NBC’s The Voice 2013 blind auditions premiered tonight with the original coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, and Cee Lo Green.
Fresh off The Voice’s first Emmy win for best reality-competition program, the question remains Who blew away the coaches on tonight’s Season 5 premiere?
Let’s recap the Best Performances of Round 1’s Blind Auditions.
Kat Robichaud performs “I’ve Got the Music in Me” by The Kiki Dee Band
This 29-year-old from North Carolina gave a perfect rock vocal of The Kiki Dee Band’s “I’ve Got The Music In Me.” She displayed incredible range with her raspy tone all the while maintaining great stage presence.
All the judges turned their chairs for Robichaud, except Adam Levine.
Neverthless, Adam Levine called Robichaud “Raspy McRasperson” while praising her for her “great voice.”
Cee Lo Green said, “You remind me of all the greats, yet you are so original, so fresh, so raw.”
Christina Aguilera emphasized how she could tell Robichaud truly has a passion for this, while saying, “I think you’re something really special.”
Blake Shelton admitted he is the unlikely coach for her, yet still tried his best to get Robichaud to choose him as her coach.
In the end, Robichaud chose Team Cee Lo!
Caroline Pennell performs “Anything Could Happen” by Ellie Goulding
This shy 17-year-old high school student performed an acoustic version of Ellie Goulding’s “Anything Could Happen.” She did such a great job of making the song her own with her uniquely quirky voice.
Both Cee Lo and Blake turned their chairs in hopes of getting Pennell on their teams.
Adam described Pennell’s voice as engaging, while stating: “You’re like the sweetest thing on earth.”
Cee Lo said, “I believe we are cut from the same cloth. You have a quirk to you that I can relate to.”
Blake emphasized on “the sweetness and warmth to her voice.” He stated: “Your voice easily flows out. I want you to believe in yourself. You are a badass vocalist.”
Ultimately, Pennell picked Team Cee Lo.
Donna Allen performs “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker
WOW! Allen blew us away with her classic and timeless vocal as she sang with such passion and emotion.
She displayed an unbelievable range and such profound control with her exceptional delivery.
Christina turned her chair within seconds, followed by Adam.
Christina said, “That voice is like the heavens opening up. I was so moved with the richness and the tone. I can connect with you.”
Adam admitted to being surprised that not all of the coaches turned around for Allen. He then stated: “I felt like we were at the end of the season. I want you on my team really badly!”
In the end, Allen chose Team Adam!
Matthew Schuler performs “Cough Syrup” by Young the Giant
Another WOW performance of the night! Schuler gave a brilliant performance as he displayed a Soulful/R&B voice.
He started singing the song acapella and within seconds all the judges turned around!
He infused the song with breath taking runs and performed with undeniable charisma.
Schuler ended up receiving a standing ovation from all the judges!
Cee Lo said, “ Your voice is beautiful. You can be a member of a team or an owner. I can help you own yourself.” This is your time bro!”
Adam said, “The joy and passion with witch you sing is the best part. I know for a fact we can win this together, I have to get you.”
Christina remarked, “Let me be the first female coach to win this thing. I am on your side, I gotchu.”
Schuler went with what his heart was telling him which was…Team Christina!
Nic Hawk performs “Hit ‘Em Up Style” by Blu Cantrell
Hawk, who called himself the male version of Jessie J and Amy Winehouse, took to The Voice stage and gave a highly energized performance! He sang with such great flow and really did a good job of stamping his own special twist to the song.
Both Adam and Cee Lo turned their chairs for Hawk.
Adam said, “You are a phenomenal singer, while Cee Lo complimented Hawk for his ability to sing a song that requires “a lot of breathe control, charisma and calculation.”
In the end, Hawk chose Team Adam!
Shelbie Z. performs “Here For The Party” by Gretchen Wilson
This powerhouse country vocalist gave a stunning vocal all the while exuding the perfect spunky attitude necessary for this song.
Blake, Cee Lo, and Christina turned their chairs.
Blake was quick to say, “Let me be the first to welcome you to Team Blake. That was amazing!”
Christina admitted that she knew she wouldn’t stand a chance in snagging the country vocalist from Blake, but said she had to turn around because she believed Shelbie is “just such powerhouse. You were so strong.”
Of Course, Shelbie ended up choosing Team Blake!
Josh Logan performs “Too Close” by Alex Clare
Logan sang Alex Clare’s “Too Close” with extraordinary strength. He sang the song with a special rasp, while coloring the song with noteworthy runs. His voice reminded us of Gavin De Graw with a rock/soulful edge.
Adam said, “You sounded a lot like the dude who sings it. Crazy powerful.”
Christina emphasized how he sang with a “yearning,” while she stated: “I would love to work with you.”
Blake said, “You can do anything, I have a man crush on you.”
In the end, Logan chose Team Christina!
James Wolpert performs “Love Interruption” by Jack White
This 22-year-old college dropout proved his undeniable talent as soon as he opened his mouth and sang with a freshly distinct vocal. He showcased a mixture of Indie, soulful, and rock tonality.
Ok and when he hit those high notes! WOW, we melted!
Wolpert was the second contestant of the night who received a four chair turn around!
Blake said, “You have so much character in your voice. You have a vibrato to your voice. The big note with rasp in the end was incredible. You are the complete vocalist.”
Adam exclaimed, “It is crazy how advanced you are. You can win for sure.”
Cee Lo said: “You were born for this moment. Come to me, I will make you win this.”
Christina professes, “You are so versatile. Thank you for showing me why I did come back to this show.”
In the end, Wolpert chose Team Adam!
Who was your favorite performance of the night?! We want to know! Leave your thoughts below!
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Photo Credit: Mark Seliger