Michael Bublé is new to The voice, But the new coach always has the rules under control. For example, he knows how and when to use his block – much to the chagrin of fellow coach (and last year’s winner) Reba McEntire, who said in the second episode of Season 26 that she had hoped he had forgotten this rule. But he didn’t do that.”

McEntire’s loss was a win for Team Bublé, as he was able to nab Mor Ilderton, an indie folk singer from Teays Valley, West Virginia…who is also a newcomer! Before his appearance on The voice, Ilderton had never sung in front of an audience or into a microphone before.

RELATED: A Complete Breakdown of How The voice Functions

As Ilderton explained, as a montage of backflips and other stunts played before his performance, he was a mischievous boy who “got away for a bit” but “always got caught in the end.” He was originally raised by his grandmother after his mother died when he was just two years old, but when he turned 18, his uncle and aunt took him in. Ilderton found love in their home – he says his Uncle Josh, a Marine Corps veteran. is “like a superhero to me” – and helped him find music.

“He was grounded,” explained Ilderton’s Aunt Stacy. “He wasn’t allowed to do anything and just taught himself guitar.”

Mor Ilderton sings Dylan Gossett’s “Coal” during the blind auditions for The voice Season 26

Ilderton, who said he enjoys “mountain music,” chose to perform Dylan Gossett’s 2023 song “Coal.” For someone who has never sung in front of an audience before, let alone in a scenario as stressful as a blind audition The voiceyou wouldn’t know. Bublé was the first coach to turn his chair, although he hesitated before pressing the button – because he wanted to block McEntire. Snoop Dogg also turned his chair towards Ilderton, followed by McEntire, who was angry to find she had been blocked.

Bublé spun around so quickly that he joked that his “toupee” almost fell off. “I want Mor,” he said, making a pun on Ilderton’s first name. “I didn’t press the red button, I pressed the ‘Block Reba’ button because I didn’t want the greatest country singer of all time to come near.”

With that compliment, a flattered McEntire, who called Ilderton’s voice “sexy,” told Bublé that he was forgiven.

RELATED: How tall is Snoop Dogg?

Gwen Stefani, who didn’t turn her chair, noted some “tuning” issues with his performance, but compared Ilderton to Zach Bryan. Snoop Dogg praised the young singer’s “heart” for this first live performance and suggested Ilderton join Team Snoop. “Country, gangsta…we go together,” he said.

Ilderton ultimately decided to join Team Bublé. Let’s see how far he goes this season!