The Voice returned tonight and started with their newest judge, Kelly Clarkson, standing behind the microphone pretending to be announcing herself as the winner. Alicia Keyes returns as a judge on NBC’s The Voice alongside the original two judges, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.
This year, there’s an important twist to the competitive singing show – the block. Each coach can now block one of their rival coaches from getting an artist. Coaches must choose wisely – they only get one chance at the block. Two of the blocks were used in the opening episode of The Voice. Who got them? Read on about each contestant:
Britton Buchanan, a 17-year-old from Sanford, North Carolina: With his guitar in hand, Britton auditioned with “Trouble.” I know what they mean by an old soul now, because this kid sounds like he’s been in the industry for years, even with his mannerisms. Alicia, Blake and Adam turn around about two lines into his singing. Woah! Adam stands up only to be blocked already! Adam tries to convince Britton to go with Alicia, which is typical Adam/Blake competitive banter. “Something so genuine about you,” said Alicia. “You’re so intense, almost like you’re angry with the song,” said Blake. Britton chooses Alicia, who won the season the last time she judged.
Brynn Cartelli, 14, from Longmeadow, Massachusetts: The multi-talented high school freshman plays sports after school and music when she’s home. She was inspired by Kelly Clarkson when she was younger. Sings “Beneath Your Beautiful,” and before she starts says they are going to hear my soul in my song. She has a Kelly Clarkson-esque vibe to her sound. Fortunately for her, Kelly is the first person to turn. Although it’s exciting to have someone turn around, she’s the only one who turns around the last millisecond when Blake hits his button. “You have a lot of different elements to your voice,” said Kelly. “Such a beautiful voice,” said Alicia. Brynn picks Kelly.
Rayshun LaMarr, 33, Fort Washington, Maryland: LaMarr shares his story about blacking out at the hospital – where he almost died. He had been diagnosed with lymphoma and received chemo, lost his voice and hearing. His faith in his music is what pulled him through. He sang “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. Hearing one line of the song Adam turned around, then Alicia. LaMarr is quite energetic on stage. “The sheer bliss you sing with is infectious,” said Alicia. Rayshun chooses Adam.
Kyla Jane, 33, Nashville, Tennessee: Sang backup for Carrie Underwood and Wynona Judd, but her mother’s health derailed her career. Auditioned for Jennifer Hudson and is now her backup singer. She actually sang backup for Hudson when the “Dreamgirls” singer performed on The Voice and now wants her own shot at victory. Sang “See Saw” by Aretha Franklin. Gets a video message from Hudson before hitting the stage. Can this background singer put herself in center stage? A slow start, but once Jane hits the higher notes Blake hits his button. Kelly: “Everything is sass about you. Kelly brings up how she won “a competition” — hmm, I wonder which one? Kyla picks: Blake.
Blaise Raccuglia, 25, Austin, Texas: Blaise started a ministry and now sings with people on top of a mountain. He’s ready to see what’s next in his life though, even though he still clean pools during the day. He sang “Wanted.” A little pitchy on the chorus, which Kelly Clarkson pointed out, but unfortunately nobody turned around.
Kelsea Johnson, 21, Newark, Delaware: Her papa wanted to do the auditions but unfortunately passed away before she actually got to do them, so she’s dedicated it to him.. She sang Meghan Trainor’s “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.” Adam hits his button on her second line followed immediately by Kelly. Kelly whispers to Alicia “she’s good,” which encourages Alicia to hit her button. Why Kelly? You should be discouraging Alicia so you can get her on your team. I was right and it backfires for Kelly. Kelsea picks Alicia.
Drew Cole, 25, Los Angeles: Works at a bar inside a movie theater – why isn’t there one near me?! – who had a video go viral where he was serenading a friend’s dog who would actually smile and groove when he was playing and stop smiling when he stopped. The views are upward of 14 million views.
In case you want to see it (but keep reading after it for more on The Voice):
The long-haired crooner sings “Sex and Candy” and only one line into the song and Adam already hits his button. A short time later Blake hits his button. “Thank god for you,” said Adam. Drew picks Adam.
D.R. King: Without any introductory video, D.R King sings a slower, more soulful rendition of “Believer.” King gets Kelly Clarkson to turn around and, once again, Blake Shelton turns around with a second left. D.R. picks Kelly.
Kaleb Lee, 31, Ormond Beach, Florida: His tearful story about his son’s Nicaraguan adoption brought me to tears, but this is a competition and these teary-eyed stories make you hope these guys can sing. He can! Lee has that old-time country twang and great sound to his voice. I found myself rooting for someone to turn around! Kelly turns around! Blake turns around too. Kaleb picks Blake.
Makenzie Thomas, 19, Wallingford, Kentucky: Grew up listening to R&B and black gospel and she joined her college’s group. As a plus-size woman, she talks about being teased in her past. She’s singing “RedBone.” She has a great R&B sound to her voice. Unfortunately, nobody turns for her. Missed opportunity, in my opinion.
Justin Kilgore, 30, Austin, Texas: The last contestant of the night started out with a story about joining the cheerleading team in high school in a very conservative community. He sings “Tomorrow” and what a fantastic country voice he has. I can hear him on the radio and so can Blake, Kelly and Alicia who turn around, but Blake’s been blocked by Alicia! Good move Alicia. The country superstar can’t get his hands on this talent. Right at the end Adam turns around too. Justin picks Kelly. Tonight, Justin ranks as one of my favorites.
I’ve always loved the banter on this show, but Kelly Clarkson is just too adorable for words. So far, the contestants are fantastic.
