The Voice Season 29 Blind Auditions (Episode 2) shocked fans with a powerhouse vocalist who many are already tipping to win the whole show.

Mike Steele’s “Deep, Rich Voice” Voice Left Kelly Clarkson Stunned When He Spoke

The Coaches have been impressed left and right so far on The Voice: Battle of Champions. 

In the world of The Voice: Battle of Champions, the “voice” in question is an Artist’s singing voice. But of course, we also hear them talk, and it was one Artist’s speaking voice that really got to Coach Kelly Clarkson during the second night of Blind Auditions.

Mike Steele, 28, from Tutwiler, Missouri earned an almost instant Triple Turn when he auditioned with the song “For Tonight,” his silky baritone proving that he has the chops for the competition. Then he spoke and sounded…mild-mannered? Clarkson was shocked, telling Steele bluntly, “I don’t feel like your talking voice matches your singing voice.” But Steele said of her reaction, “I get that a lot, actually.”

“That rich baritone is rare,” said Coach John Legend, as Coach Adam Levine admitted, “It’s that deep, rich voice I wish I had.” Levine is, after all, famous for his upper register.

Legend tried to play up more of his similarities to the Artist, noting that Steele’s two-toned suit was strikingly similar to an outfit Legend had worn on the show previously. “Aww, you have so much in common,” replied Clarkson sarcastically. The ever-candid Levine added, “I don’t have that suit, but I can borrow yours.”

How Mike Steele was convinced to join Team Legend on The Voice

Mike Steele appears on The Voice Season 29 Episode 2.

Photo: Griffin Nagel/NBC

Steele is currently pursuing a degree in music to better provide for his two children, and was previously a teacher’s assistant.

“I know I have to be the best role model for my children because I didn’t have the best role models,” he explained, hoping that competing on The Voice will show them that “coming from small areas doesn’t have to define who you are as a person.” Accompanied by his daughter Autumn, Steele reflected, “I know that I’m here for a reason…I’m doing it for my family and I just wanna make them proud.”

After he sang, it became clear that the competition was between stellar vocalists Clarkson and Legend, who each had very different ideas about song choices going forward. Clarkson said that, if Steele joined Team Kelly, she would push him to explore all kinds of genres, pointing to her own experience launching a career on reality TV by singing Aretha Franklin only to turn around and become a pop star. Legend disagreed, telling Steele he wanted to help him “establish your identity as an artist so people know what kind of album to expect with you.”

“I hate when mom and dad fight,” grumbled Levine, but there was no bad blood; Clarkson and Legend hugged it out before Steele ultimately chose Team Legend.

The Voice: Battle of Champions

The Voice Season 29 is shaking things up, premiering on Monday, February 23 at 9/8c on NBC and streaming the next day on Peacock.

Officially titled The Voice: Battle of Champions, Season 29 features the show’s first-ever three-Coach lineup, putting The Voice OGs Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, and John Legend back in the red chairs for an epic showdown.

The Voice Season 29 will also introduce fresh format updates such as the “Triple Turn Competition” and the “Super Steal.” You also won’t want to miss the exciting return of CeeLoo Green in a totally new role.

See how Steele continues to establish himself as a rising star by watching The Voice: Battle of Champions on Monday nights at 9/8c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.