Computer Science Student Adi Arora Performs Bruno Mars’ ‘It Will Rain’ to Land a Spot on NBC’s ‘The Voice’

A Cornell University computer science student from Millburn, New Jersey, has secured a coveted spot on John Legend’s team on NBC’s “The Voice” after a blind audition that turned two coaches’ chairs and created a full-circle moment rooted in a cappella harmony.

Adi Arora performed Bruno Mars’ “It Will Rain” on March 2 episode of Season 29, titled “Battle of Champions,” earning chair turns from both Legend and Kelly Clarkson during the blind auditions.

John Legend was the first to turn his chair during Arora’s performance, with Kelly Clarkson following shortly after, according to Daily Voice. Adam Levine did not turn around, later saying he “got hung up on little things with pitch,” though he ultimately complimented Arora’s performance.

Legend praised Arora’s vocal approach, saying he loved his tone and that he “made me know that you’re someone that really thinks consciously about your tone.”

The audition revealed a meaningful connection between Arora and Legend that went beyond their musical chemistry. Both men have backgrounds singing in collegiate a cappella groups — Legend at the University of Pennsylvania and Arora at Cornell.

“A Cappella teaches you how to blend… I think we have a lot in common sir, it would be a lot of fun for us to work together,” Legend said, according to Daily Voice.

When it came time to choose his coach, Arora selected Legend, “turning a blind audition into a full-circle moment built on harmony.”

Season 29 of “The Voice” premiered on Feb. 23, 2026, on NBC and features a unique format: for the first time in the show’s history, the panel includes only three coaches, all of whom have previously been winning coaches.

The coaching panel consists of:

– John Legend, returning for his 11th season after a one-season hiatus
– Kelly Clarkson, returning for her 10th season after last coaching in Season 23
– Adam Levine, returning for his 18th season, also after a one-season hiatus

The season is branded as the “Battle of Champions,” with all coaches being previous winning coaches, according to Wikipedia. Carson Daly returns as host, having hosted every season of the show.

Each team features All-Star artists who assist the coaches. For Team Legend, the All-Star artists are Season 16 winner Maelyn Jarmon and Season 27 third-place finisher Renzo.

Team Kelly features Season 17 winner Jake Hoot and Season 21 winner Girl Named Tom, while Team Adam includes Season 1 winner Javier Colon and Season 9 winner Jordan Smit.

This season introduces a new competitive element: the coach who earns the most artists with three-chair turns wins a “Super Steal” for the Battles. This coveted prize can only be used once and trumps any other coach’s attempt to steal, guaranteeing a win.

After Night 2 of the blind auditions, which included Arora’s performance, Adam Levine led with three three-chair turns, Kelly Clarkson had two, and John Legend had one.