The Voice 27 Recap: Blind Auditions 3 Live Blog with Videos
The Voice season 27 Blind Auditions continue on to week 3 with a new coaches lineup, including the return of OG Adam Levine and vet John Legend. Reigning champ Michael Buble comes back for a second season and newbie Kelsea Ballerini joins the lineup.
We’ll be live blogging all the Blind Audition performances right here.
The Voice 2025: Full Season 27 Schedule
The Voice Season 27 Preview: 15 Singers to Watch (Photos, Videos)
For the Blinds, each coach gets a block, and the new TWIST called “The Coaches Replay” is back. It allows a coach to hit their button after an artist is done singing (typically, coaches must turn during the performance).
Divighn – 33 – I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown –
He’s a talented singer, but presents like a James Brown tribute act. He’s got Brown’s moves, vocal inflections and everything down. Kelsea turns her chair, followed by Michael. It’s significant that John stays put.
And surprise surprise–the singer performs in a cover band! He has 8 siblings. After his father died, it was tough for his mother to make ends meet.
Adam thinks Divighn deserves to be on the show. John was hoping for more “stank” on the song. Michael calls the singer an “entertainer. Kelsea brags that she’s on the radio RIGHT NOW. Michael wants to learn with him! He’s not trying very hard. Nevertheless, Devighn picks Michael. – Kelsea and Michael turn, Divighn picked Team Buble.
Jacquelyn George – 27 – I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston
She comes from a musical family. Her brother sang in a boy band called Plus 1. Her dad is a jazz musician. Jacquelyn struggles with confidence, but her husband pushes her to pursue her dreams.
This is a boring song choice! But it does show off her ability to his big notes. John presses his button first. Her head tone could use some work, which is probably why more chairs didn’t turn. Adam finally hit his button at the last minute.
John liked the gentle flutter in her voice and complimented the way she handled the modulation. Adam felt she didn’t always stick the landing, but liked the parts where she did. Jacqueline mentions that she and Kelsea attended the same church at one point. She’s from Franklin, Tennessee. It turns out her wedding song was a John Legend song (Adam is toast). He joins her on stage to sing “Ordinary People” with her. Oh gosh…again she should avoid using her head voice altogether. Of course, Jacquelyn chooses John. John and Adam turn, Jacquelyn chose Team Legend
Tinika Wyatt – 50 – Sorry not Sorry by Demi Lovato
Yes, she’s 50, which means she PROBABLY won’t last long, if she gets a turn. She’s been married 29 years and has 4 kids. After raising her family, she feels it’s her turn. In the past, she’s sung backgrounds for Cee Cee Winans and toured with musicians. These days, she sings at church.
She’s got a pro vibe and infectious vocal tone, especially when her rasp comes out on the high notes. But nobody is turning. She deserves a turn! Sads. “You look like a 24 year old,” says John. adding that he was close, but didn’t turn because he felt she was imprecise. Michael believes a different song might have helped. She shares that she auditioned 10 years ago at an open call. She sings a little song she wrote a the time namechecking all the coaches. Adam is so impressed, he uses his Coaches Replay on her. – No turns, Adam Levine uses his Coaches Replay
Michael is pulling out some Canadian mounties schtick
Page Mackenzie – 32 – Hell on Heels by Pistol Annies
She works as a party shuttle driver, or something. She lives in Nashville and plays around, including at Blake Shelton’s bar. She’s been grinding for a long time. Now she’s giving The Voice a shot.
Maybe she’s a little nervous? The song’s verse may be too low for her, because that was a slow beginning. Finally, after the first verse, she finds her footing, bringing out a raspy and energetic quality. She still needs to find her unique voice, however.
The coaches look at Kelsea, who is thinking about turning, but hesitates. Finally she hits her button, but then Michael follows her. John and Adam both advocate for Kelsea. She is the obvious choice. for a female country singer. “Canada loves country music too!” declares Michael, following up with lying schtick about his “country” background. “I want to be a safe place for you,” says Kelsea. Of course, Page picks Kelsea. Kelsea and Michael turn, Page choses Team Kelsea
Jonny Rey – 27 – She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5
The New Jersey native works with his father on a blueberry farm. He’s only been singing for 1 1/2 years.
Adam doesn’t like turning for his songs (John doesn’t either). It’s dumb to sing a coaches song, unless a singer can nail it. This isn’t bad, but Jonny doesn’t do anything novel with the arrangement. And he’s having trouble with the melody, which stays stubbornly in a higher register. So, no turns.
Adam felt he did a great job, but couldn’t help but be hypercritical of a cover of his own song. Kelsea urges Jonny to keep singing. Michael jokes that if he sang a Bublé song, he would have turned. Adam urges Jonny to keep at it and come back next year. No Turns
Conor James – 28 – Say a Little Prayer for You by Dionne Warwick/Aretha Franklin
Conor performs a pop version of the Bacharach/David classic “Say A Little Prayer” in a style that’s in Michael’s wheelhouse. For a minute, I thought Kelsea might block him, but Michael and John hit their buttons too fast. Conor’s phrasing and tone are gorgeous and he’s very musical in his approach. In the end, all four chairs turn.
John felt his version was tastefully done. Conner reveals that he has a musical theater background. Michael calls Conor “adorable,” but doesn’t say the obvious things about his background that would make them a good fit. Hm. Maybe he did, but we’re not seeing it. Kelsea is “obsessed with him” and could tell he is “so in his body.” Adam calls him truly original and brags about the wins he’s had in the past, with original singers. Good pitch. After a break, Conor picks Adam! Based on the pitches, right pick – 4 chair turn, Conor picks Team Adam
Jessica Manalo – 31 – Unholy by Sam Smith
NBC dropped a preview of this audition last week. Watch it here. Jessica performs 3 or 4 nights a week in Las Vegas. She comes from a Filipino background. Her mom expected Jessica to go to college. When she didn’t, their relationship broke down. But eventually, they settled their differences.
Jessica mentions that she loves putting her own spin on covers. Here, she give the arrangement a middle eastern flair. It’s a slinky and intriguing version of the song, slowly building it to a crashing crescendo.
She deserved a 4-chair turn for that, but only Michael and Kelsea turned. Adam can’t wait for the cat fight between the two. “Women are killing it in music now,” says Kelsea who does a great job appealing to female singers. Michael pulls out his Canadian schtick for Jessica. But Kelsea brought the substance. and Jessica choses Kelsea. – Michael and Kelsea turn, Jessica picks Team Kelsea
Barry Jean Fontenot – 31 – I Wish it Would Rain by The Temptations
He collects swords, says Barry, a self-described nerd. He loves history. His parents are lawyers, so he started law school in Chicago, but was drawn to the city’s music scene and eventually quit his studies. His parents are supportive.
Considering the song choice, Barry sings with a modern soulful sound, kind of like Teddy Swims. He could sing current songs. His tone is beautiful and robust, and he makes the song his own, while hitting impressive high notes.
Kelsea didn’t turn, because she’s afraid of Michael, who was the only turn. Adam compliments him, saying he’s the kind of singer who can do less and get away with it. Only some pitchiness kept him from turning. John appreciates the singer’s honesty. Michael loves Sam Cooke and so does Barry! He brought swords as gifts! After, Barry and Michael sing a little “Bring it on Home to Me” – Only Team Buble turned
Tyler Kae – 22 – GIrls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
Tyler collects records….and taxidermy. OK then! Over the years, anxiety kept her from pursuing music, but therapy and family support has helped her. She’s gigging around in Nashville where she moved from Washington state, although it scares her. She hopes a coach can help her grow.
Her parents cry backstage as she performs a ballady version of the Cyndi Lauper classic. For all the talk about nerves, she seems confident up on stage. Her tone is pretty and perfect to bring emotion to ballads.
“Girls just want to have fun, and boys ruin it!” Kelsea complains after she discovers Adam’s block. “I’ve been blocked so much!” Kelsea feels even worse after learning that Tyler also lives in Nashville. John reminds Kelsea that she can steal later. Adam felt she had huge, awesome moments and is eager to work with her. – Kelsea and Adam turn, Adam blocks Kelsea
Afina Madoian – 27 – Saving All My Love For You by Whitney Houston
Afina is from the Eastern European country, Moldova. Whitney Houston is her idol. She didn’t see her parents for 9 years after moving to the US. She also lost her father to the flu. She wasn’t able to say goodbye because Visa rules would have kept her out of the US.
Two Whitney songs in one episode? Really. Sadly, Afina is really nervous, singing off key and missing high notes. Michael felt she chose an ambitious song andfear got in her way. John compliments her presence and beautiful instrument. “Setbacks are set up for comebacks,” Kelsea advises. – No Turns
BD.ii – 31 – Adorn by Miguel
His real name is Brian Darden II, but goes by BD.ii. The singer moved to Atlanta from Hampton, Virginia. Initially, he played college basketball, but injuries got in the way of going pro. He considered playing overseas, but decided to pursue music, with his parents encouragement. Now, he’s writing songs and producing. He’s willing to work with ANY of the coaches.
BD.ii has a deep and sexy voice that’s round and full and probably has ladies in the audience fainting. Michael hits his button first. Kelsea gets her revenge and blocks Adam. Uh oh. That’s a waste, because John turns at the last minute.
Kelsea explains the she doesn’t have a singer like him on her team, so she blocked Adam. She insists that she does not believe in boxes and can help him cross over into other genres. “You are world class,” a defeated Adam remarks. Michael calls himself the real threat and promises to dominate all the holidays. What? I think he’s talking about Valentines day. His pitch is nonsensical. Cutting to the chase, John interjects, “I know our music.” He’s actually written with Miguel. Pretty sure BD.ii doesn’t care about crossing genres. A wasted block. And of course BD.ii picks John – 4-chair turn, Kelsea blocks Adam, BD.ii picks Team Legend.
