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Why Mafe’s “Extreme,” “Magical,” “Thrilling” Voice Got the Fastest 4-Chair Turn Yet
Mafe proved music is universal during the Blinds on The Voice.
Mafe developed her love for music growing up in Venezuela. She spent her days with family playing at the beach and singing together. She joined her first choir at four years old and traveled around the country singing the Venezuelan national anthem and other tunes at various events. When Mafe was 15, the situation in Venezuela became too unsafe and her family moved to Miami, and they started their lives over from scratch.
“It was overwhelming because I’m going to school where I don’t know or understand anything,” Mafe said backstage on The Voice. “I joined the choir and music was something that definitely helped. I would go to any other class, and I would be lost but when I got to choir, I was like ‘OK, cool, I’m meant to be here.’”
Mafe sings “Besame Mucho” on The Voice Season 25
Now 23 years old, Mafe carries those experiences with her and expresses them through song. “Besame Mucho” is a song which, in many parts of the world, requires no introduction. Mafe explains that it's a song about kissing someone as if you’re seeing them for the last time, and it makes her think about when she left home, not knowing when or if she would see her friends and family again.
Originally written by Mexican songwriter Consuelo Valazquez in 1932, “Besame Mucho” has become one of the most celebrated songs of all time. It has been covered and performed by more Spanish language artists than we could reasonably fit on screen. That list of performers now includes Mafe.
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Chance the Rapper was the first Coach to turn, followed immediately by John Legend. Coaches Reba McEntire and Dan + Shay followed shortly thereafter, earning Mafe a Four-Chair Turn before she’d really even punched into second gear. By the time Mafe really kicked off, she had a full audience of Coaches. An exploding final note transformed into a cascade of standing ovations, and the bidding war began.
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"Mafe, that was thrilling honestly. You're so tasteful,” Legend said. “For you to be so young and sound that seasoned was magical. You sang it with feeling, with emotion. I've collaborated with quite a few Spanish Artists, Sebastián Yatra and Juanes, and I just feel like we could have a lot of fun working on music together. So, I would love to have you on Team Leyenda (Spanish for Legend)."
All the Coaches having made their case, Mafe had a tough decision to make. But then Chance put his thumb on the scale in an unexpected way. “So, Mafe, I would normally never do this,” Chance said. “I really, really, really want you on my team, but I think you would do exceptionally well if you were on John’s team. I’m just being honest.”
With an endorsement like that, the decision was made, and Mafe joined Season 25 of The Voice as a member of Team Legend. “Thank you, Chance,” Legend said suspiciously. “I’m watching Chance … I don’t know what’s happening.”
We don't know, either!
