NBC’s ‘The Voice’ preview: Ashley DuBose surprises with story, Rihanna cover (video)

Sometimes on “The Voice,” we wonder whether or not coaches, while unclear about what a singer looks like, are given a few notes about contestants before they speak to them after turning / not turning the chairs around. We’ve seen a few times this season where a coach asks a pretty specific question geared towards a story, and maybe it’s just a coincidence or there is so much conversation that actually happens that they only pull a little of it for the show.

Regardless, there is one moment during this post-performance conversation with Ashley DuBose, a single mom / programmer with an interesting story, that is a little off in the sneak peek below from tonight’s episode. You know what is not off in the slightest? The tone in her voice! Not only did she rock out to this version of Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” but there was so much power here that she literally filled the room with sound. The fact that she was able to do this without singing a drippy ballad (the go-to for such things) is extremely impressive.

All four coaches turn around for the performance, clearly all impressed on some level by what they are hearing here. They also all make some great arguments, but the one to watch for here above all others is Adam Levine. For whatever reason, he is a guy that manages to win a ton of these four-person duels with the other coaches, mostly because he has that little switch that he flicks on where he goes into full salesperson mode, and nobody else can really keep up. Since she is not a country artist, Blake Shelton’s got a little less of a chance.

If you were Ashley, who would you pick? Be sure to share below! Meanwhile, take a look here if you want to check out some great contestants from last night’s episode.

Photo: NBC