“The Voice” Recap: The Coaches Continue to Build Their Teams
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Image Courtesy Trae Patton/NBC(LOS ANGELES) — The first week of the new Voice season continued Tuesday night with more blind auditions.
New coaches Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams again joined Adam Levine and Blake Shelton in the rotating chairs, as they added artists to their respective teams.
Here are the highlights from the two-hour episode:
DaNica Shirey, a stay-at-home mom, opened the show on a strong note, with her rendition of Jessie J’s “Big White Room.” Adam, Gwen and Pharrell all turned around. Adam told DaNica she has one of the best voices he’s heard in a long time. Pharrell compared her to a snake charmer because he was “allured” by her command of certain notes. He also joked that while Adam is fit, the “Happy” singer is scrawny yet knows what to do with DaNica’s voice. DaNica picked Pharrell.
Seventeen-year-old Joe Kirk of Nashville took on “Lego House” by Ed Sheeran. He had his choice of all four coaches. Pharrell accused Blake of using “Voice Jedi” by trying to bond with Joe over the Nashville connection. Blake responded by putting on a Pharrell-type hat. Adam marveled at how confident Joe was on the microphone. Gwen added that he had “crazy rhythm.” Joe went with Adam.
Reggae singer Menlik Zergabachew performed the Sublime hit “Santeria.” He chose Gwen over Blake.
Gwen and Blake competed for the next artist, too: 15-year-old Reagan James, who belted out the Ed Sheeran tune “Give Me Love.” Gwen lost this battle to Blake.
Taylor Phelan played The Neighbourhood’s “Sweater Weather” on his guitar, resulting in all four coaches pressing their buttons. Adam noted that Taylor was “Elvis-ing out with his feet.” Pharrell said it was as if the guitar was an extension of Taylor’s body. Blake said Taylor carried himself onstage much like OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder does. Taylor went with his gut and joined Team Pharrell.
Sugar Joans’ father is Joe Pizzulo, a singer for Sergio Mendes in the 1980s who also worked with Alice Cooper. She sang Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools.” At the last moment, Gwen and Blake turned around. Blake said Sugar has one of his favorite voices. He also told her he wants to duet with her on “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Alas, Sugar decided to go with Gwen instead.
Nashville resident Taylor Brashears, a cashier in a food truck alongside her brother, tackled Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough.” All of the coaches except for Gwen expressed interest in Taylor. After telling Taylor that it was in his heart to guide her career, Blake added her to his group.
Andy Cherry once had a record deal, and sought a second chance in the music biz. He covered “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears. No coach took a chance on him.
Maiya Sykes comes from a musical family. Her mom was a backup singer for Earth, Wind & Fire, Meat Loaf and Neil Diamond, and her dad is a saxophone player and singer. All four coaches quickly turned around after Maiya launched into Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me.” Blake said Maiya has an excellent shot at winning the competition. Pharrell said Maiya showed a lot of conviction in her performance. Gwen argued she could teach Maiya fashion and how to bring out her own unique style. Maiya chose Pharrell.
NBC will air more blind auditions next Monday and Tuesday.
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