The Voice Season 12 Episode 1 Blind Auditions Premiere, Night 1
- February 27, 2017
The Voice season 12 episode 1 is titled Blind Auditions Premiere, Night 1. As the title suggests, the first episode of this season is all about the blind auditions. The coaches - Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Alicia Keys, and Gwen Stefani - are all geared up to find the best voices that America has to offer.
The episode starts with a short introduction by each of the coaches, who talk about their strategy for building their team. Adam wants to find unique voices who can challenge him as a coach, while Blake is looking for artists who can connect with his country music roots. Alicia is looking for authenticity and artistry, while Gwen is searching for artists who can bring something fresh and current to the table.
The first contestant to take the stage is a 23-year-old singer from Texas named Lauren Duski. She performs a beautiful rendition of the country classic "You Were Meant For Me" by Jewel. As Lauren sings, the coaches listen intently, trying to gauge whether or not they want to hit their buttons and turn their chairs around. Adam is the first to turn around, followed by Blake and Gwen. Alicia manages to hold out until the very end, but ultimately decides not to turn around. Lauren is left with three coaches vying for her, each making their pitch for why she should choose them.
Next up is a 28-year-old singer named Jesse Larson. He explains that he's been playing in bars and clubs for years, but has never had a breakthrough moment. He hopes that The Voice will finally give him the platform he needs to showcase his talent. Jesse performs "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon, and his bluesy, soulful voice immediately catches the coaches' attention. Adam and Gwen are the first to turn around, followed by Blake. Alicia again waits until the end, but ultimately decides not to hit her button. Adam and Gwen both make strong cases for why Jesse should join their team, but he ultimately decides to go with Adam.
The third contestant on the stage is a 16-year-old singer named Anatalia Villaranda. She explains that she's been singing since she was a child, and has dreams of becoming a superstar someday. She performs "Runaway Baby" by Bruno Mars, and her high energy and impressive vocals immediately catch the coaches' attention. All four coaches turn around within the first few seconds of her performance, and the audience goes wild. Anatalia's young age and raw talent make her a hot commodity, and the coaches are all eager to win her over. In the end, she chooses to join Alicia's team, citing her desire to work with a female coach who can help her develop her music in a unique and creative way.
The fourth contestant of the night is a 31-year-old singer named Joshua "JChosen" Hunter. He explains that he's been through some tough times in his life, including losing his wife to cancer just a few years ago. He hopes that his music can help him heal and inspire others who may be going through similar struggles. JChosen performs "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye, and his smooth, soulful voice immediately catches the coaches' attention. Blake and Gwen are the first to turn around, followed by Alicia and then Adam. All four coaches make their pitches for why JChosen should join their team, but in the end, he decides to go with Gwen.
The final contestant of the night is a 30-year-old singer named Lilli Passero. She explains that she's a classically trained opera singer who has also dabbled in jazz and blues. She hopes that The Voice will give her the chance to showcase her versatility and connect with a wider audience. Lilli performs "A Love of My Own" by Carla Thomas, and her rich, velvety voice impresses all four coaches. Each one turns around within the first few seconds of her performance, and Lilli is left with her pick of the litter. After hearing all four pitches, she ultimately decides to join Team Alicia.
Overall, the first night of blind auditions is a success. The coaches are all excited about the potential of their teams, and the audience is left eagerly anticipating the next round of auditions. The Voice season 12 is off to a strong start, and it's clear that the competition is going to be fierce.