The final week of The Voice’s blind auditions inducted big voices and bigger hairdos to the NBC singing competition, including a handful of potential champions. Will the winner of season four be an unsung Broadway alum, a bearded soulster or an R&B WGWG (a la American Idol)?
Between Monday night’s debut performances, Shakira made a contestant cry, Usher revealed the secret to simultaneously singing and dancing, and Adam Levine challenged Blake Shelton’s country music credibility.
PHOTOS: 'The Voice': Meet the Season 4 Coaches
Meet the latest additions to The Voice’s fourth season (plus a handful who nearly made it through):
Jeff Lewis
Song: “U Got It Bad”
Coaches who turned their chairs: Usher, Shelton, Shakira
Originally from Dallas, this golf course employee was previously signed -- and shelved -- by Interscope Records, which he called “a terrible experience.” His acoustic spin on Usher’s hit ballad earned him a spot on the coach’s team. Who knows, maybe he’ll be the White Guy With Guitar of The Voice this season? After all, these male singer-strummers have won American Idol for the past five seasons...
Shawna P
Song: “She Talks to Angels”
Coaches who turned their chairs: Shakira, Levine
This rocker previously performed with MuzicMafia, a country music collective that launched the careers of Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich. Her raspy, gritty tone earned a coveted comparison to Janis Joplin from Levine (we were also reminded of season one’s finalist Beverly McClellan). But she selected Shakira, proudly shouting, “I’m representing forty and up, y’all!”
Caroline Glaser
Song: “Tiny Dancer”
Coaches who turned their chairs: Shelton, Shakira
This University of Kansas student has only dabbled in indie folk musicianship as a coffeehouse singer for an audience of 30 or so. After performing the Elton John song, Shelton tried to shut out Shakira by complimenting Glaser’s dimples (and showing his off as well), and mentioning that her phrasing pointed out that she’s also a songwriter. The power of flattery won her over, as Glaser joined Team Blake.
STORY: 'The Voice': 10 Season 4 Survival Tips from Past Contestants
Cameron
Song: “As Long As You Love Me”
Coaches who turned their chairs: none
The single-name auditionee touted smooth dance moves before singing his first note, which amped up the crowd and initially puzzled the judges. But he quickly lost his breath control, making his high notes fall flat with the judges. “You can’t dance out of key,” advised Usher. “You have to put in the work to manage both. It’s really based off the voice first.”
Michael Austin
Song: “Somebody Like You”
Coaches who turned their chairs: Levine, Shakira
Nicknamed “Big Country” around his town, this deputy sheriff hopes to put away his badge and his band for a solo career as a country singer -- now under Levine’s mentorship. The Maroon 5 frontman teased Shelton and his “country credibility” for not turning his chair, but the coach isn’t worried. “He doesn’t know crap about country!” Shelton said of Levine.
Sasha Allen
Song: “I’m Not Ready to Make Nice”
Coaches who turned their chairs: All four
A close friend of season three’s Amanda Brown, this classically trained pianist has sung for Alicia Keys, John Legend and former Voice coach Christina Aguilera, and collected theater credits around New York, including a role in the Broadway revival of Hair (which the NBC show failed to mention). The mother of two put a soulful spin on the Dixie Chicks hit, and immediately turned all four chairs with her first big note. After being flooded with compliments and promises, Allen opted for Brown’s former coach, Levine.
Matt Cermanski
Song: “Teenage Dream”
Coaches who turned their chairs: none
This Pennsylvania native, whose uncle is a member of ‘70s band The Trammps, hopes to break out of his small town with a cover of the Katy Perry hit, but the difficult song stretched his range too much.
STORY: 'The Voice' Recap: Blake Shelton Name Drops, Usher Saves at the Last Second
Mary Miranda
Song: “Como La Flor”
Coaches who turned their chairs: Shakira, Usher, Shelton
Originally hailing from Havana, Cuba, this petite powerhouse performed the Selena hit and was moved to tears when the Latina coach praised her pipes. “She’s crying just from hearing Shakira talk to her -- we’re so screwed!” shouted Shelton, just before Miranda inevitably selected Shakira.
Grace Askew
Song: “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’”
Coaches who turned their chairs: Shelton, Shakira
This Tennessee native champions her unique genre blend of “bluntry,” a mix of blues and country. Though she has independently toured the country for years, her dreams are bigger than her hairdo, and she picked Shelton to help her reach them.
Jane Smith
Song: “You’ve Got the Love”
Coaches who turned their chairs: none
This Ohio teenager used music to overcome struggle as both of her parents were diagnosed with cancer (her father has passed away, and her mother is in remission). “Let this be the debut of your talent for the entire world to see,” said Usher, as the coaches recommended she return audition in the future.
PHOTOS: 'The Voice' Teams: Season 4's Performers
Ryan Innes
Song: “Gravity”
Coaches who turned their chairs: All four
This bearded belter originally wanted to be a doctor, but a broken engagement derailed his medical path and rerouted him toward soul. Though Levine and Shelton bragged about their previous wins, Usher broke through to Innes. “I have not won The Voice, but I am here to win,” the coach said, just before Innes picked him. But Levine will be keeping his eye on him: “I could see myself stealing Ryan,” he teased.
The two-hour broadcast also welcomed Jamila Thompson to Team Usher, Amy Whitcomb to Team Adam, and Justin Rivers and Michelle Raitzin to Team Blake.
With only a handful of season four spots still available, the blind auditions finish up at 8 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
What did you think of The Voice’s latest additions? Who will drop off in the battle rounds next week? Sound off in the comments section below.
