Country Showdown On The Voice: Reba and Dan + Shay ‘Duke It Out’ Over Josh Sanders

A country showdown ensued during The Voice blind auditions as contestant Josh Sanders found himself caught between coaches Reba McEntire and Dan + Shay, both vying to recruit him for their teams.

Sanders Covered Nate Smith’s “Whiskey On You”

Sanders, a resident of Kannapolis, North Carolina, earned a two-chair turn for his performance of Nate Smith’s breakout hit, “Whiskey On You.” Sanders made the song his own, showcasing his powerful vocals while catching the attention of McEntire and Dan + Shay. 

Chance the Rapper was the first to give the 35-year-old feedback. “I don’t know the song, just being honest, but I’m sure the originator would be proud,” he told him. 

After the audience laughed, Chance admitted, “I’m just really excited to see Reba and Dan + Shay duke it out, so I’m going to pass it on.” 

Reba and Dan + Shay Faced Off

Reba took her shot, telling the contestant, “Josh, I loved your vocal. I thought it was great. It was stout. The power, once you got into it, I really did like it. Then I saw them turning around. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, now what am I going to have to do?’ Would really love to have you on Team Reba, you’re great!” 

Shay Mooney gave Nate Smith a shoutout while praising Sanders’ voice. 

“That’s a very hard song to sing. There’s a lot of range in that. Nate Smith…It’s our buddy. When I was hearing those high notes, I just felt like the power of your voice was fantastic and I said, ‘We can’t just give it to Reba. We’ve got to represent Nashville.” 

Sanders Is A Pastor

Josh Sanders revealed he keeps his voice sharp as a paster and by leading worship every Sunday. 

“I could tell, man. I could tell you got that confidence up there. Got swagger. It’s awesome, man,” Dan Smyers told him.  

When it was time to decide which team to join, Sanders said, “My goodness guys, I love y’all, but I can’t turn down the queen of country!”

After Josh Sanders officially joined Team Reba, she shared, “First day of season 25 is going amazingly well. There was everything in Josh’s voice that I absolutely loved. It was round, it had a little grit to it. I’m thrilled to pieces that he chose me, he’s a perfect country singer.”

Watch His Blind Audition

Sanders Has Five Kids

According to Instagram, Sanders is a father of five. He often shares photos of his wife and children on social media. 

His followers shared their excitement over his blind audition on Instagram.  

“Congratulations🎉 such a great song choice. Blessed with a beautiful voice,” one fan shared. 

Another added, Congrats Josh!! Can’t believe you didn’t sing a Chris Stapleton song, but you killed it! Can’t wait to watch you this season!” 

The Voice returns to NBC with another round of blind auditions next Monday and Tuesday at 8/7c.