The Voice is back once again to find the best undiscovered vocal talent in America. This season features the return of coaches Shakira and Usher, along with Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. With the coaches back in their chairs and their backs turned, the blind auditions kicked off.

For those who are new to The Voice here is a run down of how the blind auditions work. All four coaches face away from the vocalist and if they want that vocalist to be a part of their team they push the button and turn around. If more than one of the coaches turns around the vocalists decide whose team they wish to join.

Opening the show was an amazing performance from all four of the judges performing covers of each other songs, including “Love Somebody,” “Whenever, Wherever,” “Boys Round Here” and “Without You.” Each judge performed a song that was not their own.

Christina Grimmie was the first up for the blind auditions. Grimmie took to the stage and performed, “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus. Usher and Shakira were the first coaches to turn their chairs around for the female singer, closely followed by Levine. Shelton was the last coach to turn his chair around right when Grimmie went into the chorus. Now the fight was on between coaches to see which team Grimmie would become a member of. In the end Grimmie made the choice to join Team Adam.

T.J.Wilkins was the next contestant to take the Voice stage. He chose to perform “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John. Shelton and Usher hit their buttons first closely followed by Levine. After much deliberation Wilkins decided to join Team Usher.

Kristen Merlin was inspired through music in order to bring peace to people. Merlin won a contest that allowed her to perform on stage with Sugarland and she took the Voice stage singing, “Gotta Be Something More,” by Sugarland. Levine was the first coach to turn around his chair for the country singer, closely followed by Shakira. The battle was on between Levine and Shakira who were both standing by the end of her blind audition. In the end, Merlin joined Team Shakira.

Sixteen year old, Tanner Linford, was the next person up to audition for The Voice. Linford sang, “Stay” which was recorded by Mikki Ekko and Rihanna. Even with a passionate performance not one of the coaches turned around for Linford. The coaches provided some constructive techniques and Levine added that he really has to live the songs and apply it to his performances.

Next up was the first duo of the night, Dawn and Hawkes. The duo sang, “I’ve Just Seen A Face.” Shakira and Usher both turned around for the pair. Levine added that he was raised on this type of music and that was his favorite performance he had ever seen on the Voice. Shakira added that she was speechless. In the end the first duo on this season of the Voice decided to become a member of Team Adam.

Leo Gallo was the next performer on The Voice stage. Gallo performed the summer anthem, “Blurred Lines.” Even with his energetic and off the wall performance, Gallo didn’t have any chairs turn for him.

The blind auditions continued on with Jeremy Briggs. Briggs sang, “Bad Company.” Shelton was the first coach to turn his chair around for Briggs. Closely followed by Shakira who also turned her chair around. Shelton added that the last note of the performance was amazing but he was blown away by the first verse. Shakira added that she is hungry for success and is ready to win. In the end, Brigg decided to become a member of Team Shakira. Which seemed to shock even Shakira herself!

Jake Worthington took the stage next; this is his second time auditioning for the show. Worthington sang for his second performance in the blind auditions, “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” Shelton turned around, as well as, Levine. Shakira also turned her chair around for Worthington. Shelton added that he loved that Worthington came to re audition for the show. After much deliberations and compliments, Worthington decided to join Team Blake.

Karina Mia took the stage to perform “Beneath Your Beautiful.” Even with a passionate and honest performance, none of the judges turned their chairs around.

The final blind audition of the night went to Bria Kelly. Kelly has actually opened for Miranda Lambert, who is the wife of Voice coach Blake Shelton. Kelly sang, “Steamroller Blues.” Before the opening notes had even concluded Shelton and Levine turned their chairs around. Shakira was the third judge to turn around for Kelly. This performance was another four-chair turn. Usher kicked off the coaches comments by saying that everyone had just heard the Voice. Usher even joined Kelly on stage and offered her his Grammy Award, but only to look at. After much deliberation and compliments Kelly decided to join Team Usher.

The blind auditions will continue on tomorrow night on NBC.

image: NBC