'The Voice' Season 24: Viewers ask for John Legend's replacement after coach sends Deejay Young home
UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: Team Legend's Deejay Young, Lila Forde and Stee started off the first knockout of 'The Voice' Season 24 on November 13.
More than the participants, however, fans were left upset by coach John Legend, whom they labeled "horrible" after a tearful farewell.
Deejay began the practice with a Mint Condition cover, which piqued John's interest. Wynonna Judd stated that she is "invested" in the program now that she is meeting the next generation of singers.
.@DeejayYoung is giving a Mint Condition Knockout performance. 😎 #TheVoice pic.twitter.com/5wjTq3HsqK
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) November 14, 2023
"It's too much of a good thing, and I like it," Wynonna said during the reunion.
Deejay sang Mint Condition's 'Breakin' My Heart' (Pretty Brown Eyes). Deejay was a three-chair turn who traveled as a primary standby for Hamilton.
Niall Horan was immediately impressed by Lila as she began her version of James Taylor's 'Fire and Rain.' "Gah! I love her!" Niall said during the four-chair turn.
Lila is representing Team Legend in the playoffs.
"She needs to keep going in this competition!" John stated.
Been walking our mind to an easy time, like @lil_fody’s James Taylor cover. 🔥🌧 #TheVoice pic.twitter.com/MfL4Fl6hWV
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) November 14, 2023
On X, fans slam John writing, "I came here once again to say, if you are Black free yourself from joining John Legend’s team on #TheVoice. You are setting yourself up for failure in the Battles and/or Knockouts. Free Yourselves."
Another person added, "I can't believe John let Dee Jay go. He literally had me turn up the volume and pay attention, it felt like a real concert. Terrible decision #TeamLegend there's no way Lila is gonna win out Gwen's team."
I came her once again to say, if you are Black free yourself from joining John Legend’s team on #TheVoice. You are setting yourself up for failure in the Battles and/or Knockouts. Free Yourselves 🤷🏾♀️
— Shaw ✊🏾📺 (@LaDiDaShaw) November 14, 2023
I can't believe John let Dee Jay go. He literally had me turn up the volume and pay attention, it felt like a real concert. Terrible decision #TeamLegend there's no way Lila is gonna win out Gwen's team. #TheVoice SMH
— Iam_Myraj (@Iam_MyraJ) November 14, 2023
One person further noted, "I'm convinced John doesn't want to win with a black artist."
Another person tweeted, "Can talk about the fact that John is a horrible coach for #TheVoice? He’s pissed me off multiple seasons lol."
Can talk about the fact that John is a horrible coach for #TheVoice? He’s pissed me off multiple seasons lol.
— BG. (@briizyf_) November 14, 2023
I'm convinced John doesn't want to win with a black artist #TheVoice pic.twitter.com/ILlPLoKRGb
— Hassani Perkins (@Humbled_Sultan) November 14, 2023
One tweet also read, "Wait I’m sorry I think Deejay outperformed Lila, by a lot idk he was just better and more entertaining to me than Lila."
Others advised the younger singer, "DeeJay forget this foolishness. Go get yourself a @TheTonyAwards."
wait I’m sorry I think Deejay outperformed Lila, by a lot idk he was just better and more entertaining to me than Lila #TheVoice
— Theresa 😊 (@Theresa_cang) November 14, 2023
#TheVoice DeeJay forget this foolishness. Go get yourself a @TheTonyAwards
— VLJones (@VLJcreates) November 14, 2023
'The Voice' Season 24 coach Gwen Stefani made a steal from Team Legend
Team Legend has been robbed by Gwen Stefani! "Stee is just a flawless singer," Gwen remarked.
"I've wanted him since the blinds," she added.
The prettiest rendition of “Pretty Wings” by Maxwell thanks to @steemusic! 🎶 #TheVoice pic.twitter.com/LyomT89jmA
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) November 14, 2023
Who is Deejay Young in 'The Voice' Season 24?
Deejay's mother, a choir director in her youth, pushed him to sing. He was chosen for a summer tour of a gospel play that went across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama when he was five years old.
Deejay made the grownup decision to leave college early in order to focus on his musical career, at his grandmother's request.
Following his visit to Orlando for a casting call, 'Hamilton' has been on the road with the company, serving as the lead stand-in for five of the seven male parts.
As a standby, Deejay shows up to the theater warmed up and ready for every show, ready to fill in for a main cast member at any time.
Grandma Deejay always had the utmost faith in him, but she unexpectedly and suddenly went away.
Though Deejay never saw him play in 'Hamilton', she feels as though she is still here in spirit, encouraging him to move forward.
Who is Lila Forde in '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.
Who is Stee in 'The Voice' Season 24?
Being the classically trained vocalist that his parents were, Stee never wanted to be compared to them. Prior to being influenced by R&B singer Mario, he had grown up wanting to be an engineer.
He started his band in 2014 and started playing at weddings and other occasions.
One of Stee's greatest admirers and allies was his cousin Matthew, who shared Stee's desire to be a musician but was physically unable to pursue his career due to diabetes.
Since 2013, Matthew has urged Stee to try out for 'The Voice'. Since Matthew passed away in May, Stee was unable to inform Matthew that he would be hitting the stage, but he is eager to continue this journey in Matthew's memory.
'The Voice' Season 24 airs on Mondays at 8 pm ET and Tuesdays at 9 pm ET on NBC.