Watch for a Vernon native on this season of 'The Voice' after his impressive debut

Sussex County residents watching NBC earlier this week may have seen a familiar face, as a Vernon native earned rave reviews while auditioning for the latest season of "The Voice."

Gene Taylor, 33, received unanimous praise from judges John Legend, Dan + Shay, Reba McEntire and Chance the Rapper during his blind audition, which aired Tuesday in part two of the show's season 25 premiere.

All four judging groups, facing away from Taylor as he began performing "Lights" by Journey, turned their chairs toward the singer to indicate their interest in working with him. Each lauded the power in his voice along with a unique blend of the classical and rock genres.

"I always love a tenor that can sing those beautiful, big notes, but also you had so much finesse," Legend told Taylor. "It was just so expertly done as a vocalist."

Added Chance: "I'm just being honest with you — I think that you're going to go really far in this competition because you have a very distinct tone."

Legend was the first to turn his chair around about 20 seconds into Taylor's performance. The other judges followed in quick succession, leading to a playful yet spirited battle over who Taylor would choose.

Legend, who is in his ninth season as a judge on the show, touted his experience over his counterparts — Chance and McEntire just started their second seasons, while Dan + Shay debuted this year — in ultimately convincing Taylor to partner with him.

"I've won 'The Voice,' and I am very confident that you and I working together as a team can go very far in this competition," Legend said.

Taylor, whose real name is Eugene Steficek, is based in Brooklyn now but acknowledged his Vernon roots following his audition. He even got to bring his mother on the stage, explaining that she adopted him as a baby and fostered a lifelong love of music and theater.

In an Instagram post Wednesday, Taylor reflected on his journey from playing music on the streets of Brooklyn to appearing on TV with his mom by his side.

"The outpouring of love has been absolutely overwhelming in the best way," he wrote. "This has made me feel seen, accepted, appreciated and heard. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and texted me, sent affirmations etc. I REALLY do appreciate it and am so grateful."

The winner of "The Voice," selected by viewer votes, will earn $100,000 and a record deal with Universal Music Group.

The show continues with four more episodes of blind auditions over the next two weeks, airing Mondays at 8 p.m. and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. Viewers who missed live episodes or do not have cable can stream them on Peacock the following day.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Gene Taylor of Vernon NJ impresses judges on 'The Voice'