Hazel Gerson Stuns ‘The Voice’ Coaches With Powerful ‘Too Close’ Audition
A commanding voice, explosive energy and a performance that left the coaches eager to recruit her — Hazel Gerson made an immediate impression on the Season 30 premiere of NBC’s The Voice.
The 21-year-old vocalist from San Jose, California, took on Alex Clare’s hit song “Too Close,” delivering a fierce rendition that caught the attention of three coaches and sparked a spirited battle to secure her place on their teams.
Three Coaches Turn Their Chairs for Hazel Gerson
Gerson’s audition earned chair turns from Kelly Clarkson, Queen Latifah and Riley Green, giving the young singer three potential mentors to choose from as she began her journey on the competition.
Each coach had a reason to want her on their roster, and the audition quickly turned into a lively contest to win her over.
Kelly Clarkson, in particular, praised Gerson’s vocal depth and expressed her desire to help the singer unlock even more of her potential. Clarkson described the ambition as bringing out the “lion” within her, suggesting that Gerson had the power and personality to develop into an even more formidable performer.
The Coaches Pull Out All the Stops
With three chairs turned, the coaches worked hard to convince Gerson that their team was the right place for her.
The recruitment effort included playful attempts to win her over with personalised gifts, including a custom jacket and Carhartt overalls. The lighthearted competition added another layer of excitement to an audition that had already captured the panel’s attention.
Ultimately, Gerson had to decide which coach could best guide her through the next stage of the competition.
She chose Team Kelly, joining Clarkson’s roster for Season 30.
A Musical Family Background
Gerson’s connection to music extends beyond the The Voice stage. She is the daughter of independent singer-songwriter Ruth Gerson, giving her a family background rooted in music.
Now, with a successful Blind Audition behind her and a place on Team Kelly secured, Hazel Gerson has taken her first major step in the competition. Her performance of “Too Close” introduced her to a national audience and gave the coaches an early glimpse of the vocal power she could bring to the season.