gonna go for it so quick,” she spilled, prior to offering the 30-year-old some of her signature chicken tenders.
With the “Save Me The Trouble” singers promising to steal him later, Van Slee went down to Reba’s chair to formally meet his new coach – as well as grab said chicken tenders – with excitement written all over his face.
Watch His Blind Audition Below
Who Is Donny Van Slee?
Believe it or not, Donny Van Slee – who often refers to himself as Dr. Donny – is not a full-time musician. Instead, he is a 30-year-old chiropractor from Weeki Wachee, Florida, who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee full-time, pursuing music on the side.
Performing at Music City’s iconic Whiskey Jam at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in the past – on the same evening as another auditionee, Karen Waldrup – it is safe to say that Van Slee has dipped his toe into the music industry quite a bit, taking to social media to tease some original tunes, as well as some covers.