There is something to be said for artists who can make a song their own. One hopeful on The Voice, Juliette Ojeda, delivered perhaps the most imaginative performance in the show’s history on Tuesday night (September 26). The young singer made Olivia Newton-John’s “Hopelessly Devoted to You” very much her own by adding Spanish-language verses and a production change.
Videos by American Songwriter
The song started off in typical fashion: lulling vocals and dramatic delivery. The iconic melody was well accounted for but made fresh through Ojeda’s Spanish translation. When the first chorus kicked in, Ojeda took things up a notch, trading Newton-John’s soft instrumentation for something far more rousing.
[RELATED: Jackson Snelling Wows with Justin Moore Cover on ‘The Voice’]
It was enough to catch the attention of three out of the four celebrity judges–Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Gwen Stefani. John Legend opted to not turn around for Ojeda.
“You’re such a dynamic artist,” Legend told Ojeda after she got done singing. “That was such a fun performance. It was like a rollercoaster.”
After Legend wrapped up his thoughts, the other judges began trying to sway the singer to their side.
“I would love to coach you because I feel like I could teach you control,” Stefani stepped in to say. “I just love your spirit. I can see that you’re ready to blossom.”
It was Horan’s turn next. Before the former boy bander could say anything, Ojeda jumped in to tell him that she was “a Directioner”–the nickname for One Direction fans. Horan’s fellow judges rolled their eyes at his inherent leg up with younger contestants.
“Juliette that was crazy in a really good way,” Horan said. “We don’t get too many bilingual singers on here. Where did you start your singing journey?”
“No one in my family does this,” Ojeda replied. “I’m a first-generation Cuban American. My parents have sacrificed their lives to come to this country. It would be silly for me not to follow my dreams. They followed theirs, so why can’t I?”
Ojeda ended up going with Team Gwen. Check out her unique performance below.
(Photo by: Greg Gayne/NBC)
