When a blind audition of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” brought Asher HaVon under the musical tutelage of judge Reba McIntire, their powers combined and HaVon became the first openly queer winner of The Voice. His road to the 25th season of NBC music juggernaut started when the Selma, Alabama native grew up surrounded by powerful gospel singers (including his mother) who cultivated his sound. In 2015, HaVon auditioned to sing in a choir performing at a 50th anniversary event commemorating the 1965 March from Selma to Montgomery. Not only did he win a spot in the choir, the position earned him a lead performance of “Glory,” the Academy Award winning song by John Legend and Common. Nine years later, HaVon serendipitously performed in front of Legend again for The Voice. His powerhouse vocals soar through any crowd, setting the stage for a music career that’s sure to be one for the books. — J.S.M.