'The Voice': Niall Horan calls Nashville native's blind audition 'magical'

When Nashville native, Reid Zingale, was in college one of his favorite songs to perform on his guitar was 'Steal my girl', by heartthrob boy band, One Direction. Fast forward a few years later, and Zingale is now a part of former band member Niall Horan's team during the 24th season of the popular, reality television singing competition, 'The Voice'.

Zingale, received stellar responses from the judges during his blind audition when he delivered an acoustic performance of Noah Cyrus' 'July'. Horan and Gwen Stefani enthusiastically turned around within just seconds of Zingale uttering the first notes.

Halfway into his audition, John Legend also turned around for Zingale.

Horan called Zingale's performance magical and captivating, and remarked how adored Zingale would be by his own fans. Although torn between Stefani and Horan, Zingale ultimately decided on Horan as his mentor.

"Reid is the one to watch," said Horan. "I always say I'm listening out for voices with character, some uniqueness, believability — Reids got all of that in abundance."

Following the blind audition portion of the program, Zingale dialed in with The Tennessean to discuss how he got his start in music, his experience on The Voice and his hopes for his musical future.

How Reid Zingale discovered his own voice

Born in Nashville, but raised in Murfreesboro, Zingale always had a guitar near him growing up. He fiddled with it, but never considered singing or songwriting.

It wasn't until he got to college that he really fell in love with music. While at Belmont University, he joined a worship band and began singing for live crowds. After attending Belmont for a year, Zingale transferred to Middle Tennessee State University.

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Zingale said he gains much of his inspiration for songwriting from artists he grew up listening to, like Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles. Today, he continues to be attracted to artists telling stories with modern, catchy melodies, like Noah Kahan and Gregory Alan Isakov.

Since much of his musical experience came from songwriting, Zingale never considered going down the TV route. However, after getting in contact with casting, he was encouraged to go for it.

Currently, Zingale works as a data analyst in Birmingham, Ala. where his wife attends school for physical therapy.

'Such an incredible moment': Reid Zingale recalls his blind audition

Zingale described the audition process as a very intense, high pressure moment. His heart nearly stopped, he said. Although feeling overwhelmed with emotion, he knew he had to continue.

"In my head I'm like, 'OK I made it.' I'm so excited, these are the two coaches that I hoped to turn the most and we are a phrase into the song and they're both staring at me." he said. "So it was such an incredible moment."

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Walking out onto the stage, Zingale hoped at least one chair would turn for him. When Horan, Stefani and Legend all turned around for him, he nearly blacked out.

Stefani was Zingale's first choice for a mentor. He said he admired how she navigated the music industry and didn't allow others to put her in a box.

However, when Horan began speaking to him, it felt right.

"It felt like home," he said. "It felt like I was talking to a friend and someone who really cared about where I would end up as an artist. He's such an amazing person, he's so genuine and really cares about all of his artists."

Zingale's experience on The Voice thus far

Although the show still is in its early stages, Zingale said developing relationships and sharing a common bond with others in the music industry has been amazing and he's reminded of just how important networking is in the industry.

As for his musical career, he has his sights set on gracing stages like Red Rocks Amphitheater or the Ryman Auditorium in his hometown. He also wants to write a number one single.

"Whether that's for myself or someone else," he said. "I just have such a love for songwriting. I would love to write a number one."

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 'The Voice': Why Niall Horan says Nashville native is one to watch