Niall Horan begs for a steal as Lila Forde rocks 'The Voice' Season 24 Playoffs with '70s hit performance
UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: Coach Niall Horan is appealing for a chance to steal a brilliant singer as 'The Voice' Season 24 reaches the quarterfinals.
Niall was blown away by Lila Forde's performance of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt's 'Angel From Montgomery', which earned a standing ovation from Niall and fellow coaches Reba McEntire and John Legend in a preview clip released ahead of the November 28 episode.
While Lila found a home on Legend's side, Niall expressed his wish to have the potential talent on his side by joking, "Hello producers, can I have another steal, please?"
"You're incredible," Niall said to Lila in the video, adding, "Your runs were so flavorful; your lower register is really nice [and] when you get up there, it’s really pretty. You are one of my favorite acts I’ve seen on ‘The Voice.'"
"This is high praise, Niall," John said proudly. "We love to see it."
Gwen Stefani, who is also a "big fan," praised Lila's distinct '70s atmosphere, remarking that it doesn't feel like the singer is "copying" prior renditions of the style.
"It flows through you so naturally and authentically that it's exciting for someone like me to see a young girl that feels so authentic and pure," she remarked.
Reba was equally taken with the cover and pointed out Lila's inflections here and there that made her the "full package," telling John that he had no choice but to choose her to advance to the next level of the NBC competition program.
John Legend saves Lila Forde to proceed to 'The Voice' Season 24 Live Shows
Prior to narrowing down his squad, John lauded Lila's "light" that marks her as an individual "with a real sense of identity."
"The runs you do make these classic songs sound more modern, but they don't take you out of the spirit of the song," he remarked, "It’s fresh, but it’s classic at the same time, and I’m just thrilled to work with you."
"I’m thrilled to work with you, thank you, John," Lila said.
As per the Idol Forums and other online rumors, Lila makes it past the playoffs.
Who is Lila Forde on 'The Voice' Season 24?
Lila's mother, a talented concert pianist known for her proficiency with crystal bowls and classical music, had a significant influence on her musical career. Her parents were raised in a spiritual household in Seattle, and for the last 20 years, they have been meditation instructors.
For the past five years, they have also been the proud proprietors of a meditation camp resort located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Lila's parents provide sound baths and lead meditation retreats, creating immersive experiences for their visitors. At the USC Thornton School of Music, Lila studied jazz voice and developed a love for songwriting.
Lila started her first tour last autumn, traveling around Europe to perform original songs as the opening act for Los Angeles singer-songwriter Rachel Mazer. Lila plays these days at private parties, farmers' markets, and upscale hotels.
Her first album is presently being recorded; she was able to record it because of the kind donations to her Kickstarter campaign, which brought in $16,000.
Lila Forde's journey on 'The Voice' Season 24
Lila has the most potential of all John's artists to cross genres in a way that can appeal to the voting public the most, despite the fact that her battle round performance was never aired in its entirety. She played the keys and sang so well that she blinded all four coaches.
She then defeated two artists in one of the round's most intense three-way knockouts. John responded to that performance by praising Lila's ability to use her own distinct creative vision to stray from the original versions.
'The Voice' Season 24 airs on Mondays at 8 pm/ET and Tuesdays at 9 pm/ET on NBC