What an unforgettable finale! Snoop Dogg—truly the hip-hop icon himself—completely stole the show in The Voice Season 26, showcasing his ability to sing with the same depth of emotion he brings to his rap. This wasn’t just a guest appearance; it was a genuine, heartfelt performance alongside his finalist, Jeremy Beloate, as they covered Otis Redding’s classic “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”
The audience went wild, and for a moment, you could almost feel transported to the golden age of classic R&B. It was the kind of magical, unexpected performance rarely seen on talent shows, and the song choice was a perfect tribute to Otis Redding, especially on the anniversary of his tragic passing at the age of 26. Take a moment to listen to this incredible tribute below:
Earlier, Snoop’s emotional reaction during Jeremy’s performance of Jackie DeShannon’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love” made for a truly unforgettable moment—reminiscent of the powerful, tear-jerking auditions from the Simon Cowell era. The bond between coach and contestant was undeniable. Although Jeremy placed third and Sofronio Vasquez, mentored by Michael Bublé, won the competition, it’s clear that Snoop and Jeremy’s performance will be one of those memorable moments fans will revisit on YouTube for years to come.
Beyond his role on The Voice, Snoop’s legacy as a hip-hop legend and cultural trailblazer is unquestionable. But his smooth vocal performance on a national stage was a surprise to many, yet it felt entirely fitting. He’d teased his singing talent before, but this was the moment he truly revealed himself as a genuine vocalist. Just like contestants who surprise us with hidden talents, Snoop’s journey mirrored Jeremy’s: two artists exploring new creative avenues and coming out stronger. Even more impressive? Earlier in the season, Snoop teamed up with fellow judges Michael Bublé, Gwen Stefani, and Reba McEntire to deliver an incredible version of the Eagles’ “Heartache Tonight,” leaving fans in awe of his ability to perform alongside such iconic voices.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Beloate proved he’s no one-hit wonder. His soulful voice has the potential to take him far beyond The Voice stage. Being paired with a versatile artist like Snoop gave him priceless experience, and the effortless chemistry between them—both musically and personally—was a testament to the kind of mentor-mentee bond we love to watch develop. While they didn’t win, history has shown that those who don’t take first place often achieve even greater success (think Jennifer Hudson or Adam Lambert).
As the finale wrapped up and the stage lights dimmed, we were left with a performance that will surely go down in The Voice history. Snoop Dogg proved that he’s more than just a rap legend—he’s an artist willing to reinvent himself. Jeremy Beloate emerged stronger, ready for whatever comes next. Whether they collaborate again, pursue solo careers, or form an unexpected partnership in the future, that moving finale will stay with fans. It was a highlight moment where hip-hop royalty and a rising star came together to create something truly unforgettable.
