The Voice is not only America’s premier televised music competition, it’s also the world’s. Thanks to its mass popularity, thousands of contestants have performed, hundreds of episodes have been filmed, and numerous musicians have been crowned champions. However, before anyone ever gets crowned champion they must pass through each of the competition’s five stages. Which includes live covers of some of the world’s most well-known songs. A popular artist the contestants often pick is none other than Bob Dylan.
Bob Dylan’s popularity and influence are beyond words. And frankly, it would be a waste of time trying to sum up the mark he left on music. Nonetheless, it is his popularity and influence that have made his songs featured on The Voice all around the world. Given that Dylan’s music is a frequent occurrence on the show, here are three of the best Bob Dylan covers to appear on The Voice.
“Girl From The North Country” by Mendeleyev
Appearing on The Voice US’ season 17 Blind Audition, Mendeleyev turned all four chairs. Despite not making it past the Battle Rounds stage, his cover of Dylan’s classic song wowed the judges enough to send him to the next round. Seemingly, it was his contralto voice that made Blake Shelton and other judges bite the bait.
Thanks to his contralto vocal style, Mendeleyev’s cover sounds more like Johnny Cash’s rendition of the song. Mendeleyev’s performance of “Girl From The North Country” is not only the best Dylan cover to appear on The Voice US but also the best cover to appear on all The Voice’s shows worldwide.
“Like A Rolling Stone” by Dylan Thomas
The Scottish Dylan Thomas, named after Bob Dylan, gave an uncanny performance of Dylan’s hit song on season 16 of The Voice UK in the Blind Audition round. Thomas, unfortunately, didn’t turn a single chair despite his striking vocal resemblance.
Regardless of the judge’s decision, the sheer likeness between Thomas and Dylan’s voices is something to appreciate. Given that Bob Dylan’s voice is one of a kind, it’s a difficult feat to come so close to nailing it. Fans and judges seemingly gave the kid props for giving it a go on such a big show at such a small age.
“Knockin on Heaven’s Door” by Tamara Weber-Fillion
Just a little south in The Voice France, Fillion stunned the judges with her cover of Dylan’s 1991 hit about a dying sheriff. Performed on season 16 during the Blind Audition, Fillion’s rendition caused all four judges to turn their chairs. Fillion’s performance sounds nothing like Bob Dylan, but that’s the beauty of it.
Besides the lyrics and part of the music, nothing about Fillion’s performance is cliché. Her high-pitched vocals matched with her superb annunciation make the song’s mortal themes even more lamenting. Thanks to her cover, the French-Candian singer lived to see another day on The Voice France.
