An auto assembly line worker from Detroit just delivered the performance of his life on “The Voice," even getting John Legend to rise out of his seat for him. 28-year old Rio Souma was born and raised in Detroit and currently works at Chrysler.
Souma performed the 1979 Motown hit, “Cruisin," by Smokey Robinson during night three of the Blind Auditions on the hit NBC reality TV singing competition on the episode which aired on Monday, October 26. He got not one, not two, but three of the four coaches to turn their chairs around.
“I’m currently a production assembly man at Chrysler. I’ve been there the last three years," Souma said in his introduction package. “The car floats above us and they travel on a conveyer belt and that carries the shell. Every 45 seconds a new car comes and I drill in the fuel tank.”
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He says while he enjoys being an auto worker, he would give up his assembly line job in a heartbeat for a singing career.
Rio Souma, from Detroit, performing during the Blind Auditions on "The Voice" Blind Auditions (Photo by Tyler Golden/NBC)
“I like working at the plant. It’s great money. It’s a job a lot of people in this city covet, but it’s just not where my heart is. I’ve been wanting to do music for so long I’m willing to leave my job for it if I have to."
“The Voice” coach, Gwen Stefani, was first to turn her chair around. She immediately pushed her red button when she heard Souma sing. Next was John Legend, who got out of his chair as Souma continued to sing. Kelly Clarkson was the last coach to turn. Blake Shelton didn’t turn his chair because he said he was not familiar with the song and didn’t think he could steer Souma the right way in the competition.
“Let’s talk about that song. It was written by a great Detroiter,” Legend said. “Smokey Robinson, the architect of the Motown sound and that is literally one of my favorite songs on the planet. And when your voice came in, it was just magical from the very beginning. You showed us that powerful voice that you have, you showed us that piercing beautiful falsetto you have. You made it your own. You are a phenomenal vocalist."
“Rio, you have an incredible gift,” Clarkson said. “The thing that impresses me most is when vocalists go to places I just wouldn’t think of. John, actually do that, too for me as a vocalist. Not many people are capable of that. You are wonderful. Killer voice.”
“I love that sound. That voice sounds unique. It also sounds professional and perfect,” said Stefani. “What’s exciting about you, too is the confidence you have on stage and you just know that music lives inside you.”
Souma had to decide which coach he wanted to work with on the show. He ended up going with John Legend.
“Rio has just a fun energy and spirit about him,” Legend added. “He loves soul music and there’s many places you can go with that. So happy he’s on Team Legend."
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