Gaten Matarazzo, widely recognized for his portrayal of Dustin Henderson on Netflix’s Stranger Things, once aspired to compete on the reality singing competition The Voice. However, his plans to audition were blocked due to age restrictions when he was younger. Matarazzo disclosed this during a recent interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, expressing how deeply he wanted to appear on the program before landing his famous acting role.
Although the actor was just nine years old at the time he desired to participate, the show’s eligibility rules require contestants to be at least thirteen. Despite his youth, Matarazzo was already performing on Broadway then, showing early signs of musical talent that could have suited The Voice well.
Choosing a Song: Matarazzo’s Audition Pick
When Kelly Clarkson, the host and coach on The Voice, asked which song Matarazzo would have sung if given a chance, he selected the classic jazz tune Fly Me to the Moon, originally penned by Bart Howard in 1954. Although Matarazzo admitted the song
“is not a good one for [the show],”
Clarkson encouraged him, highlighting the song’s fit for showcasing resonance and tone.
Memorable Singing Moments in Stranger Things
Fans who may be unaware of Matarazzo’s vocal abilities witnessed a remarkable musical performance during the climactic finale of Stranger Things season 3, titled The Battle of Starcourt. In the episode, the characters Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce (Winona Ryder) scramble to solve a puzzle involving a safe, which requires a code that only Dustin’s girlfriend Suzie (Gabriella Pizzolo), a mathematically gifted character from Utah, can provide.
Suzie insists that Dustin sing their favorite song, The NeverEnding Story, the theme from the 1984 fantasy film. Matarazzo’s rendition of Limahl’s synth-pop anthem charms both Suzie and the rest of the group, creating a standout scene celebrated for its heartfelt delivery and musical talent.
Anticipation Builds for Stranger Things Season 5
Matarazzo’s impressive singing showcased in 2018 remains one of the series’ highlights as anticipation grows for the upcoming fifth and final season of Stranger Things. Scheduled for release in November, season 5 is set over a year after the events of season 4. The show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, disclosed at a Netflix event that the new season involved over 650 hours of footage, making it their most ambitious project yet.
Matt Duffer described the season as “big and epic,” emphasizing its relentless intensity from start to finish, while Ross Duffer mentioned the return of familiar characters interacting in Hawkins, reminiscent of the original season’s dynamic. This balance of scale and nostalgia promises a thrilling conclusion for longtime fans.
The Future of Musical Moments in Stranger Things
With Matarazzo’s vocal talent previously demonstrated, the possibility of another memorable musical sequence remains an open question as viewers await the new episodes. Stranger Things season 5 will premiere in three parts: Volume 1, arriving on November 26 with the first four episodes; Volume 2, featuring three episodes on Christmas Day; and the season finale releasing on December 31 both on Netflix and in select theaters.
This staggered launch strategy ensures fans will experience the conclusion gradually, building excitement and speculation about how the story and characters, including Matarazzo’s Dustin Henderson, will evolve.
