'The Voice' Season 24: Who is Jackson Snelling? Autistic singer ditches Gwen Stefani for his favorite coach

Jackson Snelling said that music helped him deal with autism making both Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire turn chairs for him
UPDATED SEP 26, 2023
Jackson Snelling wowed 'The Voice' Season 24 coaches Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire (Instagram/@gwenstefani, @nbcthevoice, @snellingjackson)
Jackson Snelling wowed 'The Voice' Season 24 coaches Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire (Instagram/@gwenstefani, @nbcthevoice, @snellingjackson)

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA: Jackson Snelling, a 21-year-old country singer, wowed the 'The Voice' judges with his audition.

However, the contestant not just turned some heads but also upset one of the coaches.

Jackson and his brother, both from Austin, Indiana, are adopted and autistic. If the background sounds familiar, it's because he revealed it on Season 19 of 'American Idol' in 2021.

Jackson helps his sibling and assists him with daily activities. He learned at the age of seven that his father had died. It was a difficult time in his life.

Jackson's song selection ties him to his father. He delivered the song in a clean and resonant country tone.



 

Who turned for Jackson Snelling on 'The Voice' Season 24?

'The Voice' coach Niall Horan didn't turn for Jackson Snelling because of high-pitched notes while John Legend appreciated Snelling's wonderful tone but believed the final part of his song was the most powerful.

Jackson admitted he grew up listening to "Miss Reba," and she was in turn pleased that he represents country music. 

Gwen Stefani mentioned Blake Shelton repeatedly and told Snelling that she is picky and that she has had two country radio hits. Reba chuckled and said, "I've had more than two."

Gwen Stefani, Jackson Snelling, and Reba McEntire (Instagram/gwenstefani/snellingjackson/reba)
Gwen Stefani, Jackson Snelling, and Reba McEntire (Instagram/gwenstefani/snellingjackson/reba)

Which coach did Jackson Snelling pick on 'The Voice' Season 24?

Jackson wowed the judges with his audition. Gwen and Reba both chose the musician, who told the judges that music has helped him cope with autism.

Reba complimented him on his vocals and said he reminds her of authentic country music. Jackson finally picked Reba as his coach, much to Gwen's chagrin.

Jackson Snelling picks Reba McEntire on 'The Voice' Season 24 (Instagram/reba/snellingjackson)
Jackson Snelling picked Reba McEntire as his coach on 'The Voice' Season 24 (Instagram/@reba, @snellingjackson)

What happened to Jackson Snelling on 'American Idol'?

Jackson appeared on 'American Idol' Season 19 as a competitor. He sang his original song 'Please Listen' on the show.

While the judges all agreed that he had a strong singing voice, they believed he wasn't ready yet, and they all voted "no," removing him from the competition.

Jackson Snelling on 'American Idol' Season 19 (Instagram/snellingjackson)
Jackson Snelling performs on 'American Idol' Season 19 (Instagram/@snellingjackson)

'The Voice' airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8 pm ET on NBC. But if you miss it, you can watch Season 24 on FuboTV or stream it on Peacock.

RELATED TOPICS GWEN STEFANI THE VOICE (2011)

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