Gospel singer Val T. Webb’s striking rendition of Deborah Cox’s “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” earned her a four-chair turn on “The Voice.” After her performance, the coaches tried to get Webb to join their team. John Legend was the first to speak, enticing Webb with his gospel and soul music background. Legend said, “Val, I’m so happy for you because I just see the joy on your face and a little relief, too, I think.”
He continued, “It’s very difficult doing this audition, but you just handled it with such poise and grace. I don’t know if you noticed, but I was the first one who turned for you. Your tone is so elegant. Do you sing in church? You sound like you do.” Webb shared, “I’ve been a worship director for many, many years. I also sing background for professional artists like yourselves.” On Instagram, she opened up about how God led her to compete on the show. She posted, “REAL TALK…I’ve never been one that’s into participating in competitions. Then, God whispered to me, ‘That’s never been why I’ve sent you anywhere. I send YOU to be a light.’”
She told the coaches that her son, Joshua, was her reason for auditioning for the show, prompting the coaches to ask him to join her onstage. Country duo Dan + Shay was the next to give Webb feedback, complimenting her on her beautiful, transportive voice. Shay Mooney said, “I’m taken aback right now. I grew up singing Gospel as well, and I felt like I was in a worship service for a second. I was feeling it. I think we can all agree that this is really special. You have such a light. I don’t think it’s the lights behind you. I think it’s just you lighting up this room. You are a star.”
Dan Smyers added, “That was one of the best performances we’ve seen. We turned around, and you kicked it into a whole other gear. It was unbelievable. You’re going to do so well whatever team you choose.” Chance the Rapper was next, discussing the extent of his faith work before commenting on her technical ability. He told Webb, “I heard them say that they grew up in church, which I have never heard them say in all the auditions so far. That’s usually what I say. I run a vacation Bible school in Chicago, and I work with the youth choir there, and these dudes heard me say that, I think. So that’s the reason they’re throwing it at you.”
Chance continued, “I would honestly love an opportunity to work with you. You made it your own song, and I feel that that’s what this show is all about is: people showing their true personalities through their music. I really, really think we can make some special moments together.” Country legend Reba McEntire was the final coach to speak and was the one Webb was most excited about. She said, “I got to thinking, if I’m going to give any notes, I really need to pay attention to see if there’s anything I can critique on. There wasn’t. That’s when I hit my button because I’ve been in the business for a long, long time, and you just look like a beautiful woman who loves to sing for the Lord as I do. We’d have a great time together. I’d love to be your coach.”
Despite her love for McEntire and all of the coaches’ efforts to lure Webb through their religious background, she chose Chance, becoming the last member to join his team. “Thank you, God, for surrounding me with beautiful, genuine, authentic people that I didn’t see coming,” Webb wrote in another Instagram post. “To those who are holding me down during this very interesting journey in my life, I appreciate and value you.”