‘The Voice’s’ new season includes a John Legend doppelgänger: Meet Talakai
It was a legendary moment.
Audiences were seeing double on NBC’s “The Voice” Monday night when singer Talakai, 34, took the stage during the blind auditions portion of the hit singing show.
The Sacramento native, who sang a haunting rendition of Sam Smith’s “Stay with Me,” immediately hooked Legend, 44, who turned his chair around mere seconds after Talakai began singing.
In a video posted to “The Voice’s” official X (formerly Twitter) account, the “All of Me” singer can be seen smiling as he begins to notice how alike they look.
Following Legend’s lead, country icon Reba McEntire spun her chair around to face her co-judge’s doppelgänger.
“Wait till you see his face,” said Legend to Gwen Stefani and former One Direction member Niall Horan. “I’m looking at myself.”
“That’s crazy,” said Stefani, 54.
“It’s a taller and more handsome version of myself on stage,” joked Legend.
Talakai later revealed that he is no stranger to being compared with the “High Road” singer.
“So every day at work I get it,” laughed Talakai. “In school, they used to sing ‘Ordinary People’ down the hallway all the time.”
Legend then apologized saying that he was “sorry for haunting you,” adding that he would love to be his vocal coach during on the show.
“I turned pretty early because I love the richness in your voice,” said Legend. “I love the richness in your voice, the tone. I know for sure you have the ability to be so great on this show.”
He added: “Get a little more storytelling into it and It’ll make it so you’re undeniable to everybody.”
When it was her turn to try and sway Talakai, McEntire, 68, joked she had “no chance against John.”
“I know I don’t have a chance against John,” admitted the “Fancy” singer. “I just wanted to come out and watch it,” adding that she was already a “huge fan.”
Talakai ended up choosing Legend as his coach, saying: “I love you, Reba, but I have to go with John.”
“I totally understand,” replied the country star.
Talakai’s personal bond with the “Start a Fire” singer did not go unnoticed by X users, who were quick to sing their praises.
“The twinkle in John’s eye when he realized Talakai resembled him was priceless,” gushed one user.
“What a special moment,” praised another fan.
“Long lost twin brother, looks just like John,” laughed a third person.
“The Voice” airs on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
