‘The Voice’ Recap: The Blind Auditions Kick Off With Three Blocks!
NBC Reading Time: 5 minutes
This week marked the Season 17 premiere of The Voice. Over two nights, the coaches listened to the first round of blind auditions and started filling up their teams. The premiere was packed with some pretty amazing talent.
This is the first season without longtime coach Adam Levine, who was replaced with returning coach Gwen Stefani. She joins boyfriend Blake Shelton, as well as two-time winner Kelly Clarkson, and reigning champion John Legend. Check out which artists made it onto their teams below.
Katie Kadan (Team John)
The first blind audition of the season was also the season’s first four-chair turn. Katie Kadan sang “Baby I Love You” by Aretha Franklin, accompanying herself on keyboard. Blake blocked Kelly from taking Katie for her team. John told her she’s “perfect for this show,” and Katie chose to join his team.
Jake HaldenVang (Team Gwen)
This young rocker called himself a “wild child” before performing “Wish I Knew You” by the Revivalists. His voice fooled Kelly at first, making her think he was a woman. Gwen, John, and Blake turned their chairs almost immediately. Gwen reminded him that she’s been in a rock band, and he chose to join her team.
Brennan Lassiter (Team Kelly)
This country girl says auditioning for The Voice is the “biggest thing I’ve ever done.” She sang a country version of “You Are My Sunshine” and turned all four chairs. Blake was the first to turn his chair, and Kelly regretted not blocking him. “She’s gonna pick Blake,” Kelly said. Imagine her shock when Brennan picked her instead.
Rose Short (Team Gwen)
This former corrections officer took a risk by performing “Preach” by John Legend. Although John didn’t turn, Kelly and Gwen did. Kelly said she could “annihilate” the original singer on any song, not remembering it was John’s song. Gwen told her she can help her “find your personality,” and Rose chose to join her team.
Will Breman (Team John)
This busker spoke about how music helped him with his Asperger syndrome. He performed a unique version of “Say You’ll Be There” by the Spice Girls. John and Gwen turned around, and John even performed a duet of “Ordinary People” with him. Will chose to join Team John.
Alex Guthrie (Team Kelly)
This singer, who’s friends with former coach Jennifer Hudson, performed “Love and Happiness” by Al Green. Kelly and Gwen both turned around for him. Alex explained that he opened for Kelly in Atlanta, and she complimented his voice. Both coaches showed off their team jacket options before Alex chose to join Team Kelly.
Kat Hammock (Team Blake)
This young singer loves listening to old music with her dad. She performed “Vienna” by Billy Joel while playing the piano. Blake and Gwen both turned around for her. Blake bragged about his track record and lamented that no one had chosen him yet. He got his first team member when Kat chose him.
Marina Chello (Team Blake)
This immigrant from Uzbekistan calls The Voice her “American dream,” and said she learned English with the help of music. Marina performed “Walk Me Home” by Pink. Both Blake and Kelly turned around. Blake called her voice “powerful” and said America would “connect” with her. Marina chose to join Blake’s team.
Kyndal Inskeep (Team Gwen)
This nanny who recently moved to Nashville used music to cope with her anxiety and depression. She performed “Never Been to Spain” by Three Dog Night, inspiring Kelly, Gwen, and Blake to turn around. Gwen blocked Blake from taking Kyndal for his team. Kyndal deepened the rift by choosing to join Gwen’s team.
Shane Q (Team Kelly)
This special needs shuttle driver performed “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton. Gwen was the first one to turn around, and the other three coaches eventually followed. Blake actually read out from an online article about himself to convince Shane to choose him. Kelly predicted he’ll be in the finale, and Shane chose to join her team.
Max Boyle (Team John)
This recent college graduate performed “Wayfaring Stranger” by Johnny Cash in his audition. He started a cappella before the track kicked in. John hit his button first, and blocked Kelly. Max therefore automatically joined Team John. Unlike Blake, John owned up to his block.
Hello Sunday (Team Kelly)
We have our first duo of the season! These two teenage friends performed “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. Kelly was the only judge to turn around. She told them they have “potential to be something magical.” They’re the youngest duo in the history of The Voice.
Royce Lovett (Team Gwen)
This singer and rapper calls his guitar his “second arm.” He performed Wyclef Jean’s “911.” Gwen was the first coach to turn around, followed by Blake. Gwen loved it so much, she even started dancing. “If you don’t pick me, I will be so embarrassed,” she told Royce. Lucky for her, he picked her.
Elise Azkoul (Team Gwen)
This singer is proud of her Lebanese heritage, and spoke about her musical family. She performed Lady Gaga’s “Million Reasons.” Gwen was the only coach to turn around, so Elise automatically joined her team. Gwen said Elise has a “rare tone,” and spoke about working on her confidence.
Cory Jackson (Team Blake)
This singer was set to get married shortly after the blind auditions. He performed “Galveston” by Glen Campbell. Blake, Kelly, and Gwen all turned for him. Kelly bonded with him over being classically trained, as well as dabbling in country. However, Cory went with Blake.
After this first week, John has three artists on his team, Kelly has four, Gwen has five, and Blake has three. Who do you think has the strongest team so far? Let us know in the comments.
