Though "The Voice" seeks to find popular music's next breakout singer, it helps in the blind auditions to look like a star while capturing the overall aesthetic of your still-developing musical identity. Fair or not, fashion matters on national television, whether the contestant impeccably pulls off their genre of choice's clothing style du jour or they make a point not to fit a mold and instead express their individuality.
Contestants across Season 24 dressed for the job they want, sometimes in a typical way but often through their own quirky imaginings of what the next country star, pop sensation or R&B crooner should look like.
Here are six standouts from the blind auditions who made a statement to coaches Gwen Stefani, John Legend, Niall Horan and Reba McEntire with more than their song choice and singing talent.
Greg Gayne/NBC Country singer-songwriter Jordan Rainer stood out in part because of a renegade aesthetic that incorporates visual cues from Johnny Cash, John Lennon and others that shaped the look of someone who's infiltrated the mainstream to effect positive change. Her visual style punctuated the boldness of covering "Fancy" for her blind audition, which earned a spot on Team Reba. Greg Gayne/NBC Though Jacquie Roar's on Team Gwen thanks to an assist from the auditioner's daughter, she looks ready to challenge for McEntire's crown as a queen of country music. A glistening, white jacket with enough rhinestones and fringe to dress the entire CMT Next Women of Country roster plus a chained belt and massive crucifix earrings, made as powerful a statement as Roar's undeniable potential as a vocalist. Greg Gayne/NBC Just like Roar, Kara Tenae took advantage of cooler weather to stand out in her national TV moment. Tenae's bright yellow leather jacket and similarly-colored hoop earrings plus those paint-splattered pants made her look like a star. She sounded like one, as well, winning over fellow "Cali girl" and eventual coach Stefani. Greg Gayne/NBC Team Legend's Elizabeth Evans is a pop-loving songteller from Nashville who impressed while covering Paramore. A chained, black belt with heart charms lent some punk edge to a frilly, pink dress. Her chaotic yet kawaii look taught us what to expect before she sang a single note— and those notes won over Legend sight unseen. Greg Gayne/NBC Lila Forde's jazzy, singer-songwriter-style cover of Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home" swiftly earned four chair turns. Seconds into the song, the coaches were surely won over again by an outfit that mixes modern western wear (cowboy boots and turquoise jewelry) with a playful take on '70s fashion. Greg Gayne/NBC No contestant mixed and matched their way to a more memorable outfit than Laura Williams. She, too, punctuated quite the fashion statement with her jacket choice. Yet her bedazzled, leather top doesn't draw attention away from the swirled, two-toned denim slacks that gained complements from Horan, her soon-to-be coach.Jordan Rainer
Jacquie Roar
Kara Tenae
Elizabeth Evans
Lila Forde
Laura Williams
