“Cool 70s vibe” — The Voice judge Michael Bublé comments on Iris Herrera’s performance

Small-town Michigan teen Iris Herrera delivered what her coach called her best performance yet during The Voice's high-stakes Playoffs Round on Monday, April 28. The 19-year-old from Newaygo impressed all four coaches with her rendition of Chris Stapleton's "White Horse," earning particular praise from Michael Bublé, who captured her essence perfectly:

"You have such a beautiful, cool 70's vibe, It's like Joplin and Nicks mixed into this one amazing 19-year old," Bublé remarked after her performance.

This powerhouse comparison to rock legends Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks highlighted Herrera's distinctive raspy vocals that belie her youth.

As The Voice coaches Kelsea Ballerini, Michael Bublé, John Legend, and Adam Levine each had to reduce their teams to just two artists moving on to the Live Shows, the performance was a pivotal point in the 27th season of the NBC competition.

Herrera saw the night as a chance for both atonement and opportunity after failing to flip a chair during her The Voice Season 26 audition. Her gothic-punk outfit featuring metallic pants and a cross-charm jacket visually complemented her commanding stage presence as she secured her place among the top 8 contestants.

---

Iris Herrera’s journey on The Voice explored

Herrera's performance showcased a vocal maturity that left both judges and audience members stunned. Her interpretation of Stapleton's track highlighted her signature raspy belt, which has become her calling card throughout the competition.

"You're voice was shredding," John Legend observed during the judges' feedback.

Elaborating:

"It was like, the energy, the charisma... the world wants to hear women rocking out right now and you're ready for this."

This sentiment was echoed by Mega Mentor Sheryl Crow during rehearsals when she told Herrera:

"I did not expect that huge voice to come out of your body."

Coach Ballerini agreed, noting that "that voice does not usually come from a 19-year-old."

Herrera's distinct position in the competition as a youthful talent with an old soul feel was highlighted by the commendations from well-known figures in the music industry.

Herrera's experience on The Voice is a quintessential tale of a successful comeback. When she failed to turn a chair during her audition for Season 26 of Fleetwood Mac's "Gipsy," she embraced the criticism from the judges and worked on her genuine approach.

"Last season with Fleetwood Mac 'Gypsy,' I played it safe by doing what Stevie Nicks does. I wasn't authentic and original to me," Herrera reflected on her previous attempt.

Declaring:

"[Now] I've got a whole new vibe and a whole new song that's specific to me."

This season, her blind audition performance of "You Are My Sunshine" secured her a spot on Team Ballerini, followed by victories in both the Battle Rounds with "Ceilings" and the Knockouts with "Jolene."

Adam Levine pinpointed what makes her performances so compelling:

"It's really simple. It's the only thing that matters with singing. If I don't believe you, I'm not interested. You are so hyper-believable. I feel all of the things that go into your performance."

---

What her performance means for The Voice

For Kelsea Ballerini, Herrera represents her first-ever team member on The Voice, making their journey together particularly significant. The coach has witnessed Herrera's growth throughout the competition and delivered the ultimate validation after her Playoffs performance.

"You just did everything that makes you, you. It's the best you've ever done," Ballerini told her artist before ultimately selecting her to advance to the Live Shows.

The decision places Herrera among the elite top 8 contestants vying for the Season 27 title. Her progression from rejection last season to becoming a frontrunner demonstrates the show's capacity to nurture developing talent.

As The Voice moves into its final phase with Live Shows beginning next week, Herrera's distinctive sound and style position her as a serious contender. Her ability to draw comparisons to iconic rock vocalists while maintaining her own identity gives her a unique advantage in a competition that values both technical skill and authenticity.

For viewers watching her journey from small-town Michigan to national television, Herrera's success story offers a compelling narrative about persistence and finding one's true artistic voice.

---

You can watch The Voice Season 26 on NBC every Monday and Tuesday at 8:00 pm ET/PT, with episodes available to stream the next day on Peacock.