Long Beach Post With a beautiful range and a deep register that brings about jealousy even within the most machismo of singers, his risky song choice earned him—singing behind the four backs of musician gods who could not see him no less—the adoration of Pharrell, who has guided and coached the young singer. Essence Magazine Eighteen-year-old Elyjuh René wowed the judges on the season premiere of The Voice last night. The Long Beach, California native, who grew up in the church, performed his own soulful version of Beyoncé's "XO" during his blind audition. “The first word that came to my mind when I heard your voice was anointed," said Pharrell. Huffington Post One performer in particular, 18-year-old Elyjuh Rene from Long Beach, California, stole our hearts. The tall braces-clad teen won over two out of the four judges as he crooned a beautiful version of Beyonce's "XO." Rene, who was raised by a single mother, says on his NBC artist profile that his mom"is his biggest inspiration and the reason he sings today. He wants to be successful and use his time on 'The Voice' as a gift [to her]." Gossip Cop After singing “Latch,” he had not only Pharrell on his feet, but also Gwen Stefani and Adam Levine. Stefani exclaimed afterward, “Wow. Oh my god.” She went on, “The way that you can just walk on the stage so smoothly and be singing like that at the same time is really mind-blowing.” She further said the song was a “really good choice,” adding, “You’re really talented.” Levine was nearly rendered speechless, and visibly struggled to collect his thoughts. He started out by repeating “wow” several times, and went on to say, “It’s unbelievable how good that was.” The Maroon 5 rocker continued, “I can ‘t believe what I just saw. That was the most precisely perfect, soulful, amazing [performance]. You just became the frontrunner on one of the strongest teams we got.” “Everything that they’re saying is right,” noted Blake Shelton. “The way you navigate a melody with all the different runs… I definitely think you’re one to beat on Pharrell’s team.” Pharrell, of course, echoed their view. “I agree with everything they’re saying. I also want to say I’m super proud of you. You came up here and showed up everyone who, what, when, where, why and how Elyjuh René is Elyjuh René,” he said. Time Warner At just 18, Pharrell Williams’ young R & B singer Elyjuh Rene’ defines “old soul.” He brings something fresh and unique to the playing field, and his ridiculous range and unparalleled stage presence on “Latch” wowed the entire judging panel. Veteran coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton marveled at his performance. Adam paid him a huge compliment saying, “You just became the frontrunner on one of the strongest teams we’ve got.” Three-time Voice champ Blake Shelton concurred, praising the extraordinary way Elyjuh navigates a melody and he dubbed the young singer “the one to beat” on Team Pharrell.