Gaynor, a vocalist with the West Point Band, impressed all four celebrity judges in the NBC singing contest with his take on the Carpenters' hit (likely with some soulful inspiration from Luther Vandross' version) in an audition that aired Tuesday night.
Gaynor — who was encouraged by his command to try out for the show, according to a post-audition interview — chose Aguilera as his "coach" for the season. Singers are mentored by their coaches throughout the contest as they compete in various elimination rounds before the winner receives a recording contract.
Gaynor's version of "Superstar" is available via iTunes. Auditions for the show, which airs Mondays and Tuesdays, continue into next week; details on Gaynor's next appearance have not been released.
The Tampa, Florida, native enlisted in 2009 and served with the 72nd Medical Detachment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, before earning a spot in the Army Entertainment Detachment, according to his West Point Band bio. He performed in and helped manage the Army Soldier Show before assuming his current post in 2013.
Kevin Lilley is the features editor of Military Times.
