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The Voice Season 7 Premiere: Elyjuh Rene Shocks Coaches With Beyonce’s “XO” — Watch Now!

They weren’t expecting that! Coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, and Pharrell Williams got quite the shock on the Monday, Sept. 22 premiere of The Voice. In the middle of their quippy antics (it was Stefani and Williams’ very first night on the NBC competition series), the coaches got a real surprise when 18-year-old Elyjuh Rene took the stage for his rendition of Beyonce’s hit “XO.”

Related: PHOTOS: Before they were on The Voice

The Long Beach, Calif. native’s feminine voice effortlessly riffed on the pop diva’s most recent anthem, inspiring Adam Levine to turn his chair around immediately. Williams, who helped produce Beyonce’s self-titled fifth studio album which featured “XO,” followed suit soon after, turning for the talented vocalist. 

Elyjuh Rene on The Voice
Elyjuh Rene, 18, performed Beyonce’s “XO” during The Voice’s blind auditions.

Stefani and Shelton didn’t turn, but when their chairs finally spun around to address the contestant, they were shocked. 

Related: PHOTOS: Adam Levine's hotness evolution

“Did you think he was a girl?” Stefani asked Shelton. 

“Yes!” the country crooner replied. 

Related: PHOTOS: Gwen Stefani's style evolution

Levine and Williams then began their battle to get the unexpected talent on their team as the contestant wept for joy. Watch the clip to see who Elyjuh picked!

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