Kelly Clarkson Heard Something In Johnnie Kapua’s Voice And Reacted Almost IMMEDIATELY — But The Māori Singer’s Proud Brother Revealed Why This Moment Meant So Much More

26/09/2026

Māori singer Johnnie Kapua wins Kelly Clarkson over on The Voice US

Wellington-born Māori singer Johnnie Kapua has secured a place on Team Kelly after turning heads during the Blind Auditions on the US version of The Voice.

The 32-year-old, who now lives in Utah, performed Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ hit Die With A Smile during the second night of Season 30, prompting both Kelly Clarkson and Queen Latifah to turn their chairs for him. Clarkson moved first, then used the season’s new First-In button to guarantee Kapua would join her team.

Kapua’s performance aired on Tuesday, September 22, local time, as the Blind Auditions continued. The current coaching panel features Clarkson and Adam Levine alongside Queen Latifah and Riley Green.

Wellingtonian Johnnie Kapua performing Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars' Die With A Smile on The Voice Blind Auditions.

Clarkson moves quickly for Kapua

On The Voice, contestants perform with their backs to the coaches, who must decide whether they want to work with an artist based solely on what they hear.

If a coach likes what they hear, they press a button and their chair turns to face the performer. The coaches then build their own teams and guide their artists through the competition.

For Kapua, Clarkson did not hesitate. She pressed her button almost immediately, with Latifah following soon after. Because Clarkson had turned first, she was able to use the First-In button and secure Kapua for her team before the coaches could compete for his decision.

Clarkson said Kapua’s voice stood out because of its soulful quality and distinctive style.

“You sing with such soulfulness. You have a different cadence to your vibe and style and I really dig it,” she told him.

Clarkson also joked that Kapua reminded her of Johnny, the gorilla character from the animated Sing films, before making it clear that his voice was the real reason she wanted him on her team.

The Voice coach Kelly Clarkson loved Johnnie Kapua’s cover of Die With A Smile.

Queen Latifah also turns for the Kiwi singer

Latifah was the other coach to turn for Kapua, giving him a positive assessment while also pointing out areas he could continue to develop.

“That was beautiful,” Latifah told him, noting that there were a couple of moments when his breath control became less consistent.

She described those issues as coachable and encouraged Kapua to focus less on what other people might think and concentrate on his own performance.

Kapua ultimately became part of Team Kelly after Clarkson activated the First-In button. The move meant Latifah had no opportunity to make a final pitch for him.

Kapua later shared that Clarkson was the coach he wanted, making the outcome particularly fitting.

A journey that began in Wellington

Kapua was born in Wellington and has since made his home in Utah. His musical background includes performing online and appearing on the New Zealand podcast The Morning Shift.

In 2024, he appeared on the podcast and performed Sam Smith’s I’m Not the Only One, a performance that helped introduce his voice to a wider New Zealand audience.

He has also previously auditioned for The X Factor New Zealand, which launched in the country in 2013.

Before reaching The Voice, Kapua had built an audience through his music and social media performances, where he has shared covers including Shallow, Heartbreak Anniversary and Mirror.

Family celebrates a milestone

Kapua’s appearance was also a proud moment for his family back in Aotearoa.

His older brother, Te Hiwi Preston, celebrated the achievement on social media, describing Kapua as the first Māori boy from Aotearoa to make it onto The Voice USA.

The moment marked a significant step for the Wellington-born singer, who now faces the next stage of the competition as a member of Team Kelly.

Season 30 has introduced a new First-In button that allows the first coach to turn for an artist to claim that singer immediately. Clarkson used hers on Kapua, ensuring he would become part of her team.

For Kapua, the Blind Audition ended with a chair turned toward him, a place on Team Kelly and the opportunity to continue his musical journey in one of America’s biggest televised singing competitions.

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