Hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg has repeatedly shown a surprising, softer side as a coach on The Voice, openly weeping during several poignant performances. From powerhouse duets to deeply personal tributes, these moments underscore his genuine investment in his artists and have deeply resonated with fans and fellow coaches alike.
Known globally for his laid-back persona and cool composure, Snoop Dogg has become an unexpected source of raw emotion on NBC’s hit singing competition, The Voice. Since joining the coaching panel, the rapper-turned-mentor has surprised audiences and fellow coaches alike by shedding tears on more than one occasion, revealing a deep connection to the artists and their performances. These heartfelt moments have showcased a vulnerable side of Snoop, solidifying his role as a compassionate and deeply invested coach.
The Power of a Duet: Yoshihanaa & Natalia Albertini’s \”Natural Woman\”
One of the most memorable emotional outbursts from Snoop Dogg came during The Voice Season 28. In a new battle format where artists paired themselves, powerhouse singers Yoshihanaa and Natalia Albertini chose each other. Snoop assigned them the timeless Carole King classic, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” famously covered by Aretha Franklin.
The duet left coaches and the audience in awe. Lizzo, who served as a battle advisor for Team Snoop, described the energy as “diva” vibes and admitted to getting teary-eyed from joy. Fellow coach Niall Horan lauded it as a “proper old-school Voice battle,” emphasizing that such performances are why viewers tune in. Even Michael Bublé praised Yoshihanaa’s effortless delivery and strong vocal control, while Reba McEntire likened her to “Aretha Franklin” and commended Natalia’s incredible range.
For Snoop Dogg, the performance was overwhelming. He explained his tears were a mix of pride and pain. “Y’all made me shed a tear. I’m just thinking about [how] Lizzo gave y’all so much information and y’all used it. But I was crying because I can only keep one of you, and my heart is broke [broken],” he shared, as reported by NBC Insider. After much deliberation and a quick prayer, he awarded the win to Yoshihanaa, but quickly used his only save of the season to keep Natalia Albertini on his team, recognizing her exceptional talent. He called her “too good to be on somebody else’s team and too good to go home.”
Tears for a Finalist: Jeremy Beloate’s Journey to the Finale
Snoop Dogg’s emotional investment was again evident during The Voice Season 26 finale with his finalist, Jeremy Beloate. On Night 1 of the finale, Beloate’s renditions of Jackie DeShannon’s “What the World Needs Now” and Calum Scott’s “Dancing on My Own” captivated everyone, including his coach. Snoop was brought to tears, telling Beloate, “music is not always about how it sounds. It’s about how it makes you feel.” He added that Beloate brings “that feeling out of me,” as detailed by PopCulture.com.
This wasn’t the first time Beloate had moved Snoop. During the playoffs round in November, his performance of Josh Groban’s “The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” also brought tears to Snoop’s eyes. At that time, an emotional Reba McEntire told Beloate that she hadn’t “been that touched listening to anybody sing until you.” Snoop, shedding tears of joy, confessed, “You made me feel like I was sitting at a real Broadway play.” Beloate himself expressed the profound impact of working with Snoop Dogg, stating, “I’ve grown so much working with Snoop Dogg, it’s just been life changing.”
A Shared Vulnerability: Aubrey Nicole’s Cancer Tribute
Another poignant moment occurred during the Knockouts on The Voice Season 28, demonstrating Snoop Dogg’s profound empathy. Team Reba artist Aubrey Nicole chose Martina McBride’s country ballad “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” dedicating it to her father, who was in remission after battling cancer. The song resonated deeply with the coaches.
Mega Mentor Joe Walsh praised Nicole, sharing his own connection as his wife is a cancer survivor. He advised her to balance emotion with artistry, acknowledging the song’s powerful message. After her performance, Michael Bublé and Niall Horan both expressed how moving it was, highlighting Nicole’s believable delivery.
Snoop Dogg, who admitted he had never heard the song before, was deeply affected. “Aubrey, what’s crazy is, I’ve never heard that song before, but I’ve lost so many people in my family from cancer so it was like, you hit me, you hit me in the heart, and that’s what music is supposed to do,” he recounted, as reported by AOL. He even offered a packet of tissues to Reba McEntire, who was also visibly emotional. Reba then shared her personal pain of losing her oldest son because “he did not win with cancer,” making the moment even more raw and relatable for viewers.
Why These Moments Resonate with Fans
These recurring emotional moments from Snoop Dogg on The Voice have created a unique bond with the audience. Fans, accustomed to his cool and collected public persona, are captivated by his unexpected vulnerability. It showcases his genuine commitment to the artists and his deep understanding of music’s power to connect and heal.
His tears are not just for the spectacle of television; they reflect his authentic investment in the dreams and struggles of the contestants. By openly expressing his emotions, Snoop Dogg humanizes the coaching role, proving that even the most seasoned performers can be moved by raw talent and heartfelt stories. This authenticity is a significant reason why he has become a beloved and impactful figure on The Voice, endearing him to a broader audience beyond his hip-hop roots.
