Maryland Singer Wows On 'The Voice,' Teams With Music Legend

BOWIE, MD — Maryland is not known for its musical roots, but Tamara Jade may change that. The Bowie woman is competing in "The Voice," a singing competition on NBC. Jade appeared in the season 19 premier Monday night, impressing coaches with her rendition of Lizzo's "Cuz I Love You."

When contestants try out, judges are seated with their backs to the singer. The coaches spin around when they want an auditioner on their team.

Hopefuls are lucky if one judge wants them. All four coaches turned around for Jade.

Pop-rock artist Kelly Clarkson was the first judge to enter the running. She twirled her chair after the fifth word that Jade sang.

"You're going to be in the finale," Clarkson told Jade. "You want someone that really moves everyone, and that's you."

R&B singer John Legend whirled around right after Clarkson. He praised Jade's well-rounded performance, from her powerful notes down to her delicate touches.

"What sealed the deal was the very end of the song where you kind of sang it more gracefully and more tenderly," Legend said. "She can do literally everything."

Pop artist Gwen Stefani was the third to swivel her chair, noting that she could help Jade with her rap singing. Country singer Blake Shelton was the last to join the chase. Shelton said his musical background may not pair well with Jade's, but he was still impressed with her soulful choruses.

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Jade ultimately chose Legend as her coach, citing his influence on her career. She saw Legend perform at New York City's Madison Square Garden in 2017, and the experience was moving.

"Until then, I convinced myself that stages that big weren’t going to welcome someone like me," Jade said on Instagram. "John Legend made me feel how I want to make the world feel: INSPIRED, EMPOWERED and MOTIVATED!"

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Jade has been singing for years. She made her first big step in 2016, performing in "The First Noel" at New York City's Apollo Theater.

The Bowie native took it a step further in 2019, singing and dancing with hip-hop star Lizzo at the MTV Video Music Awards. Jade released her debut album, called "Self Aware," later that year.

Now, Jade continues her journey on "The Voice." The show airs on NBC each Monday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and every Tuesday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is also available on Hulu.

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