Playful banter was at a high as all the judges teamed up against Shelton, insisting that the country hitmaker let another coach take a contestant past the finish line. “We’re going to gun for you, homie. You won three years in a row,” Levine told Shelton. ” America needs change!” Aguilera quipped. And yet, Shelton’s turned it into his running theme for the evening to persuade contestants to join his team.
Take a look at some of the highlights:
The Blue Eyed Soul
Tuesday night’s first contestant proved exactly why “The Voice” exists. Ray Boudreaux took to the stage with a guitar in tow and an image that didn’t exactly match his “epically cool voice” during his cover of Bill Withers’ “Use Me.” Mid-performance, the Louisiana native caught the attention of Green and Shelton, who both later boasted about Boudreaux’s cleaned-up looks and bluesy soul vocals. In the end, Boudreaux sided with latter. “I got the real deal there. I want him to bring that bluesy Louisiana sound,” Shelton said of his new addition.
Miami Heat
Prior to Lina Gaudenzi’s audition, the 23-year-old contestant said all she needed was 90 seconds to get a coach’s attention. With her silky falsetto during her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” she only needed about 30, earning swivels from Aguilera and Shelton.
“I think Team Blake is a natural place to go.” Shelton said, to which Aguilera replied, “I think he speaks one language over there.” After the mini-bickerfest, Gaudenzi weighed in favor of Aguilera. “I’m on ‘The Voice’ and working with Christina!” she exclaimed backstage.
Country Crooning
Imitation is the best form of flattery — at least according to 20-year-old Justin Blake, who took a risk and performed Shelton’s “Sure Be Cool If You Did.” Unfortunately, the cover wasn’t enough to win over Shelton, who failed to offer the Tennessee native a swivel.
On the upside, Levine took a surprising leap and chose the country hopeful to join his team. “I like to have diversity. He’s probably the best male country singer we’ve heard by a mile.” Levine gushed.
Tiny Package, Big Voice
Much like Aguilera, Timyra-Joi is one tiny girl, full of power pipes and killer runs, so it’s no surprise that the pop songstress wanted the 15-year-old to join her team. But Xtina was not alone; both Shelton and Green also turned their chairs around during her take on Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire.” Shelton reminded the contestant of his three season winning streak, but it was Aguilera’s fierce persuasiveness that really won her over. “I went in knowing I was going to choose Cee Lo but Christina fought for me and I appreciated that,” Timyra-Joi explained.
Family Ties
Viewers might have noticed a familiar face when Kaley Cuoco’s younger sister Briana took the stage to perform Lady Gaga’s “You and I.” It looked like your standard tryout until Briana showcased her range with soaring notes that earned her a turnaround from Aguilera and a last-minute spin from Green. Whether it was her belting notes or family ties, Bri was proud to join Team Xtina as her big sister and parents cheered from backstage. “She kept my attention, which is important,” Aguilera noted.
The Final Tally: When the night came to a close, Aguilera remained top dog by nabbing four contestants as Blake and Green earned three. Levine served as the odd man out with only two additions to his team.
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