Jason Warrior on “The Voice”; Tyler Golden/NBC(LOS ANGELES) — The Voice kicked off its 11th season Monday night with two hours of blind auditions.
Adam Levine and Blake Shelton are back as coaches. They’re joined this season by two newcomers, Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys, who both picked up an artist during a special post-Olympics preview episode of The Voice last month.
Here are the highlights of Monday night’s episode:
Jason Warrior, a 21-year-old from Chicago, kicked off the new season with Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City.” Adam and Alicia both turned their chairs. Blake and Miley both believed it was a foregone conclusion that Jason would go to Team Alicia. Adam touted the fact that he’s won three seasons, but it wasn’t enough to persuade Jason to join him. Jason’s now a member of Team Alicia.
Dave Moisan, a medical device salesman who once swam competitively against Michael Phelps and was inspired to pursue music thanks to a meeting with Adam at a Maroon 5 concert, slowed down the 1990s alternative hit “Sex and Candy” by Marcy Playground. All four coaches competed for his services. Adam enjoyed Dave’s falsetto. Miley joked that Dave is a better-looking version of Adam. It seemed like Dave and Adam would be a good fit, but Dave chose Alicia instead.
The two new coaches pushed their buttons for Courtnie Ramirez, 17, who belted out Jessie J’s “Mamma Knows Best.” Alicia said Courtnie’s voice embodied “immediate personality.” Miley countered that she can help Courtnie try different styles. Miley is now Courtnie’s coach.
Sundance Head, from Texas, played Otis Redding’s “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” drawing interest from Adam and Blake. Blake heard from Sundance a mix of country music, like Travis Tritt and Chris Stapleton, and Southern rock. When Alicia asked him where he learned to sing, he claimed it was from Alicia. Sundance decided to pair up with Blake.
Ali Caldwell, 28, did an excellent job with Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman,” with all four coaches making a bid for her. Miley said she’d like to find some songs that might be out of Ali’s comfort level. When Ali said singing is her passion, Alicia got up and gave her a hug. “You are so special, Ali,” Alicia said. Adam then jokingly gave Ali a hug, too. He exaggerated that his entire season is dependent on whether Ali chooses him as her coach. Ali went with Miley.
Riley Elmore, a 16-year-old crooner, dazzled with his version of “The Way You Look Tonight.” Adam got him to loosen up a bit afterward by duetting with him. It worked: Riley is now with Team Adam.
Dana Harper, daughter of former NBA star Derek Harper, took on the Nick Jonas hit “Jealous.” Adam, Miley and Blake turned their chairs. Dana ended up on Team Blake, after which he jokingly sang to Alicia, “This coach is on fire!”
Gabe Broussard, 15, who suffers from an eye disease, covered “Lonely Night in Georgia” by Marc Broussard (no relation). Blake and Miley were both in the running to scoop him up, with Blake winning the battle.
The night ended with Christian Cuevas, who lost his musician-dad to cancer about a year ago. In honor of his father, he sang “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.” All four coaches wanted Christian on their team. Blake said he was hypnotized by Christian’s voice. Adam praised the “emotional, sincere way” Christian delivered the song. Christian picked Alicia.
The blind auditions continue with another two-hour episode airing Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
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