33-Year-Old Cow Island Singer Travels 100,000 Miles and Stuns ‘The Voice’ Coaches With Cajun French Sam Cooke Classic

Dustin Dale Gaspard’s four-chair turn is already being called one of the most unique Blind Auditions in The Voice history. The 33-year-old singer from Cow Island, Louisiana, shocked both the coaches and the audience on Monday night with a soulful, Cajun French rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me.”

A Voice From the Swamps of Louisiana

Hailing from the tiny rural Cajun community of Cow Island — where there’s “barely any concrete, but plenty of alligators” — Dustin grew up surrounded by rhythm and blues, New Orleans jazz, country, and traditional Cajun “swamp” music.

“They’re like giant swamp puppies,” Dustin said affectionately of alligators. “My grandfather used to run and do cannonballs to scare them away — as long as they weren’t big enough to take a limb off.”

Over the last few years, Dustin has lived in his car, traveling over 100,000 miles to pursue his dream. He drives for hours between cities, sings for a couple of hours, then finds a parking lot to sleep in. “A chair turn would justify all the sacrifices I’ve made,” he said before stepping on stage.

The First Cajun French Performance in ‘The Voice’ History

Dustin delivered a moving Cajun-style version of “Bring It On Home to Me,” marking the first time Cajun French has ever been sung on The Voice.

“When I work and when I sing, I’m writing my history,” he explained. “It all comes down to this moment. Let’s go. And let the good times roll.”

And roll they did — all four coaches hit their buttons, turning their chairs to see the man behind the voice.

The Coaches Fight to Get Him on Their Team

Niall Horan was the first to speak:

“There is nothing better than hearing a proper, unique, full-of-character voice when you’re facing away and you have this beautiful red button in front of you and you’re like, please, I have to turn around to see this person,” Niall said. “That was incredible. A little bit of French. You could sing ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ and it would sound good. Please pick me. I love you.”

Reba McEntire tried to appeal to Dustin’s southern roots:

“I’m from southeastern Oklahoma, so not far from where you are. You’re different, unusual, refreshing, and you can sing and play. My gosh, I’d love to have you on my team.”

Michael Bublé added his charm in French:

“Bonjour. Comment ça va? You are what the people are asking for. They want authenticity. They want something unique. Love to have you on my team.”

Finally, Snoop Dogg made his pitch Louisiana-style:

“They saved the best for last. I got family in Mississippi and Louisiana, and the music you’re making touched my heart because I’ve got uncles that chase alligators, wrestle with snakes, and do all the things you do. [Breaks into song] If you ever change your mind… pick me. Bring it on over to me.”

And the Winner Is…

When Niall asked, “Who do you pick as your coach?” Dustin looked at his mom, who tapped her heart.

“I think just based on the initial reaction and all the enthusiasm, and some brothers I have back in Ireland, I’ll have to go with Niall,” Dustin replied.

Niall responded:

“Dustin, remember the name. That is one of the best auditions I’ve seen and heard on this show in three seasons.”