A blind audition on ‘The Voice’ moved Reba McEntire to tears when Georgia singer Manny Costello sang Craig Morgan’s ‘Almost Home.’
Manny Costello, a father of two from Athens, Georgia, stepped onto the stage during the September 22 blind auditions. He chose to sing ‘Almost Home,’ a song Craig Morgan released in 2002 about struggle and hope.
Before he performed, Manny shared, “This song is about a man who doesn’t have much, if anything at all. I look at my life, and I look at where I’m at right now, and the people that I get to say love me, I feel very blessed and fortunate.”
From the first notes, his voice caught the attention of the judges. His rich country sound reminded Reba of the singers she grew up listening to.
With tears in her eyes, she said, “Manny, you made me homesick. It took me back to all the greats that I’ve been so fortunate to get to listen to in my life. You’ve gotten qualities from George Jones and Merle Haggard, and there’s a little Randy Travis in there. It’s just a great combination. Gosh dang, why am I getting so emotional? It’s tears of joy.”
Snoop Dogg, who Reba playfully called “Snoopy,” handed her tissues with a smile. Niall Horan later told Manny, “You moved the queen of country music to tears,” calling it the best compliment she could give.
Both Reba and Snoop turned their chairs, but Manny chose Team Reba. His decision came from his daughters, Maggie and Leighton, who are big fans of Reba’s sitcom.
“My daughters love music. They love when I sing. I want to show them that you can do anything you put your mind to if you believe in yourself,” he said.
WATCH: Manny Costello’s Moving Performance Leaves Reba McEntire in Tears
