All-Star Team of Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Miley Cyrus, and Alicia Keys Stun with “Dream On” Rendition
During one of the most memorable seasons of *The Voice*, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Miley Cyrus, and Alicia Keys all joined forces on stage to deliver a remarkable performance of Aerosmith’s “Dream On.” The unlikely quartet of coaches surprised the audience by blending their distinct styles into a show-stopping tribute that highlighted each singer’s vocal strengths while still creating a cohesive sound. It was a collaboration that instantly stood out in the history of the show.
This moving performance was dedicated to Christina Grimmie, a beloved former contestant whose tragic loss had left fans and the music community heartbroken. The emotional weight of the moment gave the rendition extra depth, as each singer poured heartfelt energy into the song. The combination of soaring vocals and raw passion resonated deeply with viewers, helping the performance climb to over 44 million views online and earning widespread acclaim for its intensity and sincerity.
Many fans singled out Miley Cyrus’s entrance as the defining highlight of the night. Her dramatic delivery and rock-infused tone elevated the tribute and provided a fresh twist on the Aerosmith classic. Viewers praised the way her raspy vocals cut through the orchestration, with Adam Levine and Alicia Keys weaving harmonies around her in support. Blake Shelton, though rooted in country music, added a surprising dynamic that balanced the performance and reminded audiences of his versatility.
The synergy between the four artists captured one of those rare musical moments where contrasting backgrounds blend seamlessly into something larger than the sum of its parts. Levine’s rock sensibility, Keys’ soulful power, Shelton’s country grit, and Cyrus’s edge all collided to create a performance that felt both spontaneous and polished. It was this clash of styles, unified by emotion, that transformed the tribute into more than just a cover—it became a powerful musical statement of solidarity and remembrance.
The performance was more than a simple TV highlight; it demonstrated the unifying power of music. While Aerosmith’s “Dream On” is already considered an anthem of resilience, the choice to dedicate it to Grimmie made the song even more poignant. Fans felt the grief and admiration in equal measure, and the video continues to circulate widely across social platforms. For many, this tribute was not just one of the best moments on *The Voice* but one of the most compelling live television performances of its kind.
As Miley’s commanding presence lingered in the minds of viewers, many also reflected on her ability to cross genres with ease. Though widely recognized for her pop and country roots, her ventures into rock have consistently earned her respect. That crossover talent was displayed not just on *The Voice* stage, but also in her covers of iconic rock songs, including her much-discussed rendition of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.” The success of her performance on *The Voice* highlighted how naturally she could step into the world of rock and deliver with conviction.
Miley’s interpretation of “Nothing Else Matters” first gained attention when she performed it live at Glastonbury in 2019, during a turbulent period in her personal life. Having lost her home in the California fires and experiencing the breakdown of her marriage, she explained that the song spoke directly to her struggles. To her, its lyrics reflected resilience and the power of holding onto music when everything else seems uncertain. Fans saw authenticity in her performance that connected her personal pain with the universal themes of the song.
The impact of her connection to the Metallica classic extended into studio recordings as well. In 2021, Miley contributed her own version of “Nothing Else Matters” to *The Blacklist*, an ambitious tribute album featuring a diverse array of artists reinterpreting tracks from Metallica’s 1991 self-titled release, widely known as *The Black Album.* With Elton John joining her on piano, her cover carried both gravitas and intimacy, pairing her raw vocal power with his legendary musicality to create a strikingly memorable rendition.
In interviews, Miley emphasized that she felt the song had been written for her, particularly because of its resonance during her personal hardships. She described how its message pushed her forward, saying that even as her personal life crumbled, her bond with music never faltered. That interpretation added new layers to a song already considered one of Metallica’s most heartfelt works. It also underscored her evolution as an artist capable of transforming experiences into performances that audiences could both admire and empathize with.
Her partnership with Metallica on *The Howard Stern Show* in 2021 further solidified this surprising yet powerful collaboration. Performing live despite being in separate locations due to Covid restrictions, Miley led with vocals while James Hetfield stepped into a supporting role. The unusual arrangement showcased Hetfield’s openness and Miley’s ability to carry the weight of the song. Hetfield himself reflected on the vulnerability behind writing the track, describing how even the toughest exterior hides a heart eager to express raw emotion.
The collaboration showed that Metallica’s music could reach across genres and generations, creating room for new interpretations without losing authenticity. Miley’s vocal performance was emotional and fierce, balancing tenderness with grit. Elton John’s piano work provided an elegant foundation that made the performance unforgettable. Fans were quick to acknowledge the chemistry between all the musicians involved, proving that great music transcends stylistic boundaries when performed with sincerity and passion.
Looking back, both the *Voice* performance of “Dream On” and Miley’s take on “Nothing Else Matters” highlight her ability to inhabit songs from different eras and make them feel present. By bringing together iconic material, personal vulnerability, and collaborations with world-class artists, she continues to redefine her musical identity. These performances stand as reminders that sometimes the most unexpected combinations—whether between TV judges or a pop star and a heavy metal band—produce the most unforgettable results.
