The Voice contestants have been through the blind auditions, the battle rounds and the knockout rounds in order to take the stage in the first round of live shows. The Voice will be on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this week.
With the start of the live shows the power switches to the viewing audience. The audience will now decides who advances to the top 12.
The live shows kicked off with a performance from Christina Aguilera with help from Flo Rida performing his latest hit, “How I Feel.”
Team Blake’s Shelbie Z, who is a recent newly wed, took the stage first. Shelbie Z performed “Fancy,” which was made famous by Reba McEntire. Aguilera said that Shelbie was a powerhouse and she really enjoyed the performance. Green added that Shelbie Z makes Blake’s team look very strong. Shelton added that Shelbie Z looks and sounds like an already established country artist.
James Wolpert took the stage next for Team Adam. Wolpert performed, “Case of You” originally performed by Joni Mitchell. Shelton said that he was on the fence about Wolpert until this performance. Green added that he was in a good mood so he was giving out compliments saying that Wolpert was undeniable and he did a great job. Levine said that he could not be more proud of Wolpert and the amazing job he did.
Ray Boudreaux from Team Blake was the next to perform. Boudreaux sang, “Home,” by Marc Broussard. Aguilera added that she loved the performance and that was the most connected she had seen Boudreaux with the audience. Green said that he was very excited about how well everyone is performing under the live pressure. Coach Shelton added that Boudreaux is in a cool position to bring so much awareness to the blues sound that Boudreaux loves.
Austin Jenckes representing Team Blake sang, “She Talks to Angels,” by the Black Crowes. Aguilera started off the comments by saying that Jenckes really had heart. Levine said that he had to compliment the coaches and the artists tonight. Shelton said it is one thing to think a note and then sing it but it is another thing to sing with your heart. Shelton also added that Jenckes gives 150% of his heart every time.
Continuing on with the live performances was Grey from Team Adam. Grey took on Paramore’s “Still Into You.” Shelton started off the judges’ comments saying that Grey was awesome; Green also echoed that of Shelton saying that Grey did a great job performing. Coach Levine added that he was very proud of Grey and that Grey went outside of her comfort zone.
Will Champlin, who was stolen in the battle rounds and then stolen again in the knockout rounds, took the stage next representing Team Adam. Champlin sang, “Secrets,” by One Republic. Aguilera started off the comments saying that Champlin put his soul and his heart into the performance. Green said that the performance was really impressive. Levine added that Champlin really deserves to be on the show and that Champlin has a very special gift and put on the performance of his life tonight.
Preston Pohl also representing Team Adam took the stage following Champlin. Pohl sang, Bruno Mars “Nothing On You.” Shelton said that the pocket, the pitch and the passion behind the performance blew him away. Aguilera added that she is a fan and is interested to see what will happen with Pohl. Coach Levine said that he loves Champlin and that no one sounds like Pohl today.
Cole Vosbury who was stolen as a member of Team Blake took to the live stage next. Vosbury took on the classic “Maggie May,” Rob Stewart for his live performance. Green added that he still loved Vosbury unconditionally and supports Vosbury. Coach Shelton said that Vosbury is good for the show and that Vosbury is very talented.
Closing the show was Tessanne Chin from Team Adam. Chin sang, “Many Rivers to Cross” by Jimmy Cliff. The performance from Chin brought Levine to his feet. Aguilera encouraged Chin to feel this moment and take it all in. Green said that they saved the best for last. Levine closed out the comments by saying that Chin has a golden soul and is a wonderful human on top of that Chin’s talent is mind blowing.
Team Christina and Team Cee Lo will be taking the stage tomorrow night. The results show will be airing on Thursday instead of Wednesday. On the results show the top 12 will be announced.
image: NBC