As Season 3 begins for The Voice, we learn that this year, there are some big changes coming – Teams will be bigger… 16 artists per team instead of 12, allowing more opportunity per coach and a new twist that will change the show forever. Christina hints that she may be able to snatch someone up later! One thing, thankfully will stay the same, the 4 coaches: Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, CeeLo Green & Blake Shelton. The winner will receive a contract with Universal Music Group and be named ‘The Voice’!
To start the season off with a bang, the 4 coaches sing together ‘Start Me Up’ originally by The Rolling Stones. I personally love Adam Levine in this, he is beyond hot as usual, and so is Blake… Christina’s boobs are up front, proud and prominent making the male audience a happy as I with Adam… CeeLo is dressed in his normal CeeLo eclectic fashion. Amazing start to the show and I loved it.
On to the featured artists from part 1 of the 3 night premiere!
Terry McDermott, 35 from Aberdeen Scotland, currently living in New Orleans. Terry was in a Scottish band called Drive Blind. He Moved here in 2003. Sings ‘Baba O’Riley‘ by The Who (I was confused by the title cuz I always knew the song as Teenage Wasteland?) I thought he did a good job, especially being 1st out the gate & at the last minute CeeLo, Adam & Blake all turn around. All the coaches vie for him on their team (I personally love the banter between the coaches as on The Voice, it’s kept fun & genuine, unlike other programs?). Adam points out “So many people ruin that song by overdoing it, but you didn’t have to do that to make it work”, Blake gives him a boost of confidence saying “If you pick me, I’ll let you get up there and talk for a while, sing whatever song you want to sing, we’ll smoke some cigars and win this thing.”; Adam counters with “I’d like you to sing on my team!” which CeeLo quips in with “I’d like you to ROCK on my team!” but ultimately, Terry decides to join Blake’s team. Follow Terry on Twitter @TerryMacMusic.
De’Borah, 25, Chicago Heights, IL – Her back-story was about her struggle to be accepted. She always performed in church, wore skirts, heels, did everything that was required of her, but at 18 she no longer had to follow the rules her parents set. She Cut her hair off and the church didn’t like how she looked, that became more important than her voice. She’s not about that, “I’m into love, I’m not into the gender thing,” and adds “my sexuality is complicated… boom… I am gay.” She does look a lot like Urkel from Family Matters, especially with her outfit… but she totally owns it and it works for her! She sings ‘Hey, Soul Sister’ by Train… Christina and CeeLo are the only ones to push their buttons! After deliberation, De’Borah chooses Christina as her coach saying she must ‘Trust the voice within’ which is a song by Christina, a song that had helped her get through her a lot and was the inspiration for her choice. Follow De’Borah on Twitter @MusicTrappa
Gracia Harrison, 18, Virden, IL – She has been singing since she was 4 years old, using her grandma’s fireplace as a makeshift stage at times. She sings country and yodeling and lists Kellie Pickler as one of her inspirations. She currently performs mostly at fairs and local venues. For her audition, she sings ‘I Want To Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart‘ by Patsy Montana. Adam pushes 1st, with Blake not long after. CeeLo pushes his button as soon as she starts to yodel. Christina teased her button, but in the end, didn’t turn around for her. Adam claims “By far THE best county music singer we’ve had on this show!”, and all 3 judges try hard to sway her choice but she picks the wise choice and joins Blake! I was glad that she got picked up, I’d like to see how they use her yodeling talent. Follow Gracia on Twitter @gracia_harrison.
Devyn DeLoera, 20, Snyder, TX – Devyn’s back story is all about her being shy and reserved, but music brought her out of that. She never really felt she fit in so singing was where she found comfort. She sings ‘Ain’t no other man’ by Christina Aguilera, which I felt off the bat was very risky. She’s good, but it’s hard to not compare her version to Christina when she’s sitting right there in front of her. Christina’s voice to me has so much soul and Devyn did not. But Christina pushes her button 1st, with Adam and Blake following shortly after. Fun banter between the coaches, upping each other as to why she should pick them, she ultimately picks the obvious, Christina. Follow Devyn on Twitter @DevynDeLoera
Brian Keith, 22, Bronx, NY – Dad plays with the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and Brian doesn’t want his dad’s help to get by, he really wants to prove himself on his own and The Voice is his opportunity to make that happen. He sings ‘It Will Rain’ by Bruno Mars. Blake turns around within the 1st two lines with Christina pushing her button right after him, followed by CeeLo. Adam pushes his button making Brian the 1st artist to turn all 4 chairs around this season. I really liked him, seems like singing come very easy for him and it’s very natural. Christina says he’s got a signature voice and Blake echoes that. You can tell when Blake REALLY wants a contestant, he pulls out the finger trick, pointing to himself above his head trying to entice the artist, lol. He ends up choosing Adam, making him Adam’s 1st artist on his team and I’m thinking it’s a good fit for him. Follow Bryan on Twitter @Bryanpeeps
Daniel Rosa, 21, Riverside, CA – Daniel auditioned for The Voice in season 2 but wasn’t picked and came back for another try. Last season, the coaches gave him some criticism that they thought he was too pitchy and needed practice, so Daniel asked what he could do to improve. The coaches agreed he needed confidence, which Daniel says he gained from auditioning, allowing him to seek out opportunities to gain experience and practice. For this audition, he sings ‘Somebody I Used To Know’ by Gotye but in his own arrangement… not sure I like the arrangement in it’s entirety, but CeeLo exclaimes “I like it!” and pushes his button, Blake follows immediately after. Once the song is over and the coaches recognize him from the previous season, Adam rushes up on stage and hugs him. Adam points out his story is a great story to tell about how not to give up on a dream because here he is! CeeLo picks up his 1st artist for his team as Daniel agrees to join Team CeeLo. Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanielRosaMusic
Joe Kirkland, 24, Fort Worth, TX – Joe was in a band from college called ‘Artist vs Poet’ where he sung back up. The band was signed to a label, they toured internationally while in The Warped Tour in 2010, everything was looking up… eventually, the lead singer bailed on them. So Joe stepped up to be the front man, but unfortunately, the label was not happy with the changes and the band fizzled. Joe wants to prove he’s got what it takes to be a front man. He gives a very good version of ‘Gives You Hell’ by All American Rejects. Blake and Adam turn immediately. I really like him, and thought he had very good stage presence, seemed comfortable on stage and was entertaining! Joe picks Adam which is exactly who I would have liked to see him with. Follow Joe on Twitter @JoeKAVP
Trevin Hunte, 18, Queens, NY – Grew up in not the best living conditions or the best neighborhoods. His dad, a garbage man, brought him home a radio he salvaged that he got to listen to at a young age and that’s when he knew we wanted to be a singer. Trevin was trying to get into a performing arts school but needed 3 recommendations from his teacher, he got 2 easily but the 3rd teacher told him he was wasting his time, he wasn’t going to become anybody… Trevin did not give up and sees this as his chance to prove his teachers wrong. He sings ‘Listen’ by Beyonce. Christina pushes her button almost immediately. You can tell CeeLo really likes it as they show him jamming out, but Blake turns next… then CeeLo finally pushes his button about half way through. This guy has a voice and can really project his pipes! Blake screams at Adam to push his button which would give Trevin all 4 judges to pick from, but Adam doesn’t give in and lets the decision remain between the 3 judges. Trevin ends up choosing CeeLo, which is a perfect choice for him, IMO. Follow Trevin on Twitter @Tamor_11
Adriana Louise, 22, Brooklyn, NY – “Music is my world, music saved my life.” begins Adriana’s story. Her dad was robbed at their family store, but he wouldn’t comply with the attackers and refused to open the safe. The attackers went to their home and held them at gunpoint. Adriana’s uncle saw her mother walking out of their home with strange men and called 911. Eventually the cops caught up with car and rescued her mom, this happened when she was 9. Music is what got her through everything. She sings ‘Domino’ by Jessie J… CeeLo and Adam turn almost immediately. I really like her and you can tell she puts a lot into her music. Midway through Christina turns, with Blake following right behind her. She gets mega praise from all judges. Blake does his finger move so you know he really wants her… but she goes with Christina. I really think that was a good choice for her. Follow Adriana on Twitter @Adriana_Louise
Casey Muessigmann (pronounced “music-man”), 22, Iowa – Casey has 2 strong passions, music and wrestling. He put his singing on the back burner when he went back to school so he could compete collegiately in wrestling. He was doing well but ended up injured which crushed him. He gained 100 lbs and was not happy, but he decided to take back control, lost the weight and is now pursuing his music. For his audition, he sings ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Great song choice as Blake turns quickly… with CeeLo following not long after. Personally, I didn’t hear anything extra special in his audition, so I hope he can keep up once the battle rounds start. After some comments from the judges, he chooses Blake, the obvious choice. Follow Casey on Twitter @KCMuessigmann
Aquile, 24, San Diego, CA – Grew up in Wyoming in a mostly white community, he’s biracial and has people in the community who judge him without knowing him. At 19, he was punched in the jaw, and with his mouth wired shut he picked up a guitar and learned to play, even did gigs with his mouth wired shut! He does an amazing job singing ‘Your Song’ by Elton John… I absolutely love his voice!! OMG! So far an early fave for me! Christina and Adam turn almost immediately… CeeLo turns at the very last moment. Christina would like a private session with him, hahaha… Christina or CeeLo would be a good match for him, and he ultimately picks Christina. Follow Aquile on Twitter @Aquile
MacKenzie Bourg, 19, Lafayette, LA – 2 years ago, MacKenzie contracted a virus that shut down all his organs. He was put into a medically induced coma with a feeding tube, ventilator, the whole 9 yards… but before he went to sleep, he promised his parents he’d wake up for SuperBowl Sunday. He woke up the previous day. That’s when they seen The Voice advertise for auditions. He doesn’t take waking up, breathing for granted anymore. He sings ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ by Foster the People, while playing the guitar… I like him, he’s got some cool undertones with the cracking in his voice and sounds perfect in parts of the song. CeeLo pushed his button about halfway through. Very funny conversation about how MacKenzie has a Harry Potter look from Blake, then Christina compares him to Justin Bieber… he’d rather go with the Harry Potter comparison, lol… Follow MacKenzie on Twitter @BourgMacKenzie
Julio Cesar Castillo, 21, Chicago, IL – Started singing at 3, and at around age 6 fell in love with mariachi… he really wants to move on from his mariachi band. His dad was diagnosed with epilepsy, so with his dad unable to work, his mom and siblings do what they can to fill his dad shoes supporting the family, so he needs The Voice to help lessen the burden. His audition song ‘La Bamba’ by Ritchie Valens, he sings entirely in Spanish (1st time ever on The Voice), and does a good job! Blake turns after 1st line… I like him, he’s pretty good but not a favorite, wish he would have sang the song split in Spanish/English. CeeLo turns around at the last minute. He ends up singing a little in Mariachi at CeeLo’s request. The banter between CeeLo and Blake was pretty funny, Julio picks Team Blake. Good choice but think he’d do the same with either coach. Follow Julio on Twitter @JulioCCastle
Samuel Mouton, 19, Fort Collins, CO – Samuel’s dad and uncle were in a Reggae band, and he grew up watching them. That’s where he gets his singing style and inspiration from. His thinks his singing style can surprise the judges because it doesn’t match his look. His family owns 2 restaurants, which he is why he’s a cook but doesn’t want to remain in that field. He sings ‘Redemption Song’ by Bob Marley, Adam turns immediately, CeeLo hits his button just a moment later, and eventually Christina turns around also. He really did a great job! Think he’ll be another early fave for me. I immediately thought his best choice would be with CeeLo or Adam? He chose to join Team Adam! Follow Samuel on Twitter @SamuelMouton
Nelly’s Echo, 32, Baltimore MD – Lived in Nigeria until 16, left because of his country was under political unrest and had to flee to protect their family, but had to leave his father in Nigeria because he was incarcerated for something he didn’t do. His mother and 3 brothers arrived in America with just 2 suitcases to their name. He saw America as the ‘Land of opportunities and Dreams’ for him. For his audition, he sings “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Booker T. Jones, and does a stand up job! Christina turns 1st, Adam pushes his button after a great run waiting for him to hit a certain part in the song. I think he would have done best with CeeLo, but Nelly’s Echo picks Christina for his coach. Follow Nelly’s Echo on Twitter @NellysEcho
Allison Steel, 44 & Crystal Steel, 23, Make up the duo 2Steel Girls, Wellston, OH – This Mother/Daughter duo are part of a family band, which include the father & son. They find it hard having 4 struggling musicians in the family, but willing to make the sacrifices to succeed. They put their house up for sale, sold their truck and the mom quit her job to come to The Voice. Right before they stepped on stage, Blake claims he’s getting this one, like he had a feeling. They sings ‘Before He Cheats’ by Carrie Underwood and do a pretty good job turning both Blake and CeeLo together. They make a wise choice to join Blake’s team. Follow Allison and Krystal on Twitter @2SteelGirls
DOMO, 26, Bronx, NY – This Hip Hop dancer has traveled about 30 cities in China. DOMO says “you’re looking at your next superstar!” She’s been in a Nair commercial, was one of Missy Elliot’s models, blah blah blah as they give a run-on segment of stuff she’s been in, billboards of her, blah blah blah! She claims “In China, I’m like Lady Gaga.” She says she can dance like Janet and Michael, can sing like Mariah, Christina, Celine… to merge them together would be a powerful force. She sings ‘Don’t Cha’ by The Pussycat Dolls (ironically written by CeeLo himself) which CeeLo turns around immediately. I thought they were trying to set up her segment for us to find out she was terrible, but she wasn’t bad at all, but her self-centered ego is a total turnoff for me? Too much confidence? CeeLo was the perfect match for this one. Follow DOMO on Twitter @DomozWorld
Nicole Nelson, 34, Burlington, VT – Nicole states that she is sort of a hippie, she lives in what used to be a shoe factory with a variety of eclectic and talented artists. She has been singing since talking. Her dad once told her that she was either Whitney Houston or a street peddler, but she has proven he was wrong because she have been doing the in-between for a long time. She sings ‘Hallelujuah’ a Leonard Cohen song… I absolutely loved her from the 1st note myself. Adam is the 1st to push his button and all 3 remaining coaches follow suit moments later. She seemed very torn as her thoughts coming into the competition is that she wanted to pick Blake from the beginning… but ultimately she chooses Adam! Follow Nicole on Twitter @NicoleNelsong
After the 3 night premiere, the coaches team tallies are:
Team Christina – 7
Team Adam – 5
Team Blake – 5
Team CeeLo – 4
My thoughts – I absolutely enjoyed the 3 night premiere of The Voice! We’ve already seen some strong talent, but feel like what’s to come will be much better. Compared to it’s rival X-Factor (I’ll be sharing my views on this show as well, stay tuned), The Voice trumps them in entertainment value, with the coaches alone! One of my favorite parts of the blind auditions is the interaction between the coaches. Unlike other singing competitions with judges/coaches, these 4 coaches really seem to keep it fun, genuine and not out to personally attack each other. They also always bring it back to the artist… rather than themselves. Good job The Voice! All I have to say, “Simon says touch your toes, Simon says touch your nose, Simon cries The Voice stole his thunder… but LisaLu says ‘man up Simon, X-Factor is YOUR blunder!”
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