Back when singer-songwriter Tony Lucca auditioned for The voice Season 2, his former Mickey Mouse Club co-star, then-coach Christina Aguilera, did not turn to him, and she did not even recognize him. Discomfort arose and tension between Christina and Tony’s eventual coach, Adam Levine, flared up all season. Of course, Adam and Christina are long gone The voice. But when Blake Shelton, an original coach of the series, returned Monday for a twentieth season, he committed a similar failure – he did not realize that one audition, 45-year-old Pete Mroz, was actually his bandmate of 25 years ago was not. .
However, unlike the Aguilera / Lucca situation, this gaffe was ironed out in an amusing and friendly way (co-coach Kelly Clarkson thought the whole situation was hilarious, and she was right). Finally there was a reunion of Young Riders, because Blake was in this case had turned around and thus gave Pete the opportunity to join his team. “We’ll get the group back together!” exclaims Blake.
Let’s return here for a moment. When Pete Mroz was 19 years old, he had the name Pete Mitchell, and he wanted to be ‘the next Garth Brooks’, so he raced around Nashville with a diverse collection of songwriters called the Young Riders – and one of the songwriters . to make those rounds was a pre-fame Blake. Pete’s life obviously followed a very different path to Young Riders, as he became a salesman and a family man, while Blake became one of the biggest stars of country music. At first it seemed like Pete was going to have a hard time on Monday. Voice episode: When Blake turns around, Pete raises an eyebrow and cheats in his direction, later saying to Blake, “Oh, I’m going to come to you.” Says Blake, ‘Uh-oh. Sounds like there’s a history there! This is not normally a good thing with me! ‘
Eventually, Pete reveals his identity to the great joy and shock of Blake, and he accuses Blake of stealing his bass guitar during the day. But it was not a real feud – apparently Pete and Blake had a kind of snoring feeling – so there was little chance that Pete would join the one other coach John Legend used to ‘settle the score’. In a ‘full circle’ moment, Pete happily joined Team Blake. (Once they started thinking about Blake’s 90-year-old mule, it was clear that Pete would ‘go with the old cowboy’ and work with him. But the main reason I’m excited about him being on my team , is that I’m a hell of a singer. ‘And so, the not-so-young riders (Pete described himself as the sign of’ old ‘old.) The Voice) will drive again.
To be honest, I’m actually surprised that Blake is pushing his red button for Pete. Pete did not perform a country song (he defied ‘Can’t Find My Way Home’ by Blind Faith), and his singing was unexpectedly loud and force-free, and even a little lightweight. (‘Helluva singer’ was excessive praise.) Blake later recalled that when Pete first arrived in Nashville years ago, he was ‘more of a blues guy’. Actually, if there was one coach I would have expected me to go for Pete, it would have been the similar Nick Jonas. But I think Nick recruited a few contestants at Monday’s season 20 premiere – including my current favorite, Raine Stern – who have a much better chance of reaching the semifinals than the more generic Pete.
Yes, Nick’s up and running again The voice, JoBros fans. He made his Voice coaching debut last spring and finished third with his worthy finalist Thunderstorm Artis, but he certainly did not have the full Voice experience, as COVID-19 derailed that season and had to switch to filming for the Live Playoffs. So Nick has to do it. Blake’s fiancé Gwen Stefani filled Nick’s red seat last season when the show returned to Universal’s fate, and she’s finally got her first win as coach – so Nick will follow Gwen’s lead and score his first victory this year? Not if the hip-competing Blake has anything to do with it. But, based on Monday’s episode, young rider Nick seems to be rolling.
Speaking of roles … enjoy Nick’s Rickrolling reunion with his Voice rolemates above (can Rick please be a coach on season 21?), and the other Blind Auditions from Monday’s season 20 premiere below:
Kenzie Wheeler, 22: “Do not close your eyes”
Speaking of mullets, Kenzie has a ‘triple-threat’ version of the infamous hairstyle with a shaved side. plus A rare widow’s peak. ‘ But Kelly apparently thought Blake was the real threat here, so she used her one block to make sure Blake could not recruit Kenzie. Considering it was the very first performance of the entire season, and there are contestants who sound like Kenzie every season, I think it was a result on Kelly’s part. But Kelly just loved Kenzie’s’ deep ’80s /’ 90s “vintage sound, shouting,” Pick me! I’m going to fight for you so hard! ”
Who turned around? All four coaches. Blake only switched on principle, even though he knew he was no longer running.
Outcome: Span Kelly. Fortunately, her Block did not go to waste.
Dana Monique, 41: “Freeway of Love”
This ferocious show woman took a big risk to tackle Aretha, but luckily she was up to the task. She fondly reminds me of former Voice coach Jennifer Hudson (who will star in the upcoming movie Aretha Franklin Respect). This former cruise singer commanded respect with her powerful pipes, thrilling ad-libs and vampires and veteran stage presence.
Who turned around? Nick and John – but amazing notKelly. (She explained that she did not think she had a chance against John.)
Outcome: Span Jonas! Wow. Maybe Kelly should have turned around after all.
Cam Anthony, 19: “Lay Me Down”
A former child prodigy who once sang further Ellen and Showtime at the Apollo and even for the Obamas in the White House, Cam started softly and slowly, masterfully building up the drama of this Sam Smith ballad. What a tasteful and sweet performance. He looked like total Team Legend material, but Nick blocked John. However, the seemingly extraordinary Blake played a big play for Cam and promised to ‘keep the track open’ and not recruit any similar soul / pop / gospel singers who would compete with Cam within the ranks of Team Blake.
Who turned around? Nick, Blake and a blocked John.
Outcome: Team Blake! It was another surprise. Blake’s daring promise clearly worked. He should rather not give it up.
Christine Cain, 27: “Watermelon Sugar”
Christine admitted that she struggled with self-confidence due to the bullying and physical embarrassment she endured in high school. She also revealed that this was only her fourth public appearance ever. I do not think she was completely ready for it The voice. She had a cool rasp and an interesting song choice on which she made her own soulful turn, but her delivery was timid. She never let go and got where I was hoping she would go. I reckoned it would be an audition without a chairmanship, but the ‘little crack’ in Christine’s voice made John’s ears flare up, while Kelly appreciated her ‘whole atmosphere’.
Who turned around? John and Kelly.
Outcome: Team legend. John may be the only man helping Christine raise her crackling vessel.
Devan Blake Jones, 35: “Hard Place”
Devan is a member of an Afrobeat orchestra and can “sing from the heart and soul” in several languages, so I expected more dimension from his HER cover. It was a loud voice, and Devan seemed to be holding back. I experienced the same frustrations I had with Christine Cain’s actions. But Nick was impressed and intrigued by the upper part of Devan’s register – “I feel there is so much,” he said, giving him a chance.
Who turned around? Just Nick, but I’m sure Devan, a self-proclaimed Nick fanboy, was just fine with that.
Outcome: Team Jonas, of course.
Raine Stern, 22: “Electric Feel”
Here comes the Raine! This bad point was my highlight of the night. From the mid-aughts hipster song selection, to the groovy electro-pop guitar shredding, to her out-and-out proud authenticity, this self-described “black sheep” was getting all the blocks for me. But it was her skillful use of dynamics that impressed me the most. Just when I think the performance can go nowhere else, she keeps holding it higher, and she absolutely explodes at the end. Can be it is why it took the frustration so frustratingly long to buzz – they were mesmerized by what they heard. Blake later told Raine, ‘You really know how to milk a performance. … You are a rare find, ‘while Nick (when she found out that Raine leads a group of nine pieces, for which she arranges and composes everything) makes her’ one of the most unique creative and performing artists we have in the show has seen ‘call.
Who turned around? John, Blake and Nick.
Outcome: Team Jonas, understandable. I feel Raine and Nick will be an electric pop-rock combination.
Corey Ward, 34: “Dance on my own”
Corey was a rejection without a presidency last year, but what a difference a season makes. Return to sing a song that “suits me better as a person and as an artist” – a version of Robyn’s hit inspired by Calum Scott / Kings of Leon, and against the screaming, experimental “Way We Go Down” from last season – the James Arthur / Damien Rice fan was so fantastic that two coaches almost immediately turned around. And his really passionate big finish was a moment. Along with Raine, Corey is my other new favorite.
Who turned around? Surprisingly, only John and Kelly. I thought Corey’s performance was worthy of four chairs. Regardless, I’m glad he secured a spot this season. He’s ready.
Outcome: Span Kelly. Kelly, who has been extraordinarily stingy with her twists all night, was delighted with this result and called Corey a “miss artist … a dream artist to have in your team.” She definitely succeeded with this one.
Victor Solomon, 22: “Glory”
This hike leader and campus leader was definitely mischievous to do a John Legend song, a tactic that often falls back with John Legend. But Victor’s version was so majestic that John not only turned around – he also applauded Victor standing up and even claimed that Victor had done a better job with it. John later debuted with Victor on another one of his famous compositions, “Ordinary People” which Victor performed during his 8th grade talent program. Victor won the talent show, and judging by how well he kept his own singing with John, he could now win this much more special show. (Side note: Victor’s audition led to the other side of Blake’s funny faux pas from the premiere, when he did not even realize that ‘Glory’ was John’s song. Blake apparently did not watch the Oscars in 2015.)
Who turned around? Blake, Nick and John.
Outcome: Team legend, of course. But tell Victor that he created an Oscar-worthy drama when he was threatened with ‘shaking things up’ … and made it look like he’d rather choose Blake. Psig!
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