From Season 23 Rejection To Team Reba: Al Boogie Impresses With Joe Diffie Cover On ‘The Voice’

37-year-old Al Boogie got a second shot at The Voice stardom when he returned to the show for a second blind audition after failing to get a chair turn during Season 23 earlier this year. This time around, the country singer caught the attention of Reba McEntire with a cover of Joe Diffie’s “Pick Up Man.” 

His redemption audition paid off. Boogie lucked out when Reba turned her chair. 

“Big part of my upbringing was listening to you on the radio,” he told the country music icon. 

Total Redemption

Now a proud member of Team Reba, Al Boogie says he grew up with a strong country influence. 

“With a capital C – Country,” Reba applauded before later adding, “I’m a big fan already. We’re going to have a blast.” 

Season 24 Audition

The Louisiana native first auditioned for The Voice with “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” by Travis Tritt during Season 23. Despite his energetic performance, none of the Season 23 coaches – including Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Niall Horan, and Chance The Rapper – decided to turn their chairs for him.

Following his Season 24 blind audition, Niall Horan pointed out, “You were here last year, huh?”

The country music hopeful revealed that yes, he was in fact on the show last season, but that he might look a bit different this time around. 

“Well, a little bit more of me was here last year. I’ve actually lost about 50 pounds since I was here,” he proudly shared from the stage. 

Re-Live His Season 23 Audition

The coaches applauded Al Boogie’s hard work as they declared, “That’s so cool.” 

Horan went on to give the contestant a bit of constructive criticism. “What I would love is just to add some of your grit, to make it feel more passionate, sound like you own those lyrics” he told him. 

Gwen Stefani explained her reason for not turning her chair. “It’s a genre that I’ve been learning obviously for the last eight years since I’ve been with Blake, but I feel like your voice when you speak, has so much character and in the song it did as well, but I was maybe looking for a little bit more character at the right times,” she said. “So then when Reba pressed, I was like, ‘oh my gosh, Gwen, you don’t even know what you’re talking about.’ And then it was over and here we are.”

John Legend Hopes To Hear More Range From His Future Performances

While Stefani expressed regret in not turning her chair, John Legend opened up about wanting to hear “more range” in his future song choices.

Reba was thrilled to add Al Boogie to her team. As the coaches wrapped up their feedback, she joined the newly minted Team Reba member for some tater tots on stage. 

“I love Al’s voice because I love nineties country music – the best – and he represented as well. He’s got a great voice,” she said. 

Monday evening marked the fifth round of blind auditions. The Voice Season 24,  featuring the new star-studded panel of coaches, which includes Niall Horan, John Legend, Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani, continues on Tuesday at 9/8c.