Emily Ann Roberts’ blind audition on The Voice Season 9 is the kind of moment that sticks with fans—and coaches—for a long time. With her breathtaking take on Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance,” the then-16-year-old not only stunned the crowd but triggered an epic (and hilarious) tug-of-war between Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.
Adam turned his chair almost instantly, clearly captivated by her emotional depth and vocal control. Blake, the country music powerhouse himself, waited until the last beat before slamming his button, turning around with that signature smirk, ready to stake his claim.
The tension between the coaches quickly turned playful-but-cutthroat. When Emily Ann sweetly mentioned her love for country and hinted that Blake “would be a good connection,” Adam pounced—trying to persuade her with charm and promises of collaboration, even suggesting he’d consult Blake for advice. But Blake wasn’t having it.
“Why would you go with a coach who’s then going to turn around and ask me how to coach you?” Blake jabbed, landing a classic Voice one-liner that only made the audience cheer louder.
Ultimately, Emily Ann followed her heart (and her genre) straight to Team Blake—and it paid off. She didn’t just hang in the competition; she soared all the way to the finals, becoming a fan favorite and country darling in her own right. Though she came second to Jordan Smith, her voice and journey left a lasting impression.
Later in the season, her duet with Blake on “Islands in the Stream” showed just how perfectly matched they were. Country roots, strong harmonies, and undeniable stage chemistry made it clear that she’d made the right choice.
She’s since continued to chase her dream post-Voice, proving that sometimes a chair-turn moment can truly change your life.
