Bowen Yang, the talented star from Saturday Night Live and currently portraying Pfannee in the much-anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, made a surprise guest appearance on the November 3 episode of The Voice Season 28. His audition, which took place in the fantastical realm of Oz, was both entertaining and introspective, showcasing Yang’s unique flair in the popular singing competition.
The pre-recorded episode featured Coaches Niall Horan, Michael Bublé, and Reba McEntire as they stumbled through a magical forest, questioning if they were indeed on The Voice stage. Their inquiry was humorously interrupted by Yang as he arrived, greeting them with enthusiasm, “Welcome to Oz!” He then playfully requested the coaches to turn around for his “Blind” audition. Despite the light-hearted setup, Yang’s performance of “For Good” from Wicked wasn’t met with the chair turns he had hoped for.
After his emotional rendition, filled with passion and nostalgia, Yang expressed his disappointment with humor, acknowledging the lack of response: “Wow, no chair turns,” reflecting on the moment with good spirits. Horan and McEntire offered him some encouragement, while Bublé humorously claimed his button was malfunctional. Yang’s charm shone through as he jokingly made himself available as a “Mega Mentor” for the show’s upcoming Knockouts.
In a heartfelt moment during his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Yang reminisced about his childhood dreams and the significance of Wicked in his journey. He recounted the first time he watched the musical with his SNL colleagues when Ariana Grande hosted, which marked a pivotal point in his career. His initial experiences of longing to see Wicked in New York City highlighted his determination and passion for the arts.
Yang also entertained Fallon with stories about his work on Wicked, revealing that much of his character’s humor was improvised, thanks to the encouragement from director Jon M. Chu. The creative freedom he experienced allowed him to bring his unique comedic style to a beloved narrative, further endearing him to audiences.
This blend of heartfelt ambition and comedic brilliance continues to define Bowen Yang’s career, making him a standout figure in both comedy and musical theater. His participation in The Voice, though not leading to success in this instance, suggests a promising future where he could further explore his musical abilities on platforms that celebrate artistry and creativity. Yang’s journey speaks to the possibility of dreams turning into reality, encouraging fans and aspiring artists alike.