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'The Voice' Season Premiere Recap: These Are No Ordinary People

'The Voice' Season Premiere Recap: These Are No Ordinary People
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Victor Solomon

Reunions and renditions. The Season 20 premiere of 'The Voice' featured familiar faces, blocks galore, and soulful duets that kicked off the blind auditions like never before.

Part 1 of The Voice (2011-) Season 20 blind auditions introduced some new stars to the music industry on their quest to be coached by Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Blake Shelton, and John Legend.


Team Kelly

Team Kelly gained two new players from last night's Blind Auditions, winning them some sick t-shirts reading "Team Kelly."

Dover, Florida's Kenzie Wheeler auditioned with Keith Whitley's "Don't Close Your Eyes" (1988). The country music artist got a Four Chair Turn, but was blocked from Blake Shelton. Clarkson may have lost her only block, but it was worth it as Wheeler chose to be coached by the Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter.

Former contestant on The Voice returned and swept Clarkson off her feet. Corey Ward previously auditioned for the show last season, but did not get the chair turn.

The Hartsville, South Caroliner returned to the stage performing Calum Scott's "Dancing On My Own" (2018), moving Clarkson to near tears.

"A lot people can sing, but not a lot of people can move me. I would love to be your coach."

With fierce competition, Clarkson still beat John Legend as Ward chose the American Idol (2002-) Season One winner to be his coach.

Team Nick

Last Saturday's SNL (1975-) host and musical guest Nick Jonas gained three new players to his roster, gifting them each with a "Nick's Notes" notebook.

Dana Monique gave a soulful performance of Aretha Franklin's "Freeway of Love" (1985) during last night's blind auditions. The Houston, Texas native got the likings of both Nick and John before Nick swept her off her feet saying,

"Dana, that was unbelievable... I think you and I both have a lot to prove and we got a lot to say. I think you are just absolutely exceptional."

Nick was the only chair to turn for Denver, Colorado's Devan Blake Jones' audition with "Hard Place" (2019) by H.E.R. Jonas commented with,

"That was phenomenal. I think these other coaches are absolutely insane for not turning their chairs... The top part of your register when you really opened up in the chorus really spoke to me."

The final addition to Team Nick of the night was Madison, Wisconsin's Raine Stern. Stern performed "Electric Feel" (2007) by MGMT in a truly electrifying way.

John, Blake, and Nick fought for her, but who could beat the 1/3 of the Jonas Brothers' argument?

"I'm gonna fight for you because you are one of the most unique performers and creatives that we've seen on the show. My favorite part of the process is the creative process. If I could spend all of my time making arrangements and dreaming big, that's when I feel most inspired and I think the perfect home for you would be Team Nick."

Team Blake

Team Blake added a soulful youngster and familiar face to his Season 20 team, looking for an eighth victory since coaching for ten years.

Philly native Cam Anthony auditioned with Sam Smith's "Lay Me Down" (2014). The singer turned the chairs of Blake, John, and Nick, with Nick blocking John.

Blake promised to keep Cam's lane open in his team because that's how much he wanted him.

"I would be honored for you to be on Team Blake and I will keep that lane open for you."

Shelton won the young singer with that promise and got the addition to his team.

Oh, Pete Mroz. Previously known as Pete Mitchell to Shelton. The two country men were once in a "band" together called The Young Writers, yet Shelton didn't even recognize Mroz until the country singer brought it up.

The Nashville, Tennesse local performed Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home" (1969) turning John and Blake's chair. However, the two's history overcame Mroz and he had to choose Shelton after the coach stated,

"Listen, obviously, we would have a blast if we got to work together again. No joke, I would love it."

Team Legend

Coach John Legend didn't have the easiest time last night, being blocked and not chosen by a couple performers. However, he did gain two soulful additions to his team, serenading them with a Team Legend jingle.

Christine Cain performed a soulful rendition of Harry Styles' "Watermelon Sugar" (2019) turning the chairs of Kelly and John. The Pasadena, CA native chose Team Legend after the Oscar and Grammy winning singer-songwriter stated,

"I just was captured by your tone, captured by the energy of your voice and the little crackle. It was very cool and I would love to coach you."

Last, but far from least, is North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University student Victor Solomon. The HBCU student took a leap of faith auditioning with Legend's "Glory" (2014) turning the chairs of John, Nick, and Blake. The original singer praised Solomon saying,

"I've literally zero times turned for someone singing my song, just I scrutinize it more heavily than I normally would, but I was like, 'I don't need to do that. I was like he's doing some things I haven't done that are better than what I would do with the song."

Hilariously enough, Shelton didn't even realize "Glory" was John's song. Regardless, the student and Coach Legend performed Legend's "Ordinary People" (2004) together and it was obvious which direction Solomon would go.

For Part Two of the blind auditions or just to see what else Blake Shelton doesn't know, make sure to watch The Voice tonight on NBC.

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