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Season 26 of The Voice had many exciting auditions, and the competition grew tougher as the Blind Auditions drew to a close. With only a few spots left on the Coaches' teams, every performance became crucial.
Aspiring singers went on stage, hoping to win over celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Michael Bublé, John Legend, and Reba McEntire.
Although none of the Coaches turned their chairs during Mark Shiiba’s performance, Michael Bublé’s admiration for his unique sound led to a game-changing moment.
Utilizing the newly introduced Coach Replay feature, Bublé pressed his button after the performance ended, delivering high praise.
Bublé said:
"The Coach Replay is one of the greatest ideas that this show has ever had. I knew that I had made a mistake before the chair ever turned around because I think this guy is a star. He is literally the most unique Artist we’ve seen so far."
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Mark Shiiba’s musical journey and audition on The Voice
Mark Shiiba fell in love with music early on because he grew up in a home where music was always playing. His father, a huge karaoke fan, had a major impact on his taste in music.
Shiiba learned to play the guitar when he was 12 years old, and musicians like Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson influenced him. Music became an important part of his life as he continued to improve.
Things changed for him after high school when he joined the U.S. Navy. He lived on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific, constantly surrounded by the sound of jets and helicopters. Though he prioritized his service, Shiiba never let go of his love for music.
After completing his military service, Shiiba returned to his hometown of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, and refocused on his musical goals.
He attended The Voice Blind Auditions with his father and grandmother. His rendition of Bob Dylan's Don't Think Twice, It's Alright showcased his unique voice, combining guitar and harmonica in a raw, emotional performance.
Michael Bublé’s high praise and the impact of Coach Replay in The Voice
Even though the Coaches were initially unsure, it became clear that Michael Bublé would remember Mark Shiiba’s performance. After the performance, Bublé admitted he was conflicted during Shiiba's song, explaining that he was "on the fence the entire time."
However, it was the new feature added in season 26, Coach Replay, that made the audition stand out.
Coach Gwen Stefani also shared her thoughts:
“So, Mark. I have to say I was so on the fence the entire time. Your voice is such a character voice, which is what we love. I don’t want you to be discouraged. I thought it was really, really good.”
The Coach Replay feature in The Voice allowed Coaches to claim an artist even after not pressing their button during the song. This was great news for Bublé, who acknowledged that he had made a mistake by not turning his chair.
His choice to use his one and only Coach Replay on Shiiba reflected his belief in the young singer.
Bublé said:
"From the second you entered my ear hole, I was loving every second of that. I’m listening to you and I’m back there thinking, ‘How cool is it, on this season of The Voice, that we have something called the Coach Replay?’ so that I can do this.”
Viewers can watch The Voice every Monday and Tuesday at 8/7c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.
