National stardom washed over Aberdeen’s Ben Fagerstedt as he was one of the featured singers Monday night for the 26th season of The Voice.
The four judges — Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé — were doing Blind Auditions, where they have to turn their chairs toward the contestant for him or her to move on to the next week’s show. None did so, and Fagerstedt’s time on the show this season came to an abrupt end.
Fagerstedt crooned the Frank Sinatra song “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” a tune that after his performance, Bublé joined him in a duet.
Fagerstedt, an admirer of Bublé, had performed the song with him during one of Bublé’s performances in Tacoma back in 2019.
Judge Snoop Dogg said he was considering turning his chair, but when Bublé didn’t turn, Dogg remained in place. Dogg reportedly shed tears when Fagerstedt wasn’t chosen.
There is hope, however, for Fagerstedt, now 23 years old. Bublé said Fagerstedt should come back next season with a pop song, instead of the jazz swing of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”
“That’s what this show is about, to make these people better at what they do, whether they make it to the show or not,” Dogg said. “That’s our job as coaches.”
Fagerstedt remained upbeat.
“Summer 2024 was an experience I will never forget,” he wrote on Facebook. “To be a part of The Voice has been a dream and goal of mine ever since I started taking lessons with Christine Hill (an Aberdeen music teacher) as a 15 year old.
“She helped me realize my potential as a performer. To be given the opportunity to sing on national television and to workshop with Michael Bublé is an experience I will treasure forever. Sometimes things don’t go your way, but I would not change a single thing I did that day.”
Fagerstedt said he was blessed by God with poise, preparedness, and a willingness to listen throughout the entire filming process.
“I met so many amazing individuals and made lifelong friendships. I am overwhelmed by the support from my community of Grays Harbor County, and I hope I was able to represent us well,” he said. “This is just the beginning. So many doors have been opening already, and I am excited to share the next part of my journey with everyone.”
Singing with Bublé in 2019
When world-renowned singer Bublé singled out Aberdeen 17-year-old Ben Fagerstedt to sing with him on a Saturday night in front of 18,000 people at the Tacoma Dome in 2019, it was a dream come true for the then teenage singer who ranks Bublé as second only to Frank Sinatra as a musical inspiration, as previously reported in The Daily World.
As a Christmas present, Fagerstedt received VIP tickets to the Bublé concert, which meant he got to stand in a pit area directly next to the stage. In the VIP room before the show, the other concertgoers were made aware that Fagerstedt was a singer and idolized Bublé, so they cheered for him when Bublé asked for audience participation.
When Bublé asked what Fagerstedt wanted to sing, he didn’t hesitate and requested the Sinatra classic “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” Bublé took the first half line and handed the microphone to Fagerstedt and the two sang harmony at points.
“He makes you feel like the only person in the audience, kind of like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in the day,” said Fagerstedt at the time. “He’s one of my inspirations, and it was an absolute blessing to sing with him.”
In the video, Bublé holds up a sign by Fagerstedt that reads, “Dream Come True — Sing With You?” along with an unflattering picture of Bublé’s face squinting.
“Initially, I was extremely nervous,” said Fagerstedt. “Once he looked at me, sat down and put his arm on my shoulder, I just wanted to show him what I had.”
The band accompanied Fagerstedt, who was surprised and thought it would be just a capella, and the song appeared to go smoothly, with Bublé sitting cross-legged and clapping along, sometimes joining in to sing a harmony part. At the end, Bublé held up the teen’s hand and got an applause chant going.
