"The Voice"

It was a pressure cooker of fun last night for audiences and fans alike as the blind auditions continued on “The Voice.” 

Pressure was on for the coaches to pick the best artist and convince them to join their team, according to the show’s host Carson Daly.

The show started with some of Prince’s greatest hits performed by the judges. Revving up the crowd beginning with “Tonight we’re gonna party” following a Cee Lo solo of “Little red corvette.” Adam Levine hit it off with his signature high notes with “I want to be your lover,” and closing the montage was Blake’s rendition of “You don’t have to be rich.” 

Immediately the quad returned to their judges seats as the competition lit up and held steady throughout the night.

“American Girl” was the first song of the night sung by Hailey & Leland who call their duo “The Line.”  Although the two claim they are not a couple, they still describe themselves as an old married couple.  They met in an interesting fashion as well. Leland asked Hailey, “Do you want a shot of Jack?” For clarification that is Jack Daniels that brought them together.  As a viewer what could we expect from these two preppie yet odd couple?

The country rendition of the song they sang which was okay, sparked Blake’s interest immediately.  All judges began to press their buttons and turn around.  When Adam pressed his button Blake flew his arms in the air, jumped out of his chair and shouted, “No.”  Could he possibly be a little intimidated by Adam? The duo ultimately choose Christina to be their coach.  Blake’s comment to that decision jokingly of course was, “Fooled by flash and boobs.”

Jamar Roger’s unbelievable story made all viewers route for this man. He had triumphed over his drug addiction to crystal meth, and was homeless for awhile thereafter.  He found out that because of his drug use he was HIV positive. Roger’s positive attitude about his future reflected in his comment, “There’s beauty that does come from ashes.”

Roger’s, a fan of Cee Lo, was ecstatic when after singing his rendition of “Seven Nation Army” Cee Lo was the first to turn around.  “I’ve been a hard-core fan,” said Rogers. “You’re the reason I auditioned for this show.”  The incredible story and acceptance from Cee Lo, was exciting for fans as he made it onto Cee Lo’s team.

The next singer up to bat was Gwen Sabastion who grew up singing with her family.  An emotionally charged Sabastion said she was putting her dreams of family and kids on hold for her ultimate dream of a singing career.  

As she began to sing “Stay” you could hear the breathtaking, unique, and beautiful voice coming from the depths of her soul. It looked as though Blake and Cee Lo would be the only judges to battle it out, until Adam turned his chair around at the last minute.

Once again discouraging Blake. “Damnit,” said Blake. “You bastards. You’re just doing this to get under my skin.” Teary-eyed Gwen praised the judges and choose Blake as she stated “her heart is country.”

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Still to Come- The Battle Begins between Adam and Christina.