Even a global superstar can feel nervous when performing in front of someone he deeply admires. Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine recently opened up about one of the most uncomfortable moments of his musical career, revealing what happened when he sang for the legendary Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.
The story came during rehearsals for The Voice, as Levine helped contestants Amanda Mikkel and Julia Clark prepare for their Battle Round performance of Elvis Presley’s classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” With the two singers feeling the pressure, Levine shared his own experience to remind them that stage nerves can affect even established performers.
A Performance He Still Remembers
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/adam-levin-the-voice106-10192026-e183adeb0af44d5181895c2dd722d904.jpg)
The musician behind Levine’s unforgettable experience was Brian Wilson, the legendary co-founder of the Beach Boys and one of Levine’s musical heroes.
Levine recalled singing the Beach Boys’ song “Surfer Girl” in front of Wilson during the band’s reunion at the 2012 Grammy Awards. According to Levine, Wilson stared at him throughout the performance, and when the song ended, he offered no feedback.
For Levine, that silence made the experience especially uncomfortable. He shared the story with Amanda and Julia to show them that even successful musicians can feel vulnerable when performing for someone they admire.
Helping Two Singers Overcome Their Nerves
Levine and guest mentor Alex Warren encouraged the contestants to relax and trust their abilities. Both singers received praise after their performance, with Kelly Clarkson complimenting their vocal qualities and Queen Latifah celebrating their stage presence.
Ultimately, Levine selected Amanda Mikkel to advance, explaining that he saw significant potential in her. He also emphasized that controlling nerves would be an important part of her continued growth in the competition.
Wilson passed away on June 11, 2025, at age 82, leaving behind an extraordinary musical legacy. Levine’s story offered a personal reminder of how deeply the artists we admire can affect us — even when we have become stars ourselves.
