Gabrielle Zabosky’s Knockout round performance on The Voice Season 26, aired on November 12, made a strong impression on the coaches. She delivered a rendition of Miley Cyrus's Used to Be Young, which earned particular praise from guest coach Snoop Dogg, who commended her for the intensity and emotion in her performance.
Snoop Dogg’s reaction to her The Voice performance was one of genuine admiration, as he described feeling chills run down his back while watching her sing. He said,
"[Y]ou did an amazing job, and I felt you.”
This powerful moment was a testament to the emotional depth and vocal talent that Gabrielle brought to the stage. The heartfelt performance captivated not only the coaches but also the audience, confirming that her journey on The Voice was destined to make waves.
Gabrielle Zabosky’s powerful Knockout performance on The Voice
A look into Gabrielle Zabosky's journey
Gabrielle Zabosky’s challenging upbringing in a small trailer in Pennsylvania shaped her musical journey. Growing up with financial difficulties and facing personal challenges, including her mother’s mental health struggles, Gabrielle developed resilience and a passion for music. These experiences fostered her strong work ethic, which she channels into her performances on The Voice.
Gabrielle’s music career began to take shape when, at 20 years old, she joined an a cappella group formed by her workplace’s radio station. This opportunity allowed her to perform on platforms such as Good Morning America and collaborate with well-known artists. Gabrielle has acknowledged the role her family played in her development and the resilience she gained from her experiences.
Gabrielle’s emotional journey behind the song
Gabrielle Zabosky’s choice of Miley Cyrus’ Used to Be Young for the Knockout round reflected her personal experiences and emotional growth. In interviews, Gabrielle explained that the song brought back memories of a challenging period in her life, where she struggled with substance abuse and financial instability.
At the time, her family faced difficulties, including losing their home, which led Gabrielle to cope with alcohol abuse. She also emphasized that her personal growth over the years was central to her interpretation of the song.
The song resonated deeply with Gabrielle, and she conveyed the emotional weight of the lyrics through her performance. In rehearsals, The Voice season 26 Mega Mentor Sting noted Gabrielle’s ability to express vulnerability while maintaining strength in her voice. He commented,
“I like it when singers are vulnerable—and then they’re not. I love the power and the volume of her voice.”
Snoop Dogg’s reaction to Gabrielle’s performance was notable. He described feeling chills on his back and arms as he watched her sing. His comments emphasized the emotional effect of her delivery, which he conveyed by saying,
"Now, Gabrielle, you had chills down my back and my arms!....“I was like, ‘Get ‘em off me!’ But you kept singing — and then they came [up] on this side of my arm… [Y]ou did an amazing job, and I felt you.”
The Coaches' support and Gabrielle’s victory
Gabrielle’s performance on The Voice was acknowledged by the other coaches as well. Michael Bublé and Reba McEntire both expressed appreciation for her vocal ability and the emotional depth of her performance. Reba McEntire commented,
“She has such an incredible voice, and when you sing with that much passion, it’s impossible to not feel the connection.”
Michael Bublé also praised her vocal execution, noting her ability to deliver the song effectively. At the end of the Knockout round, Gwen Stefani, Gabrielle’s coach, selected her as the winner of the round. Gwen remarked,
“Gabriele has everything for me. She has this quirky personality; she’s humble. She’s someone I can see that I can help grow. I think that America’s definitely gonna fall in love with Gabriele!”
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