The Voice Season 26: Why Jose Luis Had Everyone Guessing
When Jose Luis stepped onto The Voice stage for the Blind Auditions, the producers did something they don't always do. They kept him hidden. You couldn't see his face, his outfit, or his presence—just a silhouette and that massive, glass-shattering voice. He launched into Olivia Rodrigo’s "Traitor," and honestly, it was a moment.
The coaches were visibly floored. But for the audience at home, the lack of a visual created a massive wave of curiosity. Because Jose Luis has such a high tenor and a flawless falsetto, the internet immediately started buzzing. People were asking: Who is this? What are Jose Luis the voice pronouns? Is he a man? Is she a woman? Is he non-binary?
It’s a natural reaction to a voice that defies traditional boxes. We live in a world that loves to categorize things instantly. But Jose Luis is a bit more nuanced than a quick Google search might suggest.
Clearing Up the Confusion Around Jose Luis and Pronouns
Let’s get the facts straight. Throughout his time on Season 26, Jose Luis has been referred to by the coaches, the host, and the show's official materials using he/him pronouns. While his vocal range is undeniably androgynous—reaching those high notes that usually belong to pop divas—he identifies as a man.
You’ve probably seen the "Fantasy Voice Wiki" or other fan-edited sites. Sometimes these sites get messy because they mix up real-life contestants with fictional versions of the show. If you look at the official NBC credits and his own social media presence, Jose Luis (whose full name is Jose Luis Valte) presents as a male artist with a deep love for "feminine" pop aesthetics.
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He’s a 21-year-old from Carolina, Puerto Rico. He’s been very open about how Lady Gaga changed his life. When he was five, he saw her perform "Just Dance" and basically decided right then that he was going to be a pop star. That influence is all over his style. He embraces a look that is stylish, polished, and definitely breaks the "macho" stereotype often found in Latin music.
Why People Keep Asking About His Identity
The curiosity isn't just about his voice. It's about his whole vibe. Jose Luis has a vulnerability that Gwen Stefani called out immediately. She mentioned how he took the lyrics of "Traitor" and made them his own story. In the world of The Voice, that kind of emotional transparency often leads fans to wonder about an artist's personal journey or gender identity.
The Power of the High Tenor
In music, we call voices like his "androgynous" because they sit in that sweet spot between registers. Think:
- Jordan Smith (Season 9 winner)
- Asher HaVon
- Sasha Allen
Fans often search for Jose Luis the voice pronouns because they want to make sure they are being respectful. It’s actually a cool shift in how people watch TV now. Instead of just assuming, viewers want to know the "correct" way to talk about their favorite artists.
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His Journey From Puerto Rico to Team Gwen
Jose Luis didn't just wake up with a four-chair-turn voice. It was a long road. He grew up in Puerto Rico, heavily influenced by his aunt, Wally Waleska. She wasn't related by blood, but she was the one who nurtured his talent.
Life wasn't always easy. After his great-grandmother passed away in 2021, Jose struggled a lot. He’s been vocal about his mental health and how therapy helped him get back to a place where he could actually sing again. When he chose Gwen Stefani over Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, and Michael Bublé, it made perfect sense. Gwen is the queen of "alt-pop" and knows exactly how to market an artist who doesn't fit the standard mold.
Snoop Dogg actually called his vocals “movie big.” That’s a pretty solid endorsement.
How to Follow Jose Luis’s Journey Respectfully
If you're following his career, the best thing you can do is focus on the artistry. Yes, he uses he/him pronouns, but his art is meant to be universal. He is part of a new generation of performers who don't feel the need to hyper-masculinize themselves to be taken seriously.
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He's currently active on Instagram and TikTok, where he posts covers and behind-the-scenes clips from his time on the show. Fans who are looking for the latest updates on his identity or new music should stick to his official handles rather than Reddit theories.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Use the correct pronouns: Stick with he/him unless he explicitly states otherwise in the future.
- Watch the performances: Go back and listen to his rendition of "Traitor" and "Lay Me Down." The technical control is insane.
- Support the artist: Follow his official social media to see his real-time updates rather than relying on fan wikis which are often inaccurate.
- Look for the "Team Gwen" updates: Now that the season has progressed, keep an eye on how Gwen styles his performances to lean into his unique vocal range.
Jose Luis is more than just a search term or a set of pronouns. He's a kid from Puerto Rico who is trying to live out a Lady Gaga-sized dream. Whether he's hitting a whistle note or talking about his mental health, he's doing it as his authentic self.