Dupre’s voice makes judges turn around on NBC hit show

Family and friends of James Dupre gathered around the television set Tuesday night anxiously awaiting James’ blind audition on NBC’s The Voice.
James, a native of Bayou Chicot, delivered a performance that James’ friend Callie Carruth described as “natural and breathtaking.” The judges must have agreed after three judges needed only 15 seconds of hearing James sing to make them turn their chairs, which instantly led to cheering amongst the group watching at James’ younger brother Ashton’s house.
As his voice continued to wow the judges during his performance of Let Her Cry by Hootie and the Blow Fish, Blake Shelton said, “I have to go with him.” Shelton pushed his button to turn his chair around, giving James the opportunity to choose any coach he wanted.
James’ family and friends that gathered to watch were left completely surprised by James’ team choice. After hearing what the judges had to say, the 30-year-old country artist chose to be on Adam Levine’s team for this season of The Voice.
When it comes to James’ coach choice, Logan Swift, who is a band member in Ashton’s band and friend to James, said, “Picking Adam was a wise decision.” Swift’s logic behind why choosing Adam was wise for James comes from the fact that “James’ skill and ability is something that requires a coach that will think differently.” Swift then said, “James is not pure country. He is everything in between.”
Jake, who is also James’ younger brother, feels similar to the way that Swift does. “Adam will be able to show James multiple styles and different techniques that Blake would not be able to show him.”
Jake said, “I am still just so mind blown.” The day following the airing of James’ audition, Jake said, “I have already heard talk about James twice on the radio today [Wednesday] and I just can’t stop smiling.”
James’s performance even caught the eye of Darius Rucker, who was the front man for Hootie and the Blow Fish. The now country musician sent a tweet to James commending him on his performance of one of Rucker’s originals. “You sounded great on Let Her Cry man,” was Rucker’s tweet to James.
At the end of all of the excitement surrounding James’ blind audition success, his brother Ashton said, “Seeing my brother on The Voice was a really proud moment for me and my family. James’ voice is like no other.”
As we wait to see what will happen next on James’ journey on The Voice, friends see a promising future. Carruth said, “James’ performances leave you wanting more so I have a good feeling about what is in store for him.”