The Voice 11 Live Blog and Recap Premiere Blind Auditions 1 VIDEOS

Remember Sundance Head from American Idol season 6? He’s competing this season! Also, it appears a relative of Marc Broussard will also be taking the stage. In case you missed the post-Olympics preview Click to Check That Out!

Host Carson Daly is back to keep things moving. Also returning to The Voice are veteran coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. But for the first time ever, the panel will be an equal mix of males and females as Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys join the group. There should be a decidedly different vibe this season–we’ll see how that goes.

We kick off with some COACH INTRODUCTIONS. It’s gonna be the BEST and most UNPREDICTABLE SEASON OF THE VOICE YET says Carson.

Jason Warrior – 21 – Living for the City by Stevie Wonder – Jason grew up in a Chicago neighborhood with drug dealers. His real father has been in and out of jail. It’s an emotional subject for him. The singer got a scholarship to a theater school. Jason reminds me a little of Joshua Ledet from Idol 11. He’s churchy, big voiced and hella theatrical. Jason got turns from Adam and Alicia. Now the battle begins! Adam sees his drive! Blake scoffs. Alicia laid on some smooth compliments. Adam claims “I know how to win this show!” Three out of 10! shades Miley. Alicia goes on to talk about empowerment which brings Jason to tears. She reminds him of his mama. Alicia’s emotional appeal is gonna win the day for sure. And it does. – Jason Chooses Team Alicia – Download from iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z_jHkNUETQ

Dave Moisan – Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground – He was a swimmer in college and even got his ass beat by Michael Phelps when he was younger. He heads a band currently and is a medical device salesman.  Dave has that gravelly blue eyed soul thing going. He manages to be edgy and smooth at the same time. Interesting. Adam was the first to turn. And then Miley, Alicia and Blake. A four chair turn! Miley runs on stage for a hug. “I heard a lot of me in there,” says Adam. Maroon 5 is one of Dave’s inspirations. It turns out, he was inspired when he met Adam backstage. Of course he does not remember that! Miley wants to develop what makes him different. Adam swears he doesn’t want to make Dave in his image. Alicia goes on about magic and groove and exploring new places. AND HE CHOOSES ALICIA! Burn Adam – Dave Chooses Team Alicia  – Download from iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXsdJGaL_K4

Courtnie Ramirez – 17 – Mama Knows Best by Jessie J – Courtnie is at a Christian songwriting camp, currently. Her dad is a UPS driver. He moonlights on Uber just to help Courtnie pursue her dreams. She’s been in “a lot of singing competitions.” I wonder which? She’s a little gal but with a BIG clear voice. She’s a little yelly though. She could use some help modulating her performance. Everything doesn’t have to be dialed to 11! But she’s definitely got talent and potential. Miley is the first to turn, followed by Alicia. Adam thinks about it…but doesn’t. He wanted Miley and Alicia go at it. Miley loves her swag. Blake asks about genre. Adam and Alicia scoff. “Your voice was alive…it woke me up,” says Alicia. Miley pushes her youth and versatility. And in the end… Courtnie Chooses Team Miley  –  Download from iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_0tWUCcRfc

Sundance Head – 27 – I’ve Been Loving You Too Long by Otis Redding – Remember Sundance Head? American Idol 6 Top 24. Here he is singing a super weird version of Nights in White Satin.  Currently Sundance lives on a farm with the entire extended family, including his dad, Roy Head, who had a big hit in the 60s. He had a day job, but after he lost it, he went to music full time. His wife books his gigs. Sundance becomes emotional talking about wanting to carry on his dad’s legacy. Sundance has the chance to go further, because he’ll always sing songs that suit him on this particular show and age has definitely improved his big soulful voice. Adam turns IMMEDIATELY. Blake is next. When Adam turns around he knows he’s in trouble. “Why are you wearing boots!” Adam whines. Blake ticks off all of the influences he hears. Sundance admits to being a little nervous. “I’ll be better next time.” When Alicia asks him where he learned to sing, he says, “YOU!” And he throws out a line from one of her songs. Sundance’s kids join him on stage. They both think dad should pick Blake. And of course, Sundance Chooses Team Blake  – Download from iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28i9QHEWuAc

Maggie Renfrew – 16 – “Lost Boy” – She sings for kids at the Children’s Hospital in Macon. Her autistic cousin inspired her to perform at a benefit–it was her first performance ever. If she makes The Voice, she’ll forgo college for now.  Welp. Get those applications out Maggie. Nobody turns around for her! She’s not bad. She’s young and green, but the coaches have turned for many singers just like her. She seems to be Blake’s cup of tea so I’m a little surprised. Miley tells her to practice. The message is keep working and maturing. Blake suggests she come back, because she is the total package. –  NO TURNS

Ali Caldwell – 28 – Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande – Her mom is a music teacher. When she joined a girl group called “Exhale” at first super-religious mom said no, but then relentedu. The girl group thing faded. After Ali moved to NYC and eventually began touring in Russia. She’s kinda famous there! Click for her Preview.  Ali is obviously a pro already. She’s got the entire package: Impeccable soulful vocals with a contemporary edge. A great look, confidence, and poise. Adam turns. Blake is next. Probably just to bug Adam. Miley is tentative, but she pushes her button. Finally, Alicia pushes. A 4 chair turn! Adam compares Ali to Jordan Smith and Alisan Porter. Blake brags about his wins, and mentions that he won with Alicia’s backup singer Jermaine Paul.  “I’m about to win season 11 with this girl!” Miley insists. She wants to challenge Ali–maybe give her some country tunes. Alicia takes the stage to give Ali a hug. And the singer begins to cry. “You are so special Ali!” gushes Alicia. Adam follows suit for a hug. The family joins the singer on stage. “You are it!” says Adam. “I got a lot of personality!” declares Miley. I FEEL A CLIFFHANGER COMING ON. Yup. Decision after the break.  Ali Chooses Team Miley! Whoa. Interesting pick.   Download from iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMym0Wf7VGQ

Riley Elmore –  16 – The Way You Look Tonight – He loves jazz and plays the trombone. He’s like the second coming of Idol season 3’s John Stevens. He even has red hair. Frank Sinatra is his hero. Click for Riley’s Preview. Adam and Blake turn immediately. He reminds me A LOT of John, particularly his tentativeness and obvious inexperience. Riley has a rich tone, but there is literally no swag or confidence on stage. Miley can’t believe he’s only 16. Adam LOVES THAT SONG. Then he predicts Blake will brag about his friendship with Michael Buble. Blake wants to come back as Dean Martin. “You’re about to pick the wrong coach,” he says. Then Adam takes the stage to begin coaching. “Loosen up! Just like a conversation!” Adam says before he breaks into a smooth croon. No surprise  Riley Chooses Team Adam Finally Adam has a team member! –  Download from iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVHlpm_lmOw

Dana Harper – Jealous by Nick Jonas – Dana’s father is former NBA basketball player Derek Harper. He confesses his daughter is a terrible basketball player! She moved to NYC for a bit, performing at the Apollo in Harlem, but got lonely and moved back to Dallas. She really wants Alicia Keys to turn (since it was edited into the package, bet she doesn’t pick her). Dana has an interesting deep, burnished alto. It’s an unusual song choice. She kind of gives it the Anita Baker treatment. After hitting an unbelievable low note, Alicia hits her button. Blake turns, and then Adam at the very last minute. Alicia notes her warmth and magnificent control. “I hear your life coming through.” For a second Blake thought she was calling him Daddy. But no! It was basketball dude off stage. Blake promises he can guide her through the process. Dana Chooses Team Blake! Well then. She is probably banking on Blake for his experience as a winner. Blake stands in front of Alicia and sings, “THIS COACH IS ON FIRE!” Har dee har. –  Download from iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E0BnKKlYts

Gabe Broussard – 15 – Lonely Night in Georgia by Marc Broussard – He’s in High School in Louisiana. OK NO RELATION TO MARC. He was diagnosed with an eye condition that could very well cause him to eventually go blind. Gabe’s voice is very mature. I’m getting some Sawyer Fredericks vibes off this kid. Blake is the first to turn. He begs Miley not to turn. But she eventually does. Adam compares him to Marc. Alicia is thinking she made a mistake not turning. “You feel like you’ve lived a lot of life…” Adam also feels like he blew it. He notes his sweet face vs his rough delivery. “You’re the guy that all of us wait for,” says Blake. “I want you on my team bad.” Gabe Chooses Team Blake –  Download from iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmQCmYoZEUw

AJ Mitchell won The Voice Snapchat thingy, singing “Grenade” by Bruno Mars.

Chris Cron – 35 – Never Tear Us Apart –  He was in a band called Melee and toured on the Warped Tour. Here is the band’s Wiki. They had a big hit in Japan with the single “Built to Last” and toured overseas for years.  He’s got a family now and has been out of the game. He sees The Voice as his last chance to get back into music. These last chance auditions are the worst. Nobody is turning. He sings harder and harder. Still nobody turns. The weird thing? The dude is actually a good singer. Why didn’t Adam turn? They would have been perfect together. Adam and Blake didn’t like when he bent a note for a long time. Hm. Alicia felt he wasn’t feeling the song. They ask him to come back. “I didn’t quite feel him in  it,” says Alicia. Dang. I feel bad for the guy. – NO TURNS

Christian Cuevas – 20 – How am I Supposed to Live Without You by Michael Bolton – When he was 15, a football accident shattered his ankle and that’s when he switched to music. His dad was Julio Cuevas, a popular singer in Puerto Rico. He died recently of liver cancer. He had to grow up fast. He’s got a solid instrument, but if Michael Bolton is his taste in music? Nope. He’s like a lesser-voiced Jordan Smith. Adam and Blake turn first. Alicia turns next. No Miley. Probably too square for her. He’s too square for me.  Blake is hypnotised! “You sold me dude.” Miley and Adam anticipated Blake saying “I’m a fan!” Christian says the emotion came from grief for his dad. “You got it! I really felt you!” says Alicia. Adam loved they way he engaged the crowd, and his ability to express emotion. Christian Chooses Team Alicia –   Download from iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD_1_TOjsAg