Whoa, talk about a jaw-dropping finale! Snoop Dogg—yes, the hip-hop legend himself—just flipped the script on “The Voice” Season 26, proving he can sing with as much soul as he can rap. This wasn’t some casual cameo: this was a genuine, heartfelt performance alongside his finalist, Jeremy Beloate, channeling Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”
The crowd went wild, and if you closed your eyes for a second, you might’ve thought you were back in the glory days of classic R&B. It felt like the kind of unexpected magic we’ve only seen a handful of times on talent shows before – and to top it off, the song choice was perfect tribute to Otis Redding on the anniversary of his passing at only 26 years old. Take a listen to this stunning tribute below:
Watching Snoop tear up earlier when Jeremy performed Jackie DeShannon’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love” was a goosebumps moment for the ages—right up there with those iconic, tear-jerking auditions from back in the Simon Cowell era. You could really feel the bond between coach and contestant. Jeremy may have finished third, and Michael Bublé’s Sofronio Vasquez took home the trophy, but it’s safe to say Snoop and Jeremy delivered one of those performances that fans will be replaying on YouTube for years to come.
Outside of “The Voice” spotlight, Snoop’s influence as a hip-hop titan and cultural trailblazer is indisputable. But leaning into his smooth vocals on a national stage caught many viewers off guard—and yet it felt so right. He’s dropped hints of his melodic side before, but this was the moment he truly stepped forward as a bona fide vocalist. Much like those contestants who shock us with unexpected talent reveals, Snoop’s journey mirrored Jeremy’s: two artists daring to explore uncharted creative territory and coming out stronger for it. Even more mind-blowing? Earlier in the season, Snoop joined fellow judges Michael Bublé, Gwen Stefani, and Reba McEntire for a jaw-dropping rendition of the Eagles’ “Heartache Tonight,” leaving fans stunned that he could hold his own alongside such legendary voices.
Jeremy Beloate, meanwhile, showed he’s no one-hit-wonder contestant. He’s got that soulful tone that could take him far beyond the stage of “The Voice.” Pairing him with someone as seasoned and versatile as Snoop gave him an education you can’t buy, and their chemistry—both musical and personal—was so natural it reminded me of past mentor-mentee bonds that we’ve loved to watch evolve. They might’ve missed first place, but sometimes those who don’t win still come out on top in the long run (looking at you, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert).
As the dust settles and the stage lights dim, we’re left with a performance that stands out in “The Voice” history. Snoop Dogg showed us he’s more than just a rap icon—he’s an artist open to reinvention. Jeremy Beloate walked away better prepared for whatever comes next. Whether they team up again, go solo, or end up in some unexpected collaboration down the road, the memory of that soul-stirring finale will stick with fans. This was one for the highlight reel, a moment when hip-hop royalty and a rising star met on equal footing and created something unforgettable.
