Why was Reba McEntire crying? 'The Voice' Season 25 coach tears up as Josh Sanders dedicates live act to wife

'The Voice's Reba McEntire was moved by Josh Sanders' bond with his wife and his 'special' performance of that song in her honor
UPDATED MAY 7, 2024
Josh Sanders was raised in a musical family and began playing bass guitar as a kid in the church band (Facebook/@reba/@joshsandersmusic)
Josh Sanders was raised in a musical family and began playing bass guitar as a kid in the church band (Facebook/@reba/@joshsandersmusic)

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: Josh Sanders delivered a heartfelt rendition of "Angels" by Thomas Rhett on the May 6 episode of 'The Voice' Season 25, accompanied by a touching story about his and his wife's courtship.

The country singer surprised fans as he vied for his spot in the semifinals with his emotional performance. Josh's rendition of Thomas' ballad was as powerful as the broadside of a barn. It was nuanced, well-calibrated, and delivered with force.



 

"That touched my heart so much," exclaimed Reba McEntire, deeply moved by Josh's performance. Fans are left wondering what more a country music enthusiast could ask for.

On X, one fan wrote, "Josh punched America in the heart with that one!" Another called it, "Best performance of the night."



 



 

One fan further wrote, "He did this song so damn good. I could lessen to him all night. Great job." Another fan wrote, " Josh Sanders may have just won The Voice! Great performance!"



 



 

One fan claimed, "Josh just blew me away!!" Another fan said, "So far Josh is the best."



 



 

'The Voice' Season 25 coaches were moved by Josh Sanders's Live performance   

Shay Mooney said, "Oh, My Goodness," admitting he was on the verge of tears, confident that America was as touched as he was by Josh's performance. Reba stated that every guy has a lovely lady behind him and that his performance came from the heart. 

Josh Sanders previously auditioned for 'American Idol' (YouTube/The Voice)
Josh Sanders impressed 'The Voice' coaches with a moving performance (YouTube/@The Voice)

Who is Josh Sanders on 'The Voice' Season 25?

Josh was raised in a musical family and developed his passion for music from a young age, starting with playing bass guitar in the church band. After learning to play the guitar in his teens, he was invited to join a band called Smokin. 

During his late teens and early twenties, Josh played in various rock bands, as well as on Rock Legends cruise ships and shows along the East Coast. Josh opted to abandon the rockstar lifestyle in his twenties and settle down with his wife, Kendra, whom he had known since they were neighbors at the age of five. 

They had three girls and a son, Leelynd, who died the day he was born. They have been blessed with another daughter, bringing their family to seven.   

'The Voice' Season 25 contestant Josh Sanders has appeared on 'American Idol' before (X/@NBCTheVoice)
'The Voice' Season 25 contestant Josh Sanders has appeared on 'American Idol' before (X/@NBCTheVoice)

When will 'The Voice' Season 25 finale air?

It all culminates in the two-part Season 25 finale on May 20 and May 21, when the winner of 'The Voice' will be revealed. So, if you're a huge fan of The Voice and want to stay up to date on every new episode for the rest of the season, mark your calendars!

'The Voice' Season 25 fans call Blind Auditions 'staged' (Instagram/nbcthevoice)
'The Voice' Season 25 finale to air on May 20 an May 21 (Instagram/@nbcthevoice)

'The Voice' Season 25 airs on Mondays at 8 pm ET and Tuesdays at 9 pm ET on NBC.

RELATED TOPICS THE VOICE (2011)

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Episode 6 of ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14 pauses for an emotional farewell to former contestant James Van Der Beek, 48, after his death from cancer
5 hours ago
Vic St John and Christine Hamilton became the first couple to get engaged in 'Love Is Blind' Season 10
5 hours ago
During a pod date with Brittany Wicker, Anderson revealed he was briefly pulled away by production because of a family emergency
6 hours ago
At the end of Episode 1, Elissa Finley panicked and cried, causing concern among the contestants and crew
7 hours ago
Owl’s exit stuns judges as a country hitmaker is finally revealed on ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14.
8 hours ago
‘RHONY’ spinoff ‘The Golden Life’ heads to Florida this spring, reuniting fan-favorite housewives for sunshine, glam and fresh drama.
1 day ago
'Love Is Blind' Season 10 has viewers on the edge of their seats with eight engagements, secret splits, and a rumored annulment
1 day ago
‘Summer House’ spin-off 'In the City' follows Kyle, Amanda & Lindsay as they navigate NYC life, love, friendships, and adulthood beyond the Hamptons
1 day ago
As ‘Survivor’ celebrates its 50th season, questions about the series’ future swirl and exec producer Matt Van Wagenen hints at what’s ahead
1 day ago
‘Love Is Blind’ Season 10 premiere date revealed as Netflix drops sneak peek
1 day ago