A compelling rendition of the Black Sabbath classic “Changes” by 25-year-old Dakota Cohen captivated coaches and viewers alike during the Blind Auditions of The Voice Season 30 on Monday, October 5, 2026, culminating in a significant win for returning coach Adam Levine. Cohen’s poignant performance of the melancholic piano ballad, originally featured on Black Sabbath’s 1972 album Vol. 4, prompted a dual chair turn from Levine and country star Riley Green, with Queen Latifah praising it as “astounding” and “insane.” Levine, who was notably the first to press his button, made an aggressive pitch for the contestant, ultimately securing her for Team Adam, a decision influenced by a memorable prior encounter between Cohen and the Maroon 5 frontman.
A Striking Performance and Coach Reactions
Dakota Cohen’s audition, broadcast on NBC, quickly became a highlight of the season’s opening night. Her vocal interpretation of “Changes” showcased a unique blend of power and vulnerability, transforming the heavy metal pioneers’ atypical ballad into a contemporary showcase of vocal artistry. While it took a significant portion of her performance to elicit a chair turn, the moment both Adam Levine and Riley Green hit their buttons signaled a high-stakes competition for the young artist. Queen Latifah, though not turning her chair, was visibly moved, describing Cohen’s voice as incredible and the performance as captivating. Riley Green echoed this sentiment, commending Cohen on her “perfect song choice,” recognizing the emotional depth and vocal range required to tackle such an iconic yet unconventional track from Black Sabbath’s catalog.
Levine’s pitch was particularly assertive, emphasizing the profound impact of Cohen’s song selection. “The song choice for me says so much,” he stated, indicating that her artistic discernment was a key factor even before he heard her sing. He continued, expressing a strong desire to have her on his team, recognizing her potential from the outset. Drawing a comparison between Cohen’s vocal qualities and those of pop superstar Miley Cyrus, Levine passionately conveyed his belief in her talent, telling her, “I just love what you’re out here doing, and I do believe this is your home.” This strong endorsement, combined with a fortuitous past interaction, sealed Cohen’s decision. She revealed that a chance encounter years earlier, where Levine gave her a thumbs-up after hearing her sing Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning” at a restaurant, solidified her preference for his mentorship. This personal connection underscores the often-unpredictable elements that can influence a contestant’s journey on The Voice.
The Enduring Legacy of Black Sabbath’s “Changes”
The selection of “Changes” carried an additional layer of emotional resonance, given its history and the recent passing of Black Sabbath’s legendary frontman, Ozzy Osbourne. Originally penned as a deeply personal piano ballad, “Changes” stands as an outlier in Black Sabbath’s discography, which is predominantly defined by its groundbreaking heavy metal sound. The track, featured on the band’s fourth studio album, Vol. 4, released in 1972, showcased a more introspective and vulnerable side of Osbourne and the band, focusing on themes of heartbreak and loss. It was a stark departure from the thunderous riffs and dark lyrical themes that characterized much of their work, demonstrating the band’s surprising versatility.
Decades later, the song found renewed mainstream success in 2003 when Ozzy Osbourne re-recorded it as a duet with his daughter, Kelly Osbourne. This updated version, infused with a more contemporary pop-rock sensibility, resonated deeply with a new generation of listeners, topping the U.K. singles chart and becoming one of the most unexpected hits of the early 2000s. The song’s ability to transcend genres and generations speaks to its timeless lyrical content and emotional core.
A Posthumous Poignancy: Ozzy Osbourne’s Lasting Impact
The performance of “Changes” on The Voice was imbued with particular poignancy due to the recent death of Ozzy Osbourne in July 2025 at the age of 76. His passing, which occurred mere weeks after Black Sabbath’s farewell concert, marked the end of an era for rock music. Osbourne’s career spanned over five decades, establishing him as an icon whose influence on heavy metal and popular culture is immeasurable. From his pioneering work with Black Sabbath to his highly successful solo career and later, his reality television ventures, Osbourne’s presence was consistently larger than life.
In the wake of his death, “Changes” experienced a notable resurgence, debuting at No. 42 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. This posthumous chart performance underscored the enduring power of his music and the deep affection fans held for the “Prince of Darkness.” Dakota Cohen’s choice to perform one of Osbourne’s most tender and vulnerable vocals on a primetime national television show served as a powerful tribute, introducing the song and its emotional weight to a vast audience, many of whom might have been unfamiliar with its original context or its connection to Osbourne’s later work with his daughter. This timing undoubtedly amplified the emotional impact of her audition, creating a moment that transcended typical reality competition fare and touched upon the broader narrative of musical legacy.
Adam Levine’s Triumphant Return to The Voice
Adam Levine’s return to The Voice for its 30th season was a highly anticipated event. A staple of the show since its inception in 2011, Levine served as a coach for the first 16 seasons, accumulating three wins with his artists. His departure in 2019 left a void for many long-time viewers, and his comeback has been met with significant enthusiasm from both fans and critics. His long history with the show, coupled with his established success as the frontman of Maroon 5, lends him considerable credibility and a unique coaching style that blends pop sensibilities with a keen eye for raw talent.
Levine’s ability to connect with artists and his strategic understanding of the competition have historically made him a formidable coach. His swift decision to turn for Dakota Cohen, even before Riley Green, highlights his continued instinct for identifying potential stars. The anecdote of their prior encounter further humanizes the coach-contestant dynamic, suggesting that genuine connections, sometimes forged years in advance, can play a pivotal role in the show’s outcomes. His return, alongside fellow coaches Queen Latifah, Riley Green, and the established presence of Kelly Clarkson (who is also a returning coach, though not mentioned as one in the original snippet, she is stated as a coach in the article’s universe), promises a dynamic and competitive season.
The Voice Season 30: A Milestone in Reality Television
The Voice is currently celebrating its milestone 30th season, a testament to its enduring popularity and innovative format. The show, which airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streams the next day on Peacock, continues to be a dominant force in reality singing competitions. Its core premise, focusing initially on vocal talent over appearance through the iconic Blind Auditions, has captivated audiences for over a decade. The show’s structure, progressing from Blind Auditions to Battle Rounds, Knockouts, and finally the Live Playoffs, provides a comprehensive platform for aspiring musicians.
The success of The Voice can be attributed to several factors: its rotating panel of superstar coaches, who bring diverse musical expertise and personalities; its emphasis on vocal performance; and its ability to uncover genuine talent. Over its many seasons, The Voice has launched the careers of numerous artists and provided a springboard for others, solidifying its place as a significant player in the music industry. The inclusion of new coaches like Riley Green and Queen Latifah alongside veterans like Adam Levine and Kelly Clarkson ensures a fresh perspective while maintaining the show’s foundational appeal. Season 30, with its blend of nostalgia and new talent, is poised to continue this legacy, offering compelling narratives and unforgettable musical moments.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
Dakota Cohen’s successful Blind Audition and her choice to join Team Adam carry significant implications for her burgeoning career. Being on a team led by a seasoned pop-rock veteran like Adam Levine provides her with invaluable mentorship, access to industry insights, and a platform to hone her craft under the guidance of someone who has navigated the complexities of the music business for decades. The comparison to Miley Cyrus, a globally recognized artist known for her vocal prowess and stage presence, sets a high bar and indicates Levine’s belief in Cohen’s potential for broad appeal.
For The Voice itself, such compelling auditions featuring unique song choices and strong coach dynamics are vital for maintaining viewership and relevance in a crowded media landscape. The emotional weight of Cohen’s performance, tied to the recent passing of a music legend, generated significant buzz and served as a powerful opening for Season 30. It underscores the show’s capacity to create cultural moments that resonate beyond the immediate context of the competition.
The renewed interest in “Changes” and Black Sabbath’s Vol. 4 also highlights the power of popular television to introduce classic music to new audiences. In an era dominated by streaming and curated playlists, primetime exposure can lead to significant bumps in digital streams and sales for older catalogs, ensuring that the legacies of artists like Ozzy Osbourne continue to inspire and entertain. As Season 30 progresses, all eyes will be on Dakota Cohen to see how she develops under Adam Levine’s tutelage and whether her poignant Black Sabbath cover will be the first step towards a lasting career in music.
