John Legend Cried Uncontrollably On ‘The Voice’ After This Contestant’s “Moving” Performance: “I Don’t Know Why I Keep Crying”

The Voice judges John Legend and Gwen Stefani were moved to tears by contestant Lennon VanderDoes’ emotional performance during Monday’s (Nov. 13) Knockout Round episode.

There was not a dry eye in the room after VanderDoes took the stage to perform Jason Mraz‘s “I Won’t Give Up.” Legend praised VanderDoes, who hails from Niall Horan‘s team, for his “moving” performance.

Legend could not hide his tears after the performance, admitting, “Ever since I became a dad, I definitely cry a lot more than I used to. It’s hitting me more.”

He added that he previously viewed VanderDoes as the team’s “underdog,” which only made him more emotional.

“I just felt you being fully yourself, and it felt so moving to me,” he said, before adding, “I don’t know why I keep crying. I can’t stop.”

Stefani was in a similar state. Country singer Reba McEntire rushed to give them tissues for their tears.

We'll NEVER give up on @Lennonvmusic! ⭐️ #TheVoice pic.twitter.com/gslyzyjhyl

— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) November 15, 2023

“Lennon, I hope you realize that that’s the biggest compliment another artist could give you is just to sit there and cry because you touched John to his core,” McEntire told VanderDoes. 

Horan agreed, adding, “These two crying says it all.”

The moving performance wasn’t enough to save VanderDoes, however. The singer was later sent home along with fellow contestant Julia Roomes after Horan instead chose Alexa Wildish as the winner.

This may not be the last we see of these contestants, however. This season, the judges will have the chance to bring back a disqualified contestant from any team, an unprecedented move for the show.

Scroll up to watch VanderDoes’ entire performance of “I Won’t Give Up.”

The Voice airs on Mondays at 8/7c on NBC.