
The Voice 27 Recap: Premiere Blind Auditions Live Blog with Videos
The Voice season 27 Blind Auditions begin with a new coaches lineup, including the return of OG Adam Levine and vet John Legend. Reigning champ Michael Buble comes back for a second season and newbie Kelsea Ballerini joins the lineup.
We’ll be live blogging all the Blind Audition performances right here.
For the Blinds, each coach gets a block, and the new TWIST called “The Coaches Replay” is back. It allows a coach to hit their button after an artist is done singing (typically, coaches must turn during the performance). Watch out for a coach who uses the twist tonight in a brand new way!
The coaches cover Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer”
The show opens with the coaches performing a cover of Elton John’s Tiny Dancer. John plays piano, while Adam sings the first verse. Kelsea Ballerini performs the “ballerina” line, natch! Michael ends the song with a flip of his microphone. Host Carson Daly introduces the panel
Returning veteran Adam sits in his “bestie” Blake Shelton’s chair. Back in the day, he sat in the first chair on the left where John sits.
Grace-Miller Moody – 20 – Sunday Morning by Maroon 5
The young singer is currently attending school in Charleston, South Carolina. She shares that her youngest brother Shott was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 7. After a four year battle, he recovered. Now, he takes part with the siblings dad in Grace’s video package. The family attended a Maroon 5 concert in Las Vegas. Grace is excited that Adam is back on the show.
Michael is the first to turn for Grace’s slinky performance. John is next, and the others follow. It’s a 4-chair turn. She sings with a sweet tone and a catch in her voice. She didn’t even need a money note to get those chairs turning. It’s not a 4-chair turn worthy performance, but it’s solid.
Michael tries humor to win Grace over, mocking what Adam’s reaction might be. He flatters her, claiming she could become a “world-wide superstar.” John cautions that Adam is probably “rusty” after a long absence from the show. “You kicked that song’s a–!” he gushes. As Adam begins to speak, Kelsea hits a button that plays a clip of Blake quipping “Adam’s a big baby,” “Adam won’t shut up” and “Adam you say a lot of stupid stuff.” HIJINKS!
Adam promises to help Grace get where she needs to go, calling her potential “limitless.” He adds, “You can absolutely go all the way in this.” Kelsea admits she’s at a disadvantage as a newbie, but believes that Grace is “worth it.” Michael suggests her family join her on stage, and they do. And of course, she picks Adam – 4-chair turn, Grace picks Team Adam
Renzo – 33 – Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Remember Dennis Lorenzo from American Idol season season 16? (Audition) He made the Top 10 that year. He’s on The Voice now, going by the moniker, Renzo. The Philadelphia singer is father to two girls. Raised by a single mother, his dad was murdered in the streets.
Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, Renzo sings with a folksy falsetto. Sneaky John BLOCKS Adam, and it takes him a minute to notice. Hardee har har! Uh oh! Michael also turns his chair. This song choice is dull considering Renzo covered dynamic songs like “Unaware” and “Women’s Work” on Idol. The pick doesn’t show off his pretty falsetto. But it’s enough to get him on the show.
John mentions that he attended college in Philly (Penn). Renzo hints that he’s a Maroon 5 fan. He seems a little disappointed that Adam is blocked. I’m not a huge fan of the block because it often hurts the contestant more than the coach being blocked. Michael promises to listen and help guide the singer. “I want you to be a global megastar, DUDE.” Exacting revenge, Adam advocates for Team Buble. But Renzo picks John – John BLOCKS Adam, Michael also turns – Renzo picks Team Legend
Iris Herrera – 19 – You are My Sunshine.
Iris returns to The Voice after receiving no turns for her cover of the Stevie Nicks song “Gypsy” during season 26. Note that Season 26 and 27 were taped back to back last summer. Iris literally re-auditioned a few weeks later after the show turned her down, even though her video package suggests she went back home and had a considerable amount of time to develop a “whole new vibe.” Heh. At the time, the coaches felt she sounded like a Stevie imitator. Michael and Gwen Stefani suggested she “hone in” on her own unique style.
The old standard Iris chooses seems like an odd song choice, but it has emotions tied to her family. Her aunt would sing the song to her before bedtime. Transitioning to an Americana vibe suits her. She should have gone in this direction to begin with. Coaches begin turning right away. Adam in the only one not to hit his button.
Adam felt he couldn’t compete with Kelsea, specifically. “It made me want to know you,” Kelsea said about Iris’s performance. “You are very soulful.” Only Michael sat on the panel last time. He doesn’t seem to remember her? Or maybe it’s editing. John calls her performance 4-chair turn worthy. Kelsea totally has the best pitch. And Iris picks her. – Michael, John and Kelsea turn, Iris picks Team Kelsea
Jadyn Cree – 23 – Still Into You by Paramore
Jadyn is the daughter of Season 25 finalist, Bryan Olesen. She appeared during her dad’s audition and sang a bit of “Put Your Records On.” Currently she fronts a band and performed with her dad for his hometown concert.
It takes a minute, but Michael hits his button, followed by Kelsea. Good tone, but she sounds young and unfinished. She could probably deliver a pop hit with the right producer. Adam compared her to a 90s pop voice and regrets not turning. John plays coy, asking if Jayden auditioned before. She reveals that she’s Bryan’s daughter (He finished 3rd on Team Legend! And he did not even turn!)
Kelsea calls her voice “pure” and suggests songs for her like “Kiss Me.” Michael calls Jayden a “star” which he has called nearly every singer he’s turned for so far. He appeals to her father’s dad feels, so it’s not surprising that she chooses him. – Michael and Kelsea turn Jayden picks Team Buble
Zack Zaro – 28 – “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears
In New York, Zack leads a Mommy and Me type singalong class for kids. In school he studied musical theater and toured with a few shows.
Zach sings “…One More Time” accompanying himself on electric guitar. It’s his attempt to “flip” a Britney song. John and Michael rock out in their seats…but don’t hit their buttons. Flipping Britney is a cliche at this point. Better do an incredible job with it, and he didn’t, so no turns.
Kelsea said she was “so close.” She feels some regret. Adam felt there were technical problems, so he did not turn. – No Turns
Darius J – 35 – Caught Up by Usher
After coming out gay at 13, he got bullied a lot in his Florida hometown. However, the bullying stopped when he sang. Performing was an escape from “horrible kids.” Eventually, he moved to New Jersey to live with his mother’s brother, where he fit in better. Mom becomes emotional as she shares how she raised him and his sister on very little money.
Right away Darius displays a super-charged personality on stage. He does his own thing with the Usher hit, giving it a bouncy Latin flavor. Adam and Michael turn immediately. Kelsea turns next.
Michael admires his charisma. “You are a complete joy,” he remarks. John likes the way he flipped it. He doesn’t explain why he didn’t turn though. Adam compares him to former Voice coach CeeLo Green. Kelsea compliments his performance skills. She would be “jazz hands” honored to be his coach! But Darius chooses Adam. That, despite Kelsea and Michael fighting harder for him. – Michael, Kelsea and Adam turn, Darius picks Team Adam.
Angie Rey – 25 – Penthouse by Kelsea Ballerini
Angie is a Latina from Florida. Her parents are from Cuba. Her dad came to America in a boat–probably in the 80s. She speaks a little of her intro in Spanish. However she moved to Nashville to pursue country music, which she works full time.
Kelsea recognizes her song withing the first few notes. Of course, she hits her button right away. Angie isn’t singing her best–there are pitch problems–but it doesn’t matter now. Nobody else even bothered to hit their button. Kelsea notes her nerves, but is impressed nevertheless. You know what happens next–Kelsea joines Angie on stage for a little duet – Only Kelsea turns
Carlos Santiago – Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx
Carlos is originally from Puerto Rico. He’s a voice instructor and has been singing since 3 years of age.
The singer performs in a pop classical style. Finally, after a bit, Michael hits his button remarking “He’s got a good voice, man.” In other words, “the rest of you are going to sit on your hands because he’s not your style, but c’mon!” He does sing well, but unremarkably. Really, he belongs on Team Buble, but Adam hits his button anyway.
John appreciated his rich vibrato. Adam loves the song choice. Carlos makes the obvious decision and picks Michael. – Adam and Michael turn, Carlos picks Team Buble
Dan Kiernan – 33 – High Hopes by Panic! At the Disco
A Long Island native, Dan’s father was a tugboat captain who encouraged his son’s creative play. He died five years ago from cardiac arrest. Currently, Dan is a wedding singer in NYC.
Michael turns quickly for Dan’s strong tenor voice. He seems hyper and nervous. He has great tone, but is having a few pitch problems. Eventually John hits his button. He calls Dan’s performance “exciting and fun” noting that the song is a hard one to sing.
Kelsea regrets not hitting her button, so she does a weird thing–she uses her Coach Replay. The coach replay is a fairly new Blind Audition gimmick. So far, it’s been used on no turn contestants who are literally walking off the stage after being rejected by the panel. Each coach only gets one Coaches Replay during the Blind Auditions. Kelsea highlights her experience with pop acts. She’s not just a country singer, she insists! Adam advocates for Kelsea. So unsurprisingly—Kelsea it is – John, Michael turn, Kelsea uses her Coaches Replay button – Michael picks Team Kelsea
Lili Doll – 20 – Heart of Glass by Blondie
Lili Doll is the singer’s real name, she’ll have you know. Being the next to last singer of the night? I smell a no turn! The rock chicks usually have a steep climb on this show.
Not a great song choice for a competition. And her delivery is frantic. She’d probably be fine fronting a rock band. But on The Voice unsurprisingly, she gets no turns.
Michael notes that the song is deceptively hard to sing. Kelsea urges Lili to feel proud of herself despite the rejection. Aw. An artist as well as a singer, Lili made gifts for the coaches. Sads. – No Turns
Ethan Eckenroad – Northern Attitude by Noah Kahan
Kelsea and Adam turn really fast for Ethan’s sweet and unique tone. The singer accompanies himself on guitar as he performs an evocative rendition of an Indie favorite. John turns next, and then Michael. It’s a 4-chair turn. Ethan delivers a soulful performance full of energy. He’s a keeper. NBC previewed this audition earlier today HERE.
After the performance Adam says, “You have this effortless thing that you do that is so soulful and so simple, you have my favorite voice that I’ve heard so far.” Kelsea adds that it’s the first time she’s felt that she’s turned for an artist. “I’m at your show!” she gushes. She reminds Ethan that she has a song out with Noah, the original artist. Ethan is well aware.
Oh…here come the HIJINKS. A photo of Michael as a teen sporting a mullet flashes on the screen. Michael claims it proves his country cred. But Nathan is not a country singer? “You’re good music,” Michael adds. John is impressed by Ethan’s poise and his soulfulness. After admitting that he may be at a disadvantage, he introduces a hip-hop guy who dances around with a Team Legend sign. But ultimately, Ethan chooses Adam–a guy without gimmicks. – 4-chair turn, Ethan picks Team Adam