'The Voice' 2016 New Contestant Brian Nhira Sings 'Jesus Loves Me' a Cappella In Blind Auditions

By Julie Brown Patton
Brian Nhira
The Voice new singing contestant, Brian Nhira, was asked to sing ''Jesus Loves Me'' by Pharrell Williams after he was chosen by two coaches on Monday's blind auditions. Facebook Brian Nhira

Monday evening's blind auditions of the new, tenth season of "The Voice" singing competition included a spontaneous rendition of "Jesus Loves Me" from contestant Brian Nhira when one of the show's coaches, Pharrell Williams, asked the singer how he got started in music. Nhira's parents were traveling missionaries from Zimbabwe, Africa, who moved to the United States in 1988. He explained he had been singing for the past 16 years, and that was his first song.

Nhira, 23, told the coaches he was participating in the show "to fulfill dream and honor his parents."

For the blind audition, Nhira sang Williams' "Happy." Most people thought Williams was a shoe-in, however another coach, Blake Shelton, also turned his chair. It turns out Nhira is from Tulsa, Okla., and Shelton made his best case about how Okies have to stick together.

However, Williams won the nod as his coach selection.  

On Nhira's Facebook page, friends speak to him about the tongues of angels and the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Julie Boyd Patuto told Nhira she will cheering for him. "You are so talented and anointed by God, and I know you will go far!!!"

Nhira released an album, Hope's Stand, prior to competing on the show. He was attending at Oral Roberts University when he made the album.

Music is what Nhira lives, not just something he does. "My heart's desire is not fame. My only aspiration is for the message God has placed in me, through the medium of music, to be heard by everyone that might benefit from it," Nhira recently said.

Nhira's goal, in his professional music career, is for the messenger to never overshadow the message. He recently made the telling statement, "With every lyric I write and note I sing I want to, first and foremost, be a catalyst for hope, healing and restoration."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo