All four coaches discuss the upcoming Battle Rounds with “Voice” host Carson Daly. (Photo property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar
The Voice: Season Five’s cast of contestants is almost complete!
Before the final round of Blind Auditions began, both Adam Levine and Blake Shelton each had 10 artists, CeeLo Green had nine artists and Christina Aguilera needed one more artist to complete her team.
So who were the lucky artists that received the last spots on the show? Read on to find out…
The first artist to face the coaches was Matt Cermanski. Last season, he could not get any chairs around after his unsuccessful performance of “Teenage Dream.” He took Adam’s advice and hoped that his cover of Joe Cocker’s “Have A Little Faith in Me” would get the attention of one of the coaches. His versatility caught the attention of Adam, Blake and CeeLo. While Blake tried to use his three trophies as leverage, but that did not work as Matt landed on Team Adam.
Church girl Tamara Chaunice got her chance to perform in front of the coaches when she sang a soulful rendition of Beyonce’s “1+1.” Her gospel voice caught the attention of both Christina and CeeLo. Despite touching Christina’s heart, Tamara listened to her gut and picked CeeLo!
Arlington, Texas native Brandon Chase accelerated his academics to focus on his music. His cover of Hunter Hayes’ “Wanted” showcased his excellent vocal range and was so better than the original. Brandon caught the attention of both Blake and CeeLo. Blake stated, “It is in your blood to be a country singer” while the “Forget You” singer wanted to help him bring flare into his performances. In the end, he decided to enlist with Team Blake.
Flower deliveryman Lupe Carroll hope to leave the roses and carnations for a music career. He inserted soul into the Cashes’ “If I Were A Carpenter” that caught the attention of the show’s resident soul man. He would have made both Johnny and June very proud.
25-year-old Jacksonville native Grey wanted to make it in the music industry. She decided to audition for the show. Her strong cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Catch My Breath” got the attention of Adam, Blake and CeeLo. While Christina did not turn her chair around, the “Your Body” singer hinted that she might go after her in the Battle Rounds. However, she decided to join Team Adam and completed his team!
Chicago native 27-year-old Michael Lynch loves the Spanish language. He loved it so much that after high school, he moved to Mexico City to study music. However, when he hit a roadblock, Michael returned home and auditioned for The Voice. Michael’s outstanding cover of Enrique’s “Bailamos” caught the attention of Christina, Blake and CeeLo. While Blake stated that he loved his pitch, the crooner won the final spot on Team Christina. It was also the second time that Christina sang with a contestant during the Blind Auditions (the first time was with Season Two’s Sera Hill).
Austin native Brian Pounds went from the athletic world in hopes to become a part of the music industry. Brian was an incredible storyteller as he weaved soul into Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel” that caught the attention of both Blake and CeeLo. It was a great performance and no matter what happens to him on Team Blake, Brian has a great future ahead of him.
The artist that filled CeeLo’s final spot on his team with Army veteran Shawn Smith, who performed an intriguing cover of Zac Brown Band’s “Chicken Fried.” After receiving encouragement from the audience and his fellow judges, the “Bright Lights Bigger City” singer hit his button for the final time in the Blinds.
Next week, The Battle Rounds begin!
