Adam Levine did something that surprised his friend Blake Shelton tonight on “The Voice.” (Photo property of PopDust)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Last week, The Voice returned for its fourth season and delivered several potential superstars.
Before tonight’s episode, Shakira led the coaches with four contestants, followed by Voice veterans Adam Levine and Blake Shelton and newcomer Usher scored three contestants each.
Did the men gained more team members tonight? Did Shakira keep up with her momentum from last week? Read on to find out…
Brothers Colton and Zach Swon kicked off the night with an intriguing take on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “American Girl” that showed off their superb vocals and got the crowd on their feet. While Usher stated that he could get them to Disney World and Shakira added that she would be a fresh perspective to the table, the Swon Brothers decided to stick with their fellow Oklahoman and became the fourth act on Team Blake.
Former gymnast and Dallas native 17-year-old Taylor Beckham took the Voice stage with her goal of impressing the coaches. While her cover of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” was not as powerful as Season Two’s Sera Hill’s rendition, but it did impress both newcomers. Despite Shakira offering her the proper tips on getting into the industry, Taylor chose to follow her passion with R&B and enlisted in Team Usher.
Unfortunately, not everyone was able to get on a team. Sam Alves, who delivered an outstanding cover of the standard “Feeling Good” (I hope you were watching, Dez Duron), failed to get all four judges to turn around. However, all four judges gave him positive remarks and a hug and kiss from Shakira before departing the stage.
Miami native and children music teacher Karina Iglesias delivered a great cover of Melissa Etheridge’s “I’m the Only One” that not only made her grandmother proud but also would please the Kansas rocker. Both Adam and Blake pushed their buttons at the last minute but made Karina jump for joy. The vocal teacher became the fourth member of Team Adam.
Last season, Garrett Gardner failed to catch the attention of all four coaches. But before he left the stage, Blake gave him some constructive criticism that he took to heart. Garrett delivered one of the best performances of the night with his hypnotic reggae-inspired cover of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” that not only caught the attention of Team Shakira and redeemed himself.
Waco, Texas native Holly Tucker delivered a goose bump worthy cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” that caught the attention of all four judges. However, while Adam pointed out that Blake was the last one to turn his chair around, Holly decided to ignore Adam’s comments and joined the country star’s team.
26-year-old musician and Ella Riot singer Michelle Chamuel hoped to break out of her shell and impress the judges. While she battled her nerves off stage, Michelle delivered an impressive cover of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl” that caught the attention of Adam, Shakira and Usher. After hearing interesting offers from all three judges, Michelle decided to go with Usher.
Former child star Monique Abbadie brought the house down with a cover of Shakira’s “Loca” that not only impressed her idol but all three male judges as well. The audience and even Shakira’s fellow judges agreed that Monique should enlist with the Latin superstar.
31-year-old full-time firefighter Warren Stone was the last contestant to face the judges. His cover of Zac Brown Band’s “Colder Weather” caught the attention of Adam, Shakira and Blake. For the first time this season, a country singer joined Team Adam and leaving everyone speechless.
Tomorrow night, the Blind Auditions begin to intensify as more singers battle for the last remaining spots.
