The Voice season 16 Blind Auditions continue tonight with veteran coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, and new kid on the block, John Legend. Carson Daly returns as host. We’re live blogging all the performances here. Watch as the coaches build their teams.
FYI: Like last season, there are no studio recording for the Blind Auditions. Apple music does provide links to the original versions of the contestant’s song choices. Additionally, The Comeback Stage digital series returns with coach Bebe Rexha. Click for more details. And the block is back (of course). Each coach has one opportunity to “block” a coach from picking a contestant.
Domenic Haynes – 18 – Tampa FL -River by Leon Bridges – His parents insisted he do sports. His mother was a track athlete, therefore he loves track too. Unfortunately Domenic suffered a career ending injury in high school. After, he turned to music. “John Legend would be a fantastic coach to work with,” Domenic reveals. He claims to be a novice, but there is a ton of natural talent here. He has a beautiful tone and phrasing. Adam turned right away…and BLOCKED John. He doesn’t notice right away, which amuses Kelly to no end. Blake turns at the very last minute. “I hate you Adam!” says John when he finally understands what happened. John calls the singer his favorite so far. But poor Domenic is blocked by Coach Asshat from choosing the artist he admires. Reason 133381 why I HATE The Block. “You have the ability to separate yourself from anybody on this show,” says Blake. Kelly calls him a natural born storyteller. “I felt something in my bones when you sang,” says Adam. Domenic Chooses Team Adam. Bad choice, dude. You should have picked Blake.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xisZPyQGsKw
Next is a joke clip featuring John slipping into a closet to visit all of his statues…
Savannah Brister – 17 – Memphis TN – Don’t You Worry Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder – She has a pet bird that wakes her up every morning tweeting the Andy Griffith theme. She lives with a bunch of rescue mutts too. “I’m terrible at being vulnerable,” Savannah confesses. She uses songwriting to express her feelings. Her mom explains that Savannah is very hard on herself–music is an outlet for her. John hits his button immediately. Kelly is next. Savannah performs a version that’s initially super slowed up before bursting open into a jam. She has a nice tone and her soulful delivery is effortless. John looks SO EXCITED. Kelly calls it “disrespectful” not to turn around. Adam admits he is intimidated by John. “I’ve been you!” Kelly gushes. “Nobody has been you!” John notes that he covered that song and he loved the musical choices she made which he calls “perfection.” Adam advocates for John! Savannah Chooses Team John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At-ndYXdzc0
The Bundys (Trio) – Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls – Ohh. This kicks off without a video package. Supposedly we’re seeing a The Voice first. Blake turns first! Kelly is next. OH IT’S A TRIO BIG WHOOP. A sibling trio, to be specific. They felt the need to hide that from us? Maybe I’m blasé because the Trio thing has been going on over on The Voice UK since January. Kelly and Blake are the only turns. Adam is now a little sad he didn’t turn. John compliments the female voice. “It’s my favorite thing to sing harmonies,” says Kelly. “PLEASE STOP” begs Adam. Blake was a little taken aback by a trio, but by the time they finished he was GUNG HO. “PLEASE!!!!” he begs them. Calm down, dude. The Bundy’s Choose Team Kelly. Name checking one of their favorite artists, Eva Cassidy, clinched the deal. Aside: Unfortunate last name. Immediately the serial killer Ted Bundy popped into my brain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LIBWWVgJFs
Klea Olson – 20 – Layton UT – No Roots by Alice Merton – Her parents are artists. She has three little brothers and is a little spoiled as the only girl. She pursued a degree in marketing after high school. But her dad convinced her to pursue her dreams. Her dark tone is…interesting. It’s not grabbing me. Nor the coaches either. She hit a big note and no turns. That’s a bad sign. Blake is looking conflicted. Kelly admits she was “so close.” Actually, she deserved at least one turn. Maybe a more familiar song choice would have helped. That was a tough song to sing. Kelly thought she needed to reign it in a bit. Adam suggests she come back – No Turns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn2rHCrpZxo
OH BUT KLEA WILL COMPETE IN THE COMEBACK STAGE. So good for her. She will Battle against Monday’s pick, Nathan and Chessie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qacKyyU4TBg
Hannah Kay – 18 – Magnolia TX – Coal Miner’s Daughter by Loretta Lynn – She’s had a crush on Blake Shelton since she was six. In 7th grade, Hannah was bullied for the way she looked. It was brutal online. Finally, she met a supportive friend. But, sadly, a year and a half ago, she was killed in a car accident. Hannah brings that throwback country vibe to her performance, so of course Blake and Kelly turn right away. She sings with an old fashioned drawl and a pleasant rasp. She’s good. “That’s country!” shouts Blake. “I love the authentic country,” Kelly says. Adam anticipates a wall of words from Kelly, which prompts teasing from the rest of the panel. “You pressed your button, you have the right to talk!” says Hannah. She admits to singing “Since U Been Gone” in her bedroom forever. Kelly’s excitement is short lived, however, when Hannah admits her crush on Blake. “I think you’re incredible,” Blake gushes, “You’re the real deal.” Hannah Chooses Team Blake It’s been her dream to be on his team since Danielle Bradbery’s season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB_K5jtEpBM
John is going to use his block next.
Julian King – 25 – Philadelphia PA – All Time Low by Jon Bellion – Living in Philly, there are musical influences all around him. He was singing and dancing in church, but also got musical tastes from the streets. He attended a creative arts high school where he studied voice and dance. In 2018 he was asked to tour China. The country changed his life. His mom cries as she expresses her pride. John immediately blocks Adam. However, Julian is not as good as the contestants the others blocked John from choosing. Kelly and Blake did not turn, which is telling. In effect, Julian is a one chair turn. “Your voice is so clear, beautiful and powerful,” says John. He compares Julian to Usher.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmRw1EFXgk
