How “Unicorn” Conor James Used “True Originality” to Get 4 Chairs: “He Could Win”

Conor James was barely a measure into his performance of Aretha Franklin’s “I Say a Little Prayer” during his Blind Audition on Season 27 of The Voice when Coach Adam Levine pressed the button to turn his Chair around..

By the end of the song, everyone else had, too, earning James the rare 4-Chair Turn.

Conor James sings Aretha Franklin’s “I Say a Little Prayer” for The Voice Season 27 Blind Audition

Shortly after Levine turned around, Coaches John Legend and Michael Bublé joined him, with Coach Kelsea Ballerini just behind, trying (and failing) to Block a fellow Coach. After he finished his seemingly effortless rendition, James was showered with compliments.

“You are so cool!” said Legend, who asked about James’ interests. The young singer is into musical theater, writes and produces, and “plays keys like you sir,” he told Legend, who noted that he was composing for Broadway in his spare time. “Shameless,” quipped Levine.

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“You can tell when someone feels it,” said Ballerini of James’ obvious connection to the song, adding, “I never wanna lose that in myself.”

Calling him a unicorn (his go-to animal, as seen on his team sweaters), Levine told James he had a “spirit” and “limitless potential. You can win this show and I want you bad on my team.” It worked, and James joined Team Adam.

Adam Levine on The Voice Season 27, Episode 1. Photo: NBC/Warner Horizon