In a surprising turn of events this week on NBC’s The Voice, John Legend found himself face-to-face with a contestant who could pass as his doppelgänger.
Talakai, a 34-year-old singer hailing from Sacramento, California, took the stage and left a lasting impression with his rendition of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me.” Not only did his singing turn chairs, but it was his striking resemblance to Legend that left the judges astounded.
Legend couldn’t contain his amazement, remarking to fellow coaches Gwen Stefani and Niall Horan, “I’m looking at myself, like a taller, more handsome version of myself.” Talakai, with a good-natured sense of humor, even quipped, “What’s up, twin!” in response to the uncanny likeness.
John Legend admitted that people often send him pictures of supposed lookalikes on the internet, but he usually dismisses them. However, when he saw Talakai, he couldn’t deny the resemblance, pointing out their matching haircuts and stating, “he really, legitimately looks like me.” Talakai, having grown accustomed to such comparisons, shared that he encounters them regularly, even recalling how people used to serenade him with Legend’s hit song “Ordinary People” during his school days.
Despite the undeniable similarities, Legend was determined to have Talakai on his team. He praised the singer for his exceptional tone and the richness in his voice, making it clear that he wanted him as part of his squad.
Reba McEntire, another coach on the show, was equally impressed by Talakai’s talent. She expressed her admiration for his voice and vocal range, becoming an instant fan. However, she knew that competing against a contestant who looked so much like Legend would be an uphill battle.
In the end, Talakai made his decision, choosing to join Team Legend. As they celebrated with a selfie on stage, Legend couldn’t resist humorously exclaiming that Talakai was “one of the most handsome men” he’d ever seen. He looked forward to the journey ahead, acknowledging that having his “twin” on his team promised a lot of fun and excitement in the competition.
Watch the performance below:
