Selma native secures spot on Team Reba

Published 7:48 am Friday, March 8, 2024

Selma played a big role in Asher HaVon’s dream to become a professional singer.

HaVon landed a spot on Team Reba of the “Voice’s” 25th season on March 4. Before a million-wide television audience on NBC, HaVon earned a berth by singing “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele, one of the world’s top singers.

“I feel good about getting a spot with Team Reba and I’m so excited,” HaVon said. “To be here is the grandest thing I have ever experienced in my life.”

HaVon, a Houston resident, impressed judges and world-wide singers Reba McIntire and John Legend on “The Voice” during a blind audition with his high notes. 

“Asher, what an incredible voice you have,” McEntire said. “Your range, your power, I couldn’t wait to turn around and see what you look like.”

Legend said he likes the range and versatility of HaVon, a 2010 graduate of Selma High School.

“It went in so many different places and your voice has so many different pockets that are very cool,” Legend said. 

Selma gave HaVon his big break. HaVon auditioned and made the choir that sang on the 50th anniversary of the Bridge Crossing Jubilee, attended by President Barack Obama. The choir director was so blown away by Asher that Asher led the choir that day. The choir sang John Legend’s song “Glory,”  led by HaVon before a crowd of 200,000.

“I thought somebody was playing with me,” HaVon said. “Singing in front of President Obama is a big deal in our culture. I was nervous until I got on the stage. “

HaVon said performing at the Jubilee was also a turning point for his complicated relationship with his father. A few years ago, his father survived a car accident and their relationship grew even stronger. They are close and talk regularly and the father greatly supports his son’s music. HaVon credits his mom for pushing him to sing when he was younger. HaVon calls her his singing sergeant.