"The Voice" returned to NBC on Monday, February 27 with four of the biggest coaches in music. Adam Levine, Alicia Keys and Blake Shelton returned from last season. Gwen Stefani came back after taking two seasons off to work on her own music. She sits in the chair that Miley Cyrus occupied last season.
After just one episode, a number of people on social media are already complaining about Gwen and Blake's flirting. Gwen went over and sat on Blake's lap more than once during the show. They alluded to their dating in many of their remarks.
More people watched "The Voice" than shows airing at the same time on the other networks.
Even, so "The Voice" had fewer viewers than in the past. About 12.99 million watched "The Voice" on NBC while only 7.7 million watched "The Bachelor" on ABC.
Blind Auditions
The Blind Auditions got off to a great start. The very first contestant was 29-year-old singer and special education teacher JChosen, who sang Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing." All four chairs turned for him. He chose Stefani, and it surprised her and the other coaches. Lauren Duski, who sang Jewel's "You Were Meant for Me," chose Blake for her coach.
Johnny Hayes auditioned during season 11, but he didn’t turn any chairs. He returned for a second time this season and sang “Try A Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding. Levine and Stefani turned their chairs right away.
Hayes decided to be part of Team Adam.
Sixteen-year-old Anatalia Villaranda sang “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars and got the second four-chair turn of the night. She chose Alicia to be her coach. Stephanie Rice sang “Piece By Piece” by Kelly Clarkson and joined Team Gwen.
Mark Isaiah sang “Mercy” by Shawn Mendes and got Levine and Stefani to turn.
He joined Team Adam. Fourteen-year-old Brennley Brown was able to audition because for the first time the age requirements were lowered from 15 to 14. She sang “Stupid Boy” by Keith Urban and joined Team Blake.
Registered nurse Felicia Temple was the last person to audition. She sang “All I Could Do Was Cry” by Etta James. Levine suggested Alicia and Felicia sing a duet.
After singing together, Temple joined Team Alicia.
Summary of the premiere
Three people didn't get any chairs turned for them, but they were invited to come back on another season. At the end of the season premiere, all four coaches ended up with two people on their teams. Watch "The Voice" on Monday and Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on NBC.
