At just 16 years old, William Alexander is already leaving a mark on the world’s biggest stages — and his recent performance on The Voice proved why the world needs to hear his voice.
The former Kidz Bop star took the stage during the March 5th Blind Auditions and delivered a stunning rendition of Lizzy McAlpine’s “Ceilings”. But it wasn’t just the song that moved the coaches — it was the story behind it. William revealed that the performance was a heartfelt tribute to his late grandfather, who passed away last year.
As the first notes echoed across the room, a silence fell over the studio. Within seconds, William’s emotional delivery struck a chord with the coaches — and even brought Reba McEntire to tears.
“You’re 16? That’s Crazy!” – Chance the Rapper
With impeccable control and a voice filled with depth well beyond his years, William quickly caught the attention of Chance the Rapper and Reba McEntire, who both turned their chairs in awe.
“You have great control and a really unique tone,” Chance praised. “There’s nobody else in the competition who sounds like you.”
Reba’s Emotional Moment: “Now I’m Getting Choked Up…”
But it was Reba McEntire who was visibly overcome with emotion. As she tried to speak, her voice cracked — clearly affected by the vulnerability William poured into his performance.
“When I sing a song and I think about my mama… I start gasping, and then I can’t sing anymore,” Reba said, pausing to compose herself. “How did you do that?”
William softly responded, “I just pictured him hearing this and seeing me do this, and it just made me feel so proud.”
Reba, wiping a tear, smiled: “You’re gonna have somebody with you all the time… Your voice is a beautiful gift, and I’d love to have you on my team.”
Team Reba It Is!
William made his choice — Team Reba — and the country legend couldn’t be happier.
“I’m always really excited about working with young people,” Reba said after the show. “William’s voice is smooth, emotional, and totally unique. That’s why I had to have him.”
From Kidz Bop to Center Stage
Before melting hearts on The Voice, William Alexander was already turning heads. He was crowned 2016 Kidz Bop Talent Search Final Winner, and later appeared on Showtime at the Apollo with Steve Harvey in 2017.
Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, William’s journey from kid-friendly covers to soul-stirring ballads is just getting started — and fans are ready to watch him soar.
One thing is clear: William’s gift doesn’t just lie in his voice — it lies in his heart. And Reba, along with the rest of America, is here for it.