Trae Patton/NBC(NEW YORK) — The ninth season of NBC’s The Voice premiered Monday night. This fall, it will be Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams serving as coaches, forming their own teams with the goal of guiding one of their artists to a win and a recording contract.
The two-hour episode began with the coaches performing each other’s hits. Gwen sang Blake’s “Neon Light”; Blake returned the favor by covering “Don’t Speak” by Gwen’s band, No Doubt; Pharrell took on “Sugar” by Adam’s group, Maroon 5; and Adam and the others joined forces on “Get Lucky,” the Daft Punkhit that featured Pharrell.
Afterward, the blind auditions got under way. Here are the highlights:
Mark Hood, a 24-year-old from Chicago, kicked off the new season in style, convincing all four coaches to turn their chairs for his rendition of the Bill Withers tune “Use Me.” Adam praised his “infectious energy,” joking that he “high-fived the stage.” Gwen added that it was a believable performance. Pharrell complimented Mark on his runs and jazz notes. Mark picked Pharrell as his coach going forward.
Kota Wade, a rocker, went soul with Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me.” She had a colorful appearance that had Blake comparing her to Cyndi Lauper. She selected Gwen, her musical idol since she was young, as her coach.
Keith Semple, who’s originally from Northern Ireland but now lives in Chicago, chose Adam over Gwen after performing Bon Jovi’s “I’ll Be There For You.”
Blake, Pharrell and Gwen made a bid for Siahna Im, who sang Peggy Lee’s “Fever.” In fact, Gwen turned around during the 15-year-old’s opening notes. Blake said it’s special that Siahna was able to connect with a song like that. Siahna decided to follow her heart and team up with Pharrell.
All four coaches pressed their buttons for Jordan Smith, a Kentucky native who delivered with Sia’s “Chandelier.” As soon as the performance ended Gwen ran up to him to give him a hug. He told the coaches that his voice is so “different” that he is often called “ma’am” on the phone and at the drive-thru. Adam said “Chandelier” is a challenging song, especially for a male. Jordan joined Team Adam, after which his new coach told him, “You’re a ray of light.”
A 66-year-old who sports a long white beard and who goes by the name Dr. Paul brought a country flavor to the proceedings with Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.” Unfortunately for him, he was not scooped up by one of the coaches.
Braiden Sunshine, 15, played Blues Traveler’s “The Mountains Win Again” on the guitar. He’s now on Team Gwen.
Michael Woolery has the entertainment business in his blood — he’s the son of TV host Chuck Woolery, his grandfather was David Nelson, and his great-grandparents were Ozzie and Harriet. He was unable to persuade the coaches to press their buttons for his rendition of John Mayer’s “Say.”
Barrett Baber, 35, who survived a plane crash, closed out night one with Jeff Healey’s “Angel Eyes.” Blake said it was like watching Garth Brooks in concert. Adam said he heard soul, falsettos, and someone who wants to break the mold. Gwen liked the drama and personality Barrett brought to the stage. Barrett decided to align with Blake.
The blind auditions continue Tuesday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time on NBC.
