“The Voice” premiered Monday (September 23) with a bang and it was like Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green never left. The coaches reunited with alums Adam Levine and Blake Shelton for season five of the Emmy-winning singing competition.
“It’s like getting the original band back together and jamming one more time,” Shelton said as the fantastic four rocked out to open the show. But, they weren’t the only stars.
“Raspy” Fire Starter
The night started strong when 29-year-old Kat Robichaud took the stage. The North Carolina native dedicated her performance of “I’ve Got The Music In Me” to her late father. Her charisma, confidence and signature rasp resonated with three coaches who turned their chairs. Levine dubbed the singer “Raspy McRasperson,” before Green revealed, “you engulfed me, you set me on fire.” As the battled ensued, Levine took the side of everyone but his “brover” Shelton. “I know who you’re coach is and it’s not Blake,” he said. Indeed it wasn’t. Robichaud landed on Team Cee Lo.
Hump Day Monday
With age comes experience and confidence, both of which Donna Allen exuded as the oldest contestant on the show, so far. The 54 year-old R&B singer floored Aguilera and Levine, who gave her a standing ovation after her performance of “You Are So Beautiful.” “That voice is like the heavens opening up,” Aguilera gushed as Levine pouted, “I’m gonna be super bummed if you don’t pick me.” While Allen seemed a perfect fit for Team Christina, she surprised everyone and opted to add a little Adam in her life, literally. She straddled him after making her pick.
Pass The Cough Syrup
Matthew Schuler, 21, is quite the package with an athletic physique, killer smile, oh, and stellar voice. The young indie pop singer made “Voice” history by turning all four coaches’ chair in record time when he sang “Cough Syrup,” scoring a standing-on-top-of-the-chair ovation (that’s where Levine ended up to express his admiration). “Well, hot damn, who the hell are you?” Green exclaimed before Levine and Xtina delved into battle mode. “Let me be the first female coach to win this thing,” Aguilera pleaded and Schuler obliged, landing the first spot on Team Christina.
Flirting To The Top
Musical theater performer Nic Hawk was all character from the get-go. Referring to himself as a mix of Amy Winehouse and Jessie J, Hawk took charge of his performance with Blu Cantrell’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops),” resulting in Levine and Green turning their chairs. Immediately, Hawk made his introduction, “What’s goin’ on handsome,” he said to the Maroon 5 frontman. A flattered Levine tried to turn the conversation back to his sales pitch to which Hawk replied, “I just don’t know if I’ll be able to focus because you’re so good looking!” Well, he decided to take the risk and landed in the attractive arms of Adam Levine.
Tinker Tailor Techie Guy
The biggest surprise of the night had to be James Wolpert. A self-proclaimed tech nerd, Wolpert came out on “The Voice” stage with a cardy and black-framed glasses giving off a soft persona. Boy did he fool us all. Taking on “Love Interruption” the Pittsburg-native came alive with a vibrato that turned all four coaches’ chairs. Shelton called him a “complete vocalist,” and although Green called himself a “lover” not a fighter, he said, ” gon’ fight tooth and nail about you.” Aguilera went so far as to thanking Wolpert for showing her why she came “back to this show.” But alas, Levine won the battle.
An entertaining night ended with Levine, Green and Aguilera bagging two artists each with reigning champ Shelton leaving with one.
The second night of “The Voice” blind auditions continue Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
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