Pharrell, Gwen, Adam and Blake targeted artists to join their teams during night four of “The Voice: Season Nine” Blind Auditions. (Photo & graphic property of NBC & United Artists Media Group)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Last night, several contestants put a ring on The Voice during night three of the Blind Auditions.
After a successful rendition of “Seven Bridges Road” that caught the attention of both their future coach, Pharrell Williams and his longtime friend Gwen Stefani, Jubal proposed to his girlfriend, Amanda. This proposal during the Blind Auditions captured the hearts of the nation and put a new entry in The Voice history book.
But with the coaches’ teams quickly filling up, how did tonight’s artists stood out from the pack? Read on to find out…
As the coaches headed back to their seats, 23-year-old Darius Scott came from a musically inclined family as his mom introduced him to music at a very young age. The virtuoso and freelance stylist kicked off the night by tackling two-time Voice coach Usher’s “You Make Me Wanna.” I hope that Usher was watching this three-chair-performance (Adam, Gwen and Pharrell), because Darius did this song justice. After a heated debate between all three coaches, he chose someone who he worshiped—N.E.R.D. co-founder Pharrell Williams.
20-year-old Korin Bukowski reminded me of a quirky Michelle Chamuel. Like Darius, her parents were musicians who were in a group called The Doctors. Her father mentioned in Korin’s pre-performance package that her vocals were pure and when she sang “Cecilia and the Satellite,” I got chills and I am glad that she landed a spot on Team Gwen and like Michelle did, I hope Korin goes deep into the competition.
Coal City, West Virginia native Krista Hughes had a monstrous challenge in front of her. She tackled one of my all-time favorite Blind Audition songs: Bonnie Raitt’s “Angel from Montgomery.” Audra McLaughlin beautifully covered the tune back in Season Six and her interpretation caught the attention of all four coaches. While watching her impeccable performance, Krista echoed the same superb tone and gorgeous voice that Audra did that caught the attention of all four coaches. Like Audra before her, Krista picked Blake to be her coach.
15-year-old Chance Pena chose music over fitness as his parents opened up Tyler, Texas’s first CrossFit gym. He chose Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire” for his Blind Audition. Chance has a raw voice and landed a spot on Team Adam, but I would recommend that he watch Peter Hollens’ cover of The Hobbit tune to see how he could improve next time.
31-year-old Viktor Kiraly traveled from Budapest to audition for The Voice. The native New Yorker experienced small success in Hungry, but he wanted to get his career started in his home country. Before he went on stage, Adam quoted: “Dazzle Me!” and Viktor dazzled the audience (and all our coaches) with his superb cover of Donny Hathaway’s “What’s Going On.” While Gwen tried to seduce him and Pharrell said that he was different, Viktor went with the first coach that their chair around for him….Adam Levine!
As Viktor reunited with his family, 16-year-old Cole Criske was inspired by Season One Team Blake artist Xenia to audition for The Voice. After listening to his interpretation of John Mayer’s “Dreaming With A Broken Heart,” I thought that his baritone tone was exquisite and he has a bright future ahead of him. While Gwen tried to bond with him over songwriting, Blake brought out the Xenia card and it was done deal. Unfortunately, Gwen was extremely unhappy with his decision and threw her shoes all across the stage…if Blake does not do Cole right, Gwen might steal him!
Nashville Nanny Alex Kandel wanted to leave her job to pursue music full-time. Her former band Sleeper Agent found success on Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Fallon and Coachella, but she decided to go on the solo route. She immediately impressed Gwen Stefani with her take on Echosmith’s “Bright.” However, the No Doubt front woman faced competition with fellow coach Adam Levine. In the end, Alex decided to enlist with her idol and became a new member of Team Gwen.
27-year-old Celeste Betton came from a military family and set aside her musical ambitions to become a college student and mom. Her cover of Jennifer Hudson’s “Love You I Do” was passionate and I loved that she showcased her fantastic tone that might probably make her this year’s dark horse. I am glad that Pharrell picked her!
The final artists of the night were 23-year-old Green Bay twins Andi & Alex. These twins had one last chance to make a career in the music industry and they hoped that their cover of Dido’s “Thank You” caught the attention of the coaches. (Spoiler alert: their splendid harmonies got a four-chair-turn!) They also received the only four coach-standing ovation of the episode. All the coaches brought out their big guns to get these girls. Blake mentioned that he took the Swon Brothers to the finals, while Pharrell countered that he helped Sawyer win his season. However, the girls picked Team Adam!
Next week, “The Voice: Season Nine” Blinds Conclude!
Audra McLaughlin’s audition video is property of NBC & United Artists Media Group.
Peter Hollens’ video: “I See Fire” belongs to Peter Hollens.
