Reality show season is upon us and NBC’s hit competition series, The Voice, has returned for its 18th season. As the season unfurls, fans will learn of new developments in the series affecting Battles, Knockouts and the live shows, however, the most obvious change is pop star Nick Jonas joining the coaching panel, taking the seat vacated by Gwen Stefani. Otherwise, coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Blake Shelton, and host Carson Daly return to their spinning red chairs.
Each team will again welcome a celebrity adviser for the Battle Rounds. Dua Lipa will sit with Team Kelly, Ella Mae with Team Legend, Bebe Rexha joins Team Blake and Team Nick enlists the help of both of his brothers, Joe and Kevin.
And, we’re off to the races!
TODD TILGHMAN (41) – Meridian, Mississippi
Married and father to eight kids (two adopted)
4 CHAIR TURN: 1 – Nick, 2 – Blake, 3 – Kelly, 4 – John
BLAKE: “I love your voice, I love the passion, I love the range, I love how not smooth it is… you are so amped up and it reminds me why I continue to want to be a coach on this show.”
NELSON CADE III (27) – Anaheim, California
Stevie Wonder once asked to sit in with him at a show.
4 CHAIR TURN: 1 – John, 2 – Kelly, 3 – Nick (blocked by John), 4 – Blake
NICK: “I’m jealous that they get to fight for you.”
KELLY: “I love the vibe. I love also our spirit…Your personality, that’s going to beam through, so just be you and don’t try to be anyone else.”
TATE BRUSA (16) – Salt Lake City, Utah
High school sophomore, started writing songs at 11
Chair turns: 1 – Nick, 2 – Blake
NICK: “I heard the fight in your voice and I think I can help you hone in the moments that weren’t your best.” (Hopped up on stage and gave him a quick vocal lesson)
BLAKE: “I thought that was an incredible performance…I feel like I’m at a disadvantage.” (Brings puppy out) “Tate, I want you to know, if you don’t choose me as your coach, this puppy is going straight back to the animal shelter.”
TAYLER GREEN (27) – Los Angeles, California
Started writing at 14
Chair turns: 1 – Kelly, 2 – Nick
KELLY: “I’m gonna fight so hard. All that pretty whispery stuff, what that explains to me is that you have control…you are so talented, just welcome to the show.”
NICK: “I don’t want to be seen as your coach, I want to be seen as your teammate.”
ASHLEY PLATH (20) – Middletown, New Jersey
Meter reader
KELLY: “You have a huge range. I think the only reason that I kept going should I or shouldn’t I, there were perfect little moments, but it wasn’t consistent…I really would love for you to come back.”
JOHN: You did feel a little nervous in the beginning, it didn’t feel like you were in your zone…but come back.”
DARIOUS LYLES (30) – Chicago, Illinois
Brought his biological mother
Chair turns: 1 – John, 2 – Kelly
BLAKE: “I didn’t hit my button because I could tell there was a home for you out of the two people who hit their button… I’m very happy for you.”
JOHN: “What I loved about your performance, particularly your low range… there were a little bit of pitch problems, but that’s something your coaches can help you with.”
KELLY: “I feel like we’re put on this planet to be vessels for messages… I just thought it was really tasteful, I think you’re a talented singer and I would love to have you on my team.”
MEGAN DANIELLE (17) – Douglasville, Georgia
Works at the family restaurant
1 – Kelly
KELLY: “I don’t even know who your musical influences are, but that was like Adele and a little country. I love you. I feel so blessed right now. I thought you deserved four chairs… I cannot wait to work with you on my team.”
CHRISSY JOLY (32) – Brooklyn, New York
Parents are from Haiti, father was a musician
KELLY: “There were parts where your voice was so on, but there were parts where you were pitchy.”
JOHN: “What a name. I love that name. You have a powerful voice and your tone is absolutely gorgeous. The areas that I found that were pitchy were the lower parts.”
TODD MICHAEL HALL (50) – Saginaw, Michigan
Chairs turned: 1 – John, 2 – Blake
BLAKE: “The only reason I didn’t choose rock music is because I sound like this, but the reason you do is because you sound like that… that is a direct path to the finale.”
JOHN: “Not only were you hitting those high notes in the stratosphere, your low tones were great, too.”
EMILY BASS (16) – Magnolia, Texas
Auditioned last year, no chairs
JOHN: “We can tell when someone sounds young because the polish isn’t there yet. That doesn’t mean it won’t get there, it just needs more polish.”
KELLY: “Please don’t let this discourage your dream.
NICK: “This is the toughest part of this job. I know it hurts, but it’s going to be alright.”
JOANNA SERENKO (18) – St. Louis, Missouri
4 CHAIR TURN: 1 – Kelly, 2 – John, 3 – Nick, 4 – Blake
BLAKE: “I don’t know in what season we’ve heard such an effortless, powerful vocal.”
JOHN: “We live for those moments when the singer gives us chills and you gave us that today.”
NICK: “You really blew me away and it was effortless…thanks for letting me hear you sing.”
KELLY: “I’ve been here for five seasons now and I haven’t heard anyone sing like that.
The Voice returns for the second night of Blind Auditions on February 25.
