[ Horns honking ]
[ Radio tuning ]
Daly: Hello, Los Angeles.
It's Carson Daly,
and you're listening to "Voice Radio."
Today is a very special day
because "The Voice" is back!
To celebrate, let's kick it off with a track
from one of our favorite "Voice" coaches, John Legend.
* All she wanna do is *
* All she wanna do is dance *
It's good to be back home.
[ Radio tuning ]
* 'Cause it's true, babe, true, babe *
* I'm sleeping better next to you, babe, you, babe *
* You're something sweet, something true *
Hi, John. Hey, Gwen.
Well, looks like we're the veterans around here.
Yep.
[ Horn honking ] [ Radio tuning ]
[ Whistle blowing ]
* Woo-ooh *
* When it all melts down, I'll be there *
* Woo-ooh *
* When it all melts down *
Fellow coaches.
Well, that was a lot. "Voice" trophy and everything.
Oh, this thing? I didn't even realize I was holding it.
Just excited to win.
Who were you even waving at?
That's not the point, John.
Well, we know no one's gonna top that entrance.
[ Horse whinnies ]
[ Radio tuning ]
* Everybody *
* Here comes the life of the party *
* Yeah, she is *
* He might have left her *
* Brokenhearted *
Howdy.
Well, that was pretty cool. What are y'all waiting on?
We got a TV show to do. Come on.
-Okay. -Okay. -All right.
I'll see you tonight, okay?
Mama's got to go win "The Voice."
[ Cheers and applause ]
Daly: Give it up for our Season 24 coaches!
Reba, here are your giant scissors...
Oh, my goodness.
...for your chair.
It's been cleaned since Blake sat in it. Don't worry.
Oh, my God! I'm gonna cry!
Here's to a fun season with all of you.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Let's go! It's official!
Yes. * Everybody *
* Here comes the life of the party *
Whoo!
Come on! * Yes, she is *
Oh, my God! It's happening!
Wow, my first chair turn!
Ahhh! We're back, baby.
How did that feel? Love it.
Yay! Whoo!
Man: Ladies and gentlemen,
our first artist is entering now.
**
* I remember it all very well lookin' back *
* It was the summer I turned eighteen *
* We lived in a one room, rundown shack *
* On the outskirts of New Orleans *
* We didn't have money for food or rent *
* To say the least, we were hard-pressed *
* Then Mama spent every last penny we had *
* To buy me a dancin' dress * [ Chuckles ]
* It felt like somebody else was talkin' *
* Sayin', "Mama, what do I do?" *
* She said, "Just be nice to the gentlemen, Fancy *
* And they'll be nice to you" *
* She said, "Here's your one chance, Fancy *
* Don't let me down, huh *
* Here's your one chance, Fancy, don't let me down" *
* I knew what I had to do *
* And I made myself this solemn vow *
* I was gonna be a lady someday *
* Though I didn't know when or how * Yeah! Got it!
* But I couldn't see spending the rest of my life *
* With my head hung down in shame *
* I mighta been born just plain white trash *
* But Fancy was my name *
* She said, "Here's your once chance, Fancy *
* Don't let me down *
* Oh, here's your one chance, Fancy, don't let me down *
* Forgive me for what I do * * Do *
* But if you want out, it's up to you *
* Now don't let me down, hon, your mama's gonna bring you *
* Don't let me down, hon, your mama's gonna move you *
* Don't let me down, hon *
* Your mama's gonna move you uptown" *
[ Cheers and applause ]
Hey! Whoo!
Whoo-hoo!
Wow!
Yes!
Hey! Whoo!
Four chairs! Let's go!
**
Oh, yeah! Look at you!
Whoo!
What is your name, and where are you from? Hello, Fancy!
I'm Jordan Rainer, I'm 33 years old,
and I'm from Atoka, Oklahoma,
but I currently live in Nashville, Tennessee.
Whoo-hoo!
I heard an exceptional vocalist on this stage.
Any of us will be lucky to work with you.
Why'd you pick that particular Reba song?
'Cause it's the best.
[ Chuckles ] [ Chuckles ]
And honestly, you know, it was written by a strong woman.
It was made famous by a strong woman.
Thank you. And it represents lyrically
what women do to survive,
and I am a woman who has done what I've had to do to survive,
and so I feel that song in every bone in my body.
Way to go.
I just got goose bumps.
This is really difficult. The queen is here.
You sang her song...
Yeah.
...and I'm Gwen Stefani
doing ska music from Anaheim, California.
Well, the outfit's already got you ahead.
Ohhh! Ooh!
Strut, strut, strut!
[ Laughs ]
Whoo!
Yes!
I am new to country music.
Eight years ago, I met Blake,
and that got me into the genre more.
But it's really about how do I get you to grow
and compete with everybody else that's on this show?
One thing that I also could help you with
is obviously song choices.
You know, I could just be like, "Blake..."
[ Laughter ]
Oh, pulling that card now, really?
Is that fair?
No. Okay.
[ Laughter ]
All is fair.
I'm gonna call Keith Urban.
[ Laughter ]
Honestly, I would love to work with you.
You're very gifted. Please pick me.
[ Cheers and applause ]
When we turned and it all matched up --
the energy in your vocal
to the energy in the performance,
the sunglasses, the hat.
I wear these because it bothers my mother.
[ Laughter ]
I love that.
Niall: Being Irish, there's an element of our music
that really feeds into country music.
A lot of folk, a lot of that finger picks --
Oh, my gosh.
I've really fallen in love with country music,
and you are definitely a country star.
It would be an absolute honor to work with you.
Please pick me.
Thank you.
Jordan, how long's it been since you've been back to Atoka?
Yeah, I actually played your place not too long ago.
I was gonna ask you if you'd been there.
Man, I'm a huge fan.
Oh, thank you very much.
I'm so optimistic right now. [ Sighs ]
How long have you been in Nashville?
Moved there eight years ago with a husband and a wiener dog.
Still got the wiener dog.
Oh. [ Laughs ]
I love her. Well, if you did choose me
as your coach, you know we'd have a blast.
[ Ding! ] Blake: Niall is like a son to me.
Oh, my God.
We would find lots of --
[ Ding! ] Blake: Niall is a global superstar.
[ Laughter ]
How much did you pay him?
I'm so mad at him right now.
I told you our relationship was strong.
[ Laughter ]
Sorry, Reba. Sorry, go.
We would be having a lot of fun
picking the songs together 'cause we do --
[ Ding! ] Blake: Niall is an attractive guy.
[ Laughter ]
Sorry, Reba? Say that again?
[ Laughter ]
What is this?
What's going on here?
I thought you were gonna sit on my lap.
We would have -- We would have so much fun together --
She's blocking your button.
I am the queen. You cannot speak.
[ Laughter ]
We'd have fun together, reminisce about old times -- [ Ding! ]
Blake: There's something super charming about Niall.
Did you hit that?
I think you did. I did not.
You did.
Stop it.
We would have such a good time together
talking about old times in Atoka, Oklahoma, so...
[ Laughter ]
And I would keep you away from Niall the whole time.
'Cause he's a wild man.
Oh! Blake: Niall has an awesome accent.
[ Imitates Blake ] This is my second season on "The Voice."
[ Laughter ] And I would be proud to have you on Team Niall.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Jordan, I'd love to be your coach.
You have the stage and the audience
just at your beck and call.
You're the boss in here.
[ Laughter ]
[ Cheers and applause ]
Well, wait just a second. I have one other thing to say.
Oh, Reba has something else to say.
I do TV also.
We love to do a little acting,
and you would be perfect for that.
Yes! All right.
You are a real-deal singer with a great range,
great charisma, great stage presence.
You're gonna do fantastically on the show.
Who do you pick as your coach?
[ Audience shouting ]
**
Shock the world.
Shock the world, Jordan.
**
Here's your one chance, Reba, you didn't let me down.
* Well, you can hear me on the radio *
* You wanna turn me on, turn on your stereo * Good try! Whoo-hoo!
Way to go, ma'am.
Reba: When Jordan came out and she started "Fancy"
and did it differently than me, I said to myself,
"If she doesn't pick me, I'm gonna cry."
This is Mom.
How are you doing? Oh, my God!
Nowadays, it takes more than being a talented singer.
Take Taylor Swift, for instance.
She worked so hard to communicate with her fans.
I can see Jordan doing that.
Y'all want some tater tots?
Yes. We would love some.
My gift for my artist is a little different
than everybody else because my nickname is Tater Tot,
given to me by my boyfriend, Rex Linn.
There you go. Thank you so much.
You make a very nice waiter.
Well, thank you.
You have an excellent member of your team.
I think so, too.
I've always wanted a real,
real deep country artist on my team.
I thought this was my chance.
She's so good, it's, like, I'm scared of her, actually.
She's gonna do so well.
Niall: But sadly, not even the King of "The Voice"
could help me with Jordan.
And now I have to deal with the Queen of Country.
I'm really up against it.
John: I want to visit the tots over here.
Well, I don't have a team member, but I'm hungry.
Wait. I'm on a diet!
Gwen: Just got a text from Blake.
Has he not said enough yet, no?
No, it's for you. Okay.
Blake: Niall is a liar. [ Laughs ]
Really good tot. You know what I know? I know Blake is so pissed right now.
He would love a tot. Absolutely.
He would really want to be here.
Daly: Still to come...
[ Vocalizing ] Yeah!
Daly: ...the Season 24 blind auditions
are just getting started.
Whoa!
Don't get distracted by your puppy eyes.
They're just so blue. I can't...
You're shameless.
You want to sing a song together?
That would be fun. Yeah.
Daly: And the Queen of Country has arrived.
I grew up on a working cattle ranch.
I'm a third-generation rodeo brat,
so country music is my life.
I've had two #1 country hits.
I've had more than two. Next.
[ Laughter ]
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to night one of the blind auditions.
Niall: Season 24.
Welcome to my show, you guys.
Yeah, uh -- Uh --
Yeah, well, Blake told me
that I'm the star now.
Yeah, but he's not here --
* Da, da, da, and I'm here *
Oh, my goodness.
I'll be bashful like Blake never was.
This is my eighth season, though,
so I feel like this is my show now.
No. Well, I won the last one, so it's my show.
Well... I'm gonna make sure that everybody knows
that I am the reigning champ.
When I'm looking at Reba,
I feel like I'm looking at the TV.
Do you know what I'm saying?
Like, she's actually in real life.
Like, you're such an icon.
I am thrilled to be sitting in Blake's chair.
I hope I do it justice. Oh, gosh.
Maybe someone can finally class up that chair.
Oh, oh, oh. You know what I'm saying?
I hope they got her, like, a new cushion at least.
Yeah, put some Febreze on it.
[ Laughter ]
I'm Joslynn Rose.
I'm 16 years old, and I'm a magician's assistant.
**
As a magician's assistant,
I help bring out props.
I also do some choreography.
It's just helped with my stage presence
because, really, everything in that show
revolves around the music.
[ Snaps fingers ]
It's so big!
They always look so small when you drive by them.
I am from Lake Benton, Minnesota,
from a family of...
11.
There's my dad, my mom, and then my eight sisters.
Aah!
We have one bathroom,
and so curling hair, grabbing makeup,
it's wild.
[ Chuckles ]
Oh, what did we move here?
Our family has fostered over 20 kids,
and we're currently fostering three.
Everybody in this house, from the moment they come in,
call you Mom.
* Ceilings, plaster *
[ Chuckles ] I love you. I love you.
* Can't you just make it move faster? *
With foster care,
you never really know
how long a child is going to stay.
I love you.
I love you, too.
You have to learn to let them go,
and, um...
Sorry.
Uh...[sighs]
* And I don't want to leave, but I have to go *
When that happened, I would just cry at my piano
and take all the hurt and release it through my song.
* But it's over *
My dream is to become a songwriter and artist,
and there's no better opportunity
than "The Voice" to make that come true.
Get 'em, tiger. [ Chuckles ]
* But it's all for you *
For my blind audition,
I'm singing "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence.
Even though I haven't experienced
a romantic relationship like the song is getting across,
it made me realize how much people need love
and how broken people can get.
I just want to go out there
and leave a part of my heart out on the stage.
[ Whispers ] Hi. I'm gonna watch with you.
How are you?
**
* A broken heart is all that's left *
Oh.
* I'm still fixing all the cracks *
* Lost a couple of pieces when *
* I carried it, carried it, carried it home *
* I've spent all of the love I saved *
* We were always a losing game *
* Small-town boy in a big arcade *
Pretty.
* I got addicted to a losing game *
* Ohhh *
* All I know, all I know *
Come on.
* Loving you is a losing game *
* I don't need your games *
* Game over *
* Get me off this roller coaster *
Just breathe.
* Ohhh *
* Ohhh, whoa *
* All I know, all I know *
* Loving you is a losing game *
It's so good.
* Ohhh *
* Ohhh, whoa *
I told you, it happens fast.
* All I know, all I know *
* Loving you is a losing game *
[ Cheers and applause ]
Wow.
Way to go!
**
Hello, welcome to "The Voice."
What is your name, and where are you from?
I'm Joslynn Rose.
I am 16 years old, and I'm from Lake Benton, Minnesota.
Oh, my gosh.
[ Cheers and applause ]
What is in the water?
You have so much power in your voice.
But I was like, wow, this tone is so gorgeous,
and it's doing the Billie Eilish thing,
and I'm feeling some regret that I didn't turn now.
* I love you so much *
* I want to coach you *
She says that to me, too.
* You're so cute with your accent *
I had no idea that you were gonna be so young.
The way that you sing is so emotional.
That's really rare to do even if you're old.
You are amazing
to be able to connect to a lyric that you didn't write,
so I would love to work with you.
[ Cheers and applause ]
[ Laughter ] That was so good.
Can I ask you why you chose that song?
The reason that I love music
is because I want to emotionally connect with everybody.
I was 16 when I came on a show like this.
It's not an easy task,
and you just believe in your gift
and you came here, you put on a show for us,
and I would love you to be on Team Niall.
[ Cheers and applause ]
When I was 16 years old,
I had no idea about connecting --
right over the hair spray,
didn't mean nothing to me.
[ Laughter ]
You are an old soul.
Even though I did catch up a little bit later
on the connecting part,
I have had people to help me with eye contact
and how to make sure that everybody in the audience
feels like you're just looking at them.
The things that I learned the hard way,
I'm very glad to share with you if I could be your coach.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Who do you pick as your coach, Joslynn?
I'm saying, I'm here for ya.
**
[ Laughing ] What?
Wait! No!
They've got gifts.
Please. Please.
They've got fans chanting.
**
I choose...
Gwen.
* If I could escape * [ Screams ] Oh, God!
* And re-create a place as my own world * Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh!
Joslynn! I can't believe I got Joslynn!
* And I could be your favorite girl * Oh, my gosh!
She is very dynamic and stylistic.
I love to work with young artists.
Joslynn is that girl, and now my dreams are coming true.
Daly: All right, sign the victory glass.
[ Groans ] Joslynn, what a voice.
Sign your name.
Just waiting for that goose-bump moment,
and I had it in abundance.
Gwen, she's an icon,
and now I have to go and outpitch that.
How's that feel, Gwen?
Well, when I kicked the shoe, not a good idea.
[ Chuckles ] Ow.
It's, like, bleeding. No, I'm just kidding.
[ Laughter ]
Daly: As our coaches start building their teams,
start building yours.
Get the "Voice" official app now and play along.
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to night one of the blind auditions.
**
My name is Deejay Young. I am 33 years old.
I basically live in a suitcase.
I go to the next city in the morning,
and ask if I've packed.
[ Groans ]
[ Chuckles ]
In July 2019, I joined the first national tour
of "Hamilton," the musical.
I'm a principal standby.
Those are my costumes right here.
I have covered five of seven male principal roles,
which is insane.
I can hop into any of those roles at any given time.
It's a lot of words. [ Chuckles ]
It's definitely a challenge,
but it's taught me a lot.
* I am not throwing away my shot *
I've been so blessed and so fortunate
to be able to step on many stages,
but "The Voice" is special because I am an R&B soul singer,
and I always wanted to tell my own story.
* It's time to take a shot *
Every coach brings something fresh
and something new to this season.
I think Reba is a legend.
She does it all, and she's great at it all.
* Let's get this guy in front of a crowd *
* I am not throwing away my shot *
This is a big moment for me,
and I only get one shot.
I'm excited, I'm scared, but I'm ready to do this.
* Not throwing away my shot *
**
* Ah, ha, oooh *
Ooh, that's pretty.
* Pray God you can cope *
* I'll stand outside *
* This woman's work, this woman's world *
* Ooh, it's hard on the man *
* Now his part is over *
Oh, my God! Hey!
Yes!
* Now starts the craft *
Hey! Whoa.
* Of the father *
* I know you've got a little life in you yet *
* I know you've got a lot of strength left *
* I know you've got a little life in you yet *
* I know you've got a lot of strength left *
* I should be crying, but I just can't let it go *
* No, ohhh *
Yes!
* I should be hopin', but I can't stop *
* Thinkin' and thinkin' and thinkin' *
* All the things we should've done *
* That we never did *
* All the things we should've said *
* That we never said *
* All the things we should've given *
* But I didn't *
* Ooh, darling *
* Make it go *
Hey!
* Make it go awaaay *
[ Cheers and applause ]
Wow.
What?!
**
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Ooh, Lord. My baby!
Okay.
I'd like to know your name.
My name is Deejay Young. I'm 33 years old.
I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida,
but I live in Orlando.
Yes! Whoo!
This ain't your first rodeo, right?
I actually just got off of tour
with a little show called "Hamilton."
[ Chuckles ]
Good for you.
I know how much work that is.
I did "Annie Get Your Gun,"
and so glad that I got to experience that performance.
I'm glad I got to sing for you.
You're such a legend. It's a blessing.
Thank you so much.
Deejay, that was, like, undeniably insane.
Yet you did not turn.
Um... I'm beginning to question your taste.
[ Laughter ]
I have a particular type of voice that I lean toward.
I can't even sing in falsetto,
never mind what you just did for 90 seconds.
It's insane.
I can't sing like that,
but I am a really good cheerleader.
[ Laughter ]
[ Rapping ] * Uh-huh, this my... *
* All the girls, stomp your feet like this *
I'm just saying.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Get 'em, Deejay. [ Chuckles ]
Honestly, I mean, you have so much experience
and you have the stage presence.
It's really at this point having someone to bounce off of.
I get so much joy and inspiration
out of just working with people like -- especially like you.
Thank you so much. Oh, my God. Thank you.
You have this beautiful ability
to combine the masculine and the feminine in a song,
and falsetto is so hard to sing live.
And the fact that you sang that so beautifully, you have it,
and we just need to be here to help you shine your light.
Thank you so much.
Well, Deejay, the reason I turned around
is because of your versatility and your talent.
So it's up to you now --
which one of the coaches would you like to work with?
[ Audience shouting ]
Oh, man.
Come on, Deejay. Come on, Deejay.
**
So, like I said, Reba, you're such a legend in my eyes,
but I remember the first time I heard the "Get Lifted" album,
it changed my life, so I have to go
with another Legend -- John.
* And I am not throwing away my shot * Deejay! Go, Deejay!
Deejay, he's so soulful,
and when we have artists that have done musical theater,
it's always interesting getting them to take that turn
into being an artist where you have to present yourself
to the world, your story.
Yes, welcome to Team Legend!
Congratulations. So happy for you. Thank you.
* I said shout it to the rooftops *
Team Legend is back.
It's like I never left.
Deejay -- I think he'll go really far in this competition.
And I'm new to this, I'm still learning,
but I am very competitive, so I'm gonna win.
I'll just say it.
Way to go, John.
That was fun.
* Not throwing away my shot *
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to the blind auditions.
It's time to come out here and show the coaches
who the reigning champion is around here.
**
* We are the champions, my friends *
* And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end *
Are you serious?
[ Cheers and applause ]
John: Niall brought out a homemade championship belt.
It looked like he may have put it together himself.
**
It's not anything official.
Like, we don't have belts at "The Voice."
If we did, I would already have one.
* Of the wooooooorld *
[ Cheers and applause ]
Cute belt. Cute belt, Niall.
Man: Ladies and gentlemen,
our next artist is entering now.
**
Whoa.
* Oh, no, here we go again *
* Fighting over what I said *
* I'm sorry *
Pretty. * Yeah, I'm sorry *
Oh, I like it. Come on.
* Yeah, bad at love, no, I'm not good at this *
* But I can't say I'm innocent *
* Not hardly *
* But I'm sorry *
* And all my friends, they know and it's true *
* I don't know who I am without you *
* I got it bad, baby *
* Got it bad *
Whoo-hoo! Let's go, baby!
* Oh, tell me you love me *
* I need someone *
* On days like this, I do, yeah *
* On days like this *
* Tell me you love me *
* I need someone *
Attaboy, Niall!
* On days like this, I do, yeah *
* On days like this *
* Oh, can you hear my heart say *
* You ain't nobody 'til you got somebody *
* You ain't nobody *
* Everything I need *
* Is standing right in front of me *
* I know that we will be all right, all right *
* Yeaaah *
Whoo!
All right! Yeah!
Atta go, girl!
[ Cheers and applause ]
Oh, my God.
Yeah.
Well, what's your name, and where are you from?
My name is Sophia Hoffman.
I'm 18 years old... Oh, my gosh!
...and I'm from Chula Vista, California.
What's really crazy is I was actually here on Season 23.
And you came back.
* Cómo quisiera*
Oh, come on! Hit it! Come on, Kelly!
Press it! Press it!
What do I do? What do I do?
Thank you.
Honestly, the no chair turn,
I definitely struggled with that.
I would sit in my mom and my dad's room
and I would cry,
and I thought that because of that moment
that I wasn't ever going to be where I wanted.
Hilda: She's had a lot of disappointments,
and I'm in awe of how strong she is
and that she always continues to just move forward.
What makes me emotional is knowing
that I'm making my parents proud,
showing them, like, "Hey, I learned it from you," you know?
That is what drives me.
We always tell people, "Come back and it might work out."
Now look at what happened. Yeah.
It happened. [ Cheers and applause ]
Oh, my God!
I loved your voice.
You had such power and strength in it.
So congratulations, and welcome to "The Voice." Thank you so much.
I just totally loved it.
Wowie. You're back.
Oh, my God, Niall. This is amazing.
When you just said you're 18, I can't believe that.
There was so much more grit and maturity to it
than I was expecting.
Thank you.
Are you into that, like, big voice stuff?
I'm a big fan of Jennifer Hudson.
I could definitely hear that, like, J Hud grit
in there at points.
You showed us all sides of your voice,
which was so impressive. Thank you.
I would really love to work with you on Team Niall.
Thank you, Niall.
[ Cheers and applause ]
You got the queen, Miss Reba here.
And the prince.
[ Laughter ]
You've got Niall who won last season.
[ Laughs ] That smile.
[ Squeals ] Oh, my God.
Look at the queen.
Oh, my God.
[ Cheers and applause ]
I was Googling the queen this morning.
I think it was, like, 106 top ten hit singles.
Oh, my God.
23 #1 hits.
I mean, it's not even possible what she's done.
Thank you, Lady Gwen.
[ Chuckles ] And Sir John.
We've just been knighted.
Ooh! [ Chuckles ]
Sophia, I am thrilled to death that you did come back.
Thank you.
This one did not turn around for you.
No.
There's a reason. No.
I would really like -- I'm loving this thing.
I really am. It sparkles, too.
She could get used to this.
[ Laughter ]
I've been in the business a long time.
Not only on Broadway and television and stuff,
but lots of time on the stage,
so I'd love to share my expertise with you.
Thank you.
Sophia, who do you pick as your coach?
[ Audience shouting ]
**
Oh, my God. Oh, my...
Oh, my God.
As much as I love you, Reba...
I think I'm gonna have to go with Niall.
Yeah! * Close your eyes and leave it all behind *
* Go where love is on our side *
* It's a trust fall, baby *
Niall: Queen Reba wore the crown
and she wore it well.
But also, Prince Niall is here,
and he's coming for all of you.
[ Laughs ] You're the queen. You're the queen.
Niall, oh, my God.
Niall: So happy to have Sophia on Team Niall.
Super song choice from her this time.
I love a voice with a bit of character.
She was exactly what I was hoping for.
Yeah, I thought I had that one.
I really wanted Sophia really bad,
so I pulled out all the stops.
Who could resist this? [ Chuckles ]
See? Crown, scepter.
Queen wave.
You know I could have him beheaded, right?
You absolutely can. Yeah.
Queen's prerogative.
I do mine? Yeah, now you go.
Oh. I think we got a ready-made star. That's -- [ Laughs ]
The Season 23 reigning champ is back.
Whoo!
Let's get the winner for 24, too.
**
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to the blind auditions
at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Look, we're back! [ Chuckles ]
Team Legend, Season 24,
I see a victory in our future.
Who cares? Ah.
So far, the first day of Season 24 has been amazing.
I'm the previous champion, so I'll show you around.
I'm making new friends like first day of school again.
Don't look him in the eye. He's the past champ.
Don't look at her. No eye contact.
You can choose to be mean here or you can choose to be Gwen.
[ Laughs ] I love that.
We're having a lot of fun.
I am like probably the rest of America
totally falling in love with Niall.
Superhero. I'm gonna get right behind Niall
so you can just Batman it out.
We're sparring a little bit and having fun.
It's gonna be a fun season with these guys.
* You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain *
I'm Sam Dearie, I'm 20 years old,
and I'm from Lebanon, Ohio.
* Goodness gracious, great balls of fire *
Social media has been a really great outlet
for me and my music.
The first video that really went viral,
my sister had a baby.
* Dream is a wish *
If I would ever start singing, he would stop crying.
People loved it.
I think right now, it's over 7 million views.
I would describe my voice as sort of a mash-up
between country and crooning.
I like Zac Brown, and I love Michael Bublé.
There's just something about dressing up
in nice shoes and a nice outfit
and crooning some of those Frank Sinatra songs.
I'm a junior at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio,
studying finance,
and the way I pay for my school is gigs.
I'll play two, three, four gigs on the weekend.
It's too bad we don't have all mom's sisters here.
They would love this.
We are so proud of the way Sam has taken this music career.
When he left for college, he said, "Mom and Dad,
I'm paying my whole way
because I might want to leave school
and hit the road with my guitar,
and I don't want you stopping me
because you've invested in my college education."
[ Laughter ] The truth comes out.
So we're like, "Hey, you go for it, boy."
**
For the blind audition,
I'm singing "Walkin' After Midnight" by Patsy Cline
in a country and crooner style.
Let's go, Sam.
There's something new to be had
within this old style of music,
and John's done that so well with his music.
If I could just get a piece of that from him,
it would mean everything.
**
Oh, that sounds like a country song.
* I go out walkin' *
Okay. Patsy Cline.
* After midnight *
* Out in the starlight *
Sounds like an Elvis.
* Just like we used to do *
* I'm always walkin' *
Blake would love this.
* After midnight *
* Searchin' for you *
Hey!
[ Cheers and applause ]
* I go out walkin' *
Keep it up, Sam. Keep it up.
* After midnight *
* Out in the moonlight *
What do you think, Reba?
* Just hopin' you may be *
* Somewhere walkin' *
* After midnight *
* Searchin' for me *
* I go out walkin' *
* After midnight * Come on, Gwen!
* Searchin' for *
Come on, you gotta stay with it!
* You * Wow.
Come on, Niall!
**
* Ahhhhhh *
[ Cheers and applause ]
**
Aw. Oh, wow.
Hello. What is your name, and where are you from?
I'm Sam Dearie, I'm 20 years old...
Oh, my God! You're a baby!
...and I'm from Lebanon, Ohio. [ Laughter ]
You reminded me so much of Elvis.
He has that, like, vibrato that you do.
But maybe it was more just about choices in the performance.
It felt a little bit untamed.
When there's so much shake,
sometimes it kind of leads you off of the note,
so it just needs a little bit more control.
Executing it 10% better than what you did
I think would get you on the show.
Yes, sir. Thank you so much.
You need to sing a little -- a touch more straight
and then shake on the end of the words.
You still got so many years to grow into that voice.
Thanks for coming down to the show anyway.
Yeah, thank you so much, Niall.
Well, Sam, you are so young.
You've got the future in front of you.
Hope you've had a really good time here.
Best of luck to you.
Thank you, guys. John: Thank you, Sam.
Reba: Getting a "no" is never fun.
It's very hard to see talented people go home.
My heart breaks for them.
I hope he keeps pursuing his music.
What's up, man? You look like a million bucks, man.
Thanks, brother. You're about to go out there and audition.
What's going on in your heart and in your mind right now?
I'm feeling excited.
I'm excited to get out there and show them what I got.
I'm doing it for my family and my dad today, so...
Man, you got this. Yeah.
You ready to roll? I'm ready.
All right, go get 'em, man.
All right. Good luck.
My name is Jackson Snelling.
I'm 21 years old, and I'm from Austin, Indiana.
We're on the main strip right now.
There's not a lot.
Got a gas station
and there, we got a really nice church right there.
Anything else you want to add, bud?
Me and my brother were adopted by my mom and dad.
We both have autism.
I am on the higher end of the spectrum,
as in higher functioning.
My brother Dawson, he is on the lower end of the spectrum.
I'm able to do a lot of things that my brother can't.
Jackson: Which one you want? The black one or this one?
Both. You want 'em both?
All right, looks like we're gonna get them both.
Me and my brother have a deep bond in music.
Growing up as a kid, he wasn't able to talk clearly to us,
so I would sing to my brother to help try and stimulate his brain
to get him to the point where he could talk.
I mean, it worked. I mean, he's talking now.
I love my brother, how he's always been there for me
ever since when I was a baby,
and I'm very proud of him.
You always have my support, and I love you so much.
Oh, my gosh. I love you, too, buddy.
I mean, he's like my built-in best friend.
We've been there for each other through a lot.
My dad passed away when I was seven years old.
I had epilepsy,
so my mom and my dad would take shifts sleeping with me,
and it was my dad's shift.
And I woke up
and I remember my dad just, you know, laying there.
Seeing these guys grow up without a dad...
I just did the best I could.
And then to see him here, it's a dream come true.
For the blind auditions, I am singing
"If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away" by Justin Moore.
It really connects to me about the loss of my dad.
If I could talk to my dad again,
I would just want to tell him that I'm okay,
that the family's okay,
and that I'm doing my best to take care of them
and that I miss him
and that I love him
and I hope I'm making him proud.
Oh, my goodness.
**
[ Exhales deeply ]
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to "The Voice."
**
* And every day I drive to work *
* Across Flint River Bridge *
* A hundred yards from the spot *
* Where me and Grandpa fished *
* And what I wouldn't give *
* To ride around in that old truck with him *
He got it! He made it, bud!
Let's go, Jackson!
Whoo!
* If heaven wasn't so far away *
* I'd pack up the kids and go for the day *
* To introduce them to their grandpa *
* Watch 'em laugh at the way he talks *
* I'd find my long lost cousin John *
* The one we left back in Vietnam *
* Show him a picture of his daughter now *
* She's a doctor and he'd be proud *
* Then tell him we'd be back in a couple of days *
[ Cheers and applause ]
* In the rear view mirror, we'd all watch 'em wave *
* Yeah, and losing them wouldn't be so hard to take *
* If heaven wasn't so far *
Wow!
* Away *
* So faaar awaaay *
[ Cheers and applause ]
You are so funny.
Congratulations! Oh, my goodness.
**
Do-si-do. [ Chuckles ]
You don't see anything over there.
You can't stop me, Lady Gwen.
[ Laughter ]
It's Queen Reba.
Miss Reba.
Hello, sir. What's your name?
My name is Jackson Snelling.
I'm 21 years old, and I'm from Austin, Indiana.
Wow. 21, wow! Austin, Indiana.
Austin, Indiana, wow.
Now, I'm proud to be here and say that I have autism.
Okay.
And being on the spectrum, music has helped me so much.
Amazing.
Wow. Wow.
It was a really, really nice song choice.
Thank you. I personally didn't turn.
I just heard a couple of little pitchy things,
and then when she went and she's married to Blake Shelton,
and then she went... [ Laughter ]
...I was like, well, you know, I could --
I could -- I can work with a bit of pitch,
but I don't know if I can work against this.
She's been waving like this all day.
He's afraid of me now.
[ Laughter ]
I can't wait to see this fight.
Ooh, yeah.
[ Laughs ]
Hi, Jackson. Welcome to "The Voice."
I'm very excited to meet you.
I mean, it's awesome to meet you, too, man.
I'm -- I'm awestruck.
You have a gorgeous tone of voice,
and I'm very excited for you.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
Who did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to you, Miss Reba.
Oh, my gosh! No! Perfect answer.
Dang it!
I tell you, Jackson, I love country music so much.
I grew up on a working cattle ranch.
I'm a third-generation rodeo brat,
so country music is my life, my foundation.
So to hear you come on "The Voice"
and to sing like you did today,
I am just so proud to be in the country music business
and proud that you're representing us
here on "The Voice" today.
[ Chuckles ] Wow.
You did a great job. I loved your tone.
Love that song anyway, touches my heart.
So congratulations, and I'd love to be your coach.
Wah-wah-wah.
Oh, man. Oh, man.
We would have so much fun together
developing you to make those finals and win this thing.
Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much.
I'm very super selective on when I press my button,
especially sitting next to Reba McEntire.
You know, she's gonna judge me, okay?
[ Laughter ]
So at that moment, it was like nothing else mattered.
I love this guy's voice.
I've heard enough country music in the last eight years.
I'm married to Blake Shelton. I'm gonna name-drop right now.
[ Laughter ]
What you did so well with your tone
and the way that you just cradled the lyrics,
I mean, you really did touch my heart.
But listen, I know that the queen
is gonna come beat me right now.
John: Uh-oh, uh-oh.
She's saying all the right things.
I'm gonna veto all of that. Let's rewind that footage there.
[ Laughter ]
My gosh, you're a good salesperson.
Gwen: Oh, my gosh.
Wow.
Listen to me, Jackson. Yes, ma'am.
Oh, I was hoping I was gonna get a "Yes, ma'am."
Thank you.
[ Laughter ]
You know, I've had two #1 country hits
on country radio.
I've had more than two.
[ Laughter ]
Next.
[ Laughter ]
Pick me as your coach if you don't pick Reba.
All right.
Jackson, who do you pick as your coach?
[ Audience shouting ]
Oh. [ Chuckles ]
Daly: This is a tough one. I know it's a tough one.
Miss Gwen, you made a very, very awesome argument.
[ Laughter ]
But I'm gonna have to go with Miss Reba.
You gave it a good go.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Reba: What I listen for when I hear a country performer
is not too much trying, just honest country singer.
And for Jackson to come up and do this,
that took a lot of courage
and I'm very proud to have him on my team.
We're gonna have so much fun.
Yes, ma'am! Oh, my gosh!
I love his voice.
It's just like great chocolate, you know?
It's just rich.
I want a hug. You are so good.
I can't wait to watch you sing. Thank you.
I'm actually super bummed about Jackson.
I really want a country artist on my team.
You picked the queen. Yeah.
I don't blame you. Oh.
So whenever I get that feeling,
then I'm just gonna press and fight.
There you go.
Thank you so much.
See y'all soon.
Don't tell Reba, but these tots,
they are so good.
I got me a cowboy.
Cowboy, cowboy.
She's doing her dance.
Do your dance, do your dance, do your dance.
He's really good, Reba.
He's so good. He's cute as a button.
I don't get what's so special about these tots.
There -- Nothing. John.
That's your fourth basket of tots.
God. They're all right.
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to night one of the blind auditions.
Man: And just have fun with it, you know,
make a crazy face anytime.
[ Chuckles ] Ooh.
I'm Alexa Wildish.
I'm 34 years old, and I am from Lyon, Colorado.
That was crazy fun.
Alexa, she tries to live life to its fullest.
Where do I get that from?
[ Laughter ]
In 2021, I ended up living in a van for like a full year.
I feel so honored that this is my backyard right now.
That was incredible for me, just going and living in nature,
and I feel like the trees helped me to write songs.
Oh. [ Chuckles ] I sound like such a hippie.
[ Laughs ]
Being a musician, you never know what's gonna happen.
And I just remember my parents telling me,
"You're gonna do this. Like, we wholeheartedly believe in you."
They're really proud, yeah.
I think so.
[ Chuckles ] Whoo.
Wow.
Reba!
I would love to work with Reba.
What a tremendous opportunity.
Her singing voice is so pure and beautiful and raw and real.
And that ability to emote and feel things,
that's something I really strive for
as I continue to grow as a musician.
Man: Ladies and gentlemen,
our next artist is entering now.
So excited.
For my blind audition,
I will be singing "Songbird" by Fleetwood Mac.
I think in my own songwriting,
I'm always exploring what love means to me,
and "Songbird" is about universal love.
I hope the coaches hear I'm not afraid
of feeling my feelings on the deepest level.
Yay.
**
* For you *
Oh.
Love that.
* There'll be no crying *
* For yooou *
* The sun will be shining *
* 'Cause I feel that when I'm with you *
* It's all right *
* I know it's right *
* And the songbirds keep singing *
* Like they know the * All four!
All four.
* Score *
* And I love you, I love you, I love you *
* Like never before *
Oh. So pretty.
* Ooh, I love you, I love you, I love you *
* Like never before *
* Like never *
* Befooore *
Oh, that's how you do it.
That's a master class.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Very good. You got four chairs!
**
Four chairs.
Wow. That made me emotional.
Look at that, four chairs!
Wow.
What is your name?
I'm Alexa Wildish. I'm 34 years old.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Alexa, it's crazy, one second ago,
you were, like, deep in love,
and now, you're like,
"Oh, my God, I'm at 'The Voice,'" like...
It's so wild.
Niall is dying, um...
[ Chuckles ]
Oh, God, that was so good.
The way you sing sounds like you're a songwriter.
I am a songwriter, yes.
The way that you were able to just take those lyrics
and sing them like it was your story,
there was just something so real about it,
and in my songwriting journey,
just to be able to capture those feelings
and just have it there timeless forever in a song,
that's what I love, that's why I like music,
and I would love to have you on Team Gwen.
Thank you so much, Gwen.
Hello, Alexa. Hi.
Um, I've sat here and I've waited for you.
Oh, ooh. Oh, come on.
Liar.
Gwen, what was my reaction when she started?
Oh, my. Be honest.
He was, like, so bored when you started.
[ Laughter ]
Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks are half the reason
why I even picked up a guitar and started writing songs.
The fact that you chose that song,
I'm just getting goose bumps even thinking about it.
She'd be so proud of that. Thank you so much.
And I'm so proud of you for taking it on.
Thank you.
There were some little pitch issues,
but we can understand pitch in this scenario,
especially when the emotion is given across.
I'm going out on a limb
to say what a performance you put in.
That's phenomenal. This guy is gonna propose to her sooner or later.
"I've waited all my life."
Geez, it'd be great television, wouldn't it?
That'd be great, yeah, I don't mind.
[ Laughter ]
I would love to have you on my team,
so please pick me.
Thank you. Thank you, thank you.
I felt a really peaceful feeling
when you were singing.
Thank you.
I'll take what you delivered over pitch perfection any day.
Mm-hmm.
I was very fortunate to get to sing
at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
My grandpap and my daddy had both performed their open,
so to be able to go back as a third generation to sing there,
I was all choked up and emotional.
And my first four songs,
I would have been thrilled to death if I hit one note
'cause I was so nervous.
And this is a big deal. Yeah.
I totally get you being a little nervous.
'Cause I was so wrapped up in the emotion
of what you were giving us,
so congratulations on that.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
I'd love to be your coach. Thank you.
What was most important to me
was the feeling that you gave all of us.
The quality of your voice was angelic, mesmerizing.
I won "The Voice" in my first season
with an artist who sounded a lot like that kind of tone.
Hasn't won it since.
[ Laughter ]
Ooh, tough crowd.
Okay.
Guy comes on the show one season...
Wins it.
[ Laughter ]
[ Cheers and applause ]
He develops a certain arrogance
that is very unbecoming, honestly.
[ Laughter ]
All right, fair enough.
I know I can be a great coach for you.
I would love to win "The Voice" again with you, Alexa.
Let's do it.
[ Cheers and applause ]
So, who do you choose as your coach?
[ Audience shouting ] Oh, my God.
Come on.
**
[ Audience chanting "Niall" ]
What?!
Who's she gonna pick?
I don't know.
How do you make a choice like this?
**
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back.
[ Audience shouting ]
How do you make a choice like this?
Just say "John." Just say "John."
[ Chuckles ]
**
I'm going Team Niall.
Yes! Come on!
Wow!
* And even if our love starts to grow *
I got Alexa. I can't believe it.
Oh, my God. That was special.
Her voice was just so pure and so authentic.
She gave me goose bumps 15 times over.
* God only knows where this could go *
Whoo-hoo!
So cute.
Niall: Got a good one there.
Alexa: I don't even know if I knew
that I was gonna say "Niall" when I said it,
and then when I picked him,
I just felt, like, this beautiful, joyful release.
I was like, "This is it.
This is the person I'm meant to work with right now."
If I had a daughter,
I would want her to marry him.
He is so cute. [ Chuckles ]
Oh, my gosh.
He's adorable. Wow, what a compliment.
I love him.
He really is adorable. What a charmer he is.
Niall turned on the charm.
It was like full-on romance was happening.
The woo was wooing.
[ Cheers and applause ]
But I-I-I'm not that impressed, honestly.
Whoo!
Way to go. That was a good one.
She's very, very good.
Very good.
I wanted Alexa so bad.
Niall, he was feeling his oats today.
Has the wind gotten to his head?
[ Chuckles ] Yes.
Like he thinks he's gonna do it again.
Pfft.
Okay, who traveled the farthest to get here?
Woman: Tennessee!
Tennessee?
[ Shouts indistinctly ] No kidding.
Wow, what'd you come out for?
You. No kidding.
[ Laughter ] Thank you. Oh, my gosh.
[ Laughter ]
You sure can. Good visiting with y'all.
[ Audience chanting "Reba!" ]
[ Laughs ]
Y'all are so cute. [ Laughs ]
[ Cheers and applause ]
Man: Ladies and gentlemen,
our next artist is entering now.
I'm on a little drought, guys, I need somebody.
Don't you feel bad for me?
No. No, not at all.
Not even, like, one... Wow.
Never felt better. Okay.
[ Chuckles ]
**
* Yes, I do, I believe *
* That one day, I will be where I was right there *
* Right next to you *
* And it's hard, the days just seem so dark *
* The moon, the stars *
* They're nothing without you *
* Your touch, your skin *
* Where do I begin? *
Whoa, I like that.
* No words can explain the way I'm missing you *
* Deny this emptiness, this hole that I'm inside *
* These tears, they tell their own story *
* You told me not to cry when you were gone *
* The feeling's overwhelming *
Let's go!
* It's much too strong *
* Can I lay by your side? *
* Next to yo-o-o-o-u *
* Yo-o-o-o-u *
* And make sure you're all right *
Whoa!
* I'll take care of you *
* And I don't want to be here *
* If I can't be with you toniiight *
[ Cheers and applause ]
**
Wow. Who are you?
My name's Olivia Minogue.
I'm 19 years old, and I'm from Lockport, Illinois.
I thought that you did a great job,
and now you're here on "The Voice"
with a three-chair turn.
Congratulations.
Thank you so much.
Hello! How's it going?
I'm so good. How are you? I'm good.
Oh, my God. I love you so much.
[ Laughter ]
We're off to a great start here.
Get this -- 10 years ago today
was the first time that I saw you in concert.
Wow.
Reba, we got a chance still. We got a chance.
Niall: Your voice is really something special.
That raspy or bluesier side of your voice
is my favorite part. Thank you so much.
It makes perfect sense for Team Legend.
Continue, please. No worries, no worries.
My good friends Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith wrote that song,
and I know that they would be very, very happy
with that version,
and I'd love nothing more than to coach you.
I think you're phenomenal.
Thank you so much. Oh, my God.
I'm wearing a little Niall necklace.
Oh, my God.
[ Cheers and applause ] Get out of here.
Hello. Hi.
Should we just leave now?
I guess so, yeah, let's --
Yeah, okay, all right. See you later, guys.
Do you have any other necklaces,
other jewelry that might have my name on it?
[ Laughter ]
The merch did well, guys.
This is feeling very, very hopeful for me.
Um, I -- I refuse to be pessimistic.
[ Laughter ]
The first time I ever met Kim Kardashian,
I was backstage at an Ariana Grande concert.
Oh, wow. Good one.
And she brought North, her daughter,
and this is how Kim introduced North to me.
"North, this is the guy that sings from your toothbrush."
[ Laughter ]
You guys had singing toothbrushes?
Oh, did we what.
I had one.
Did you have one? She had one!
[ Laughs ]
She had it! Oh, my God!
I just want to respect you guys' merch ingenuity.
I do have merch, though.
Oh, my gosh.
I have these beautiful Legend jackets.
I do have some Reba tots over there if you're hungry.
Oh, my gosh.
Keep your eye on the ball. You know what I'm saying?
Don't get distracted by your puppy eyes and your heart.
They're just so blue.
You know, I'm just saying.
Oh, my God! They're so blue!
Think about it.
What is happening?
As I was saying...
[ Laughter ]
The queen is here, so I'm just gonna say that and shut up.
[ Laughter ]
I would love to be your coach.
I've learned a lot of things throughout the years
in my career that I could pass on to you
along with song selections
'cause I love looking for songs,
so I would love to have you on my team.
I think we'd have a lot of fun together
and we'd have an even better time
of winning this competition.
Thank you so much.
You didn't, like, go goo-goo-gaga
when you saw me like you did with Niall,
but I did perform that song with Sam Smith, and...
It was amazing.
I feel like we're connected musically.
I'm a really good coach.
I have a lot of experience working with artists like you.
I feel like you should do something unexpected today
and pick me.
Come to Team Legend.
Thank you so much.
Olivia, who do you choose as your coach?
[ Audience shouting ]
Come on! Come on!
Shock the world.
**
I pick Niall.
* Everybody wanna steal my girl *
Surprise, surprise, surprise.
* Couple billion in the whole wide world *
* Find another one 'cause she belongs to me *
Niall: Olivia, that was a super special audition.
She had so much grit to it and character,
really sweet voice.
She's a diamond.
I am on fire.
And it was amazing to beat John for that one.
Oh, it's so cute.
Oh, my. I've had a drought lately.
I need some artists on Team Legend.
I am the veteran on this show.
He may have had some beginner's luck,
but I've got more tricks up my sleeve.
Reba: Niall does have an advantage over the young ladies.
You can just see when he starts talking in that Irish dialect,
they just melt, and they go [giggles]
Sickening.
Thank you so much.
Niall: I have no shame.
I will do whatever it takes to get someone on my team.
[ Ding! ]
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to the blind auditions.
Jarred: I'm blessed to be here.
Not a lot of people where I come from
get to do anything like this.
Ahh, this is dope.
I ain't never been on-set before, so this is crazy.
I really like this.
My name is Jarred Billups.
I'm 30 years old, and I'm from Fayette, Alabama.
Yeah.
I might be a model out this joint.
The city of Fayette is called the Sticky City
because Golden Eagle syrup is made there.
The second reason it's called the Sticky City
is because if you don't leave,
you're gonna get stuck there.
Behind me, that's where I used to live.
The trees and everything has overtaken the home.
We grew up poor.
When I say poor, I mean poor.
We didn't know that it wasn't normal
to have to boil your water and pour it in the bathtub
so you can take a warm bath.
My mother did a wonderful job keeping us motivated.
She's like, "You got the power to change that one day."
I graduated number 17 in my class
and I got a scholarship to Auburn University.
That's my boy.
Jarred has become a phenomenal young man.
Everything that he's gone through,
it has made him stronger.
It has just made him want to make this world a better place.
Jarred: Ready? Um, yes.
I've been a music teacher for seven years.
[ Playing scales on piano ] There you go. Good.
When my students come into my classroom,
I am playing classical music because this ain't math.
You ain't multiplying here.
This space is for making beautiful music
and leaving that feeling inside of you when you leave outside.
**
I feel like it's my job to change lives through music.
Man: Our next artist is entering now.
The main reason for me being on "The Voice"
is for me to show my students that this is an avenue
that can be taken.
* I believe *
Mr. Jarred love you all to death.
You already know that, okay?
But I want to see you guys sitting right here next.
Good luck, everybody. Thank you so much.
**
Hey.
* I'm *
* I'm so in love with you *
* Whatever you want to do *
* Is all right with meee *
* Let me be the one you come running to *
Come on, guys. We got to get going here.
Yeah.
* Ooh, baby, leeet's *
* Let's stay together, ohhh *
Come on, come on, come on!
* Loving you whether, whether *
* Times are good or bad *
* Happy or sad *
* Good or bad *
* Happy or sad *
* Let's stay together, ohhh *
Oh, come on!
Come on, come on, come on!
[ Cheers and applause ]
It's okay. That's okay.
**
Whoo. John: Hello.
What's your name, and where are you from? Jarred: How you doing?
My name is Jarred Billups.
I'm 30 years old, and I'm from Fayette, Alabama.
You took on one of the most iconic soul songs,
and I felt like you were doing a lot
when it came to runs and things of that nature,
and it wasn't helping tell the story of the song
in the right way.
The most magical moment was that last "let"
when you let out that big bellow, the "let." Stunning. Gorgeous.
It was like -- It was like a revelation.
I was like, "Ooh, I want to hear more of that."
Okay, I got it.
For me, your runs were pretty good. It wasn't that.
It was just they weren't in the right spots.
Okay. But I love your voice.
Thank you so much. Thank you, Gwen.
I don't like to see no chairs turning,
and especially for someone with a quality of voice like this.
You know what? I think using it in the right way
is gonna be so important to the next chapter
of whatever you may do, and hopefully, it's back here.
It absolutely 100% is.
Do you sing for a living? Yes, ma'am.
I, first and foremost, am a music educator.
Oh, wonderful. Wow.
Would you please tell all your students "hi" from all of us?
Every single student I have in this world --
Escambia High School, Sarasota Christian School,
McGinnis Woods school, Reba McEntire says hello.
[ Laughter ]
Me too, me too, me too.
**
Thank you, Jarred.
I love that Jarred is a music educator.
Thank you. What a pleasure. Thank you, sir.
Come back and see us, please, all right? Yes, sir.
I think his students are very lucky to have him,
and I hope that he'll come back on "The Voice."
God, I hate that. I hate it so much.
I want to work with him. What a lovely guy.
John: We've got 14 team members this season
and that means we've gotta really build up a robust team.
I don't like the no's.
My strategy for "The Voice"
is I want people on my team with diverseness, versatility.
Somebody has to touch my heart, touch my soul.
Let's see how fast we can get this thing going.
**
First rule of being on a boat is to hold on to your hat.
My name is Kristen Brown, I'm 24 years old,
and I'm from Roseville, California.
My dad's a professional bass fisherman.
Oh, yeah.
Turn a chair!
Growing up, he was big on playing the Loretta Lynns,
Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson.
Whoo-hoo!
Kiss it? Ugh.
What did you use to fish with?
Well, for a little while in the '90s,
fished with Merle Haggard.
Oh, that's so cool.
[ Screams, laughs ]
Music's always kind of been my thing.
When I was 13 years old,
I joined a girl group called Auburn Road.
We were opening for Toby Keith and Morgan Wallen.
That was unbelievable, to do the sound checks
and you're standing in these amphitheaters that are huge
and it's the biggest venue you've ever played.
[ Chuckling ] It's a bit of a mind-altering experience.
End of 2021, I made the decision to be a solo artist.
Whenever I have people ask me what kind of music I sing,
I always say country with a little bit of an edge.
I write all my own songs, produce all my own songs.
I hire all the musicians, book my own gigs.
It's been an amazing process,
and now I'm here.
When you get out there, what is gonna be
your motivating factor when you're singing?
I mean, I'm here to just -- after all those years in music,
I'm here to just put it all out on the stage.
Every year, every performance, every note,
it's all for this. You're gonna be awesome.
Thank you so much. You ready to go?
I'm so excited. Let's do this.
All right, let's do it. Good luck.
Man: Our next artist is entering now.
Come on, baby.
* This is my day * I'm winning.
All right, Gwen.
Come on, Gwen. Focus.
"Gwen" rhymes with "win."
Yep, here we go.
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to the blind auditions.
Come on, baby.
**
* Dry lightning cracks across the skies *
* Those storm clouds gather in her eyes *
* Her daddy was a mean ol' mister *
* Mama was an angel in the ground *
* The weatherman called for a twister *
* She prayed, blow it down *
* There's not enough rain in Oklahoma *
* To wash the sins out of that house *
* There's not enough wind in Oklahoma *
* To rip the nails out of the past *
* Shatter every window 'til it's all blown away *
* Every brick, every board, every slamming door blown away *
Whoo!
* 'Til there's nothing left standing *
* Nothing left of yesterday *
* Every tear-soaked whiskey memory blown away *
* Blown awa-ay-ay-ayyy *
* Blown awaaay *
Ohhh, yes!
* Blown awaaay *
Yes! Yeah!
Whoo!
[ Cheers and applause ]
Wow. Oh, my gosh.
Niall: Hello. Hello!
What's your name? Where are you from?
My name's Kristen. I'm 24 years old.
I'm from this little town called Roseville in California.
I'm from California.
Yes.
Yes, I am. [ Laughs ]
Have you seen who's just turned for you?
Oh, I-I noticed.
[ Laughter ]
I thought your performance was lovely.
I especially loved the second half.
You're very fortunate to have these two ladies
fighting over you.
Thank you very much.
I'm Reba.
Hi, nice to meet you.
Carrie Underwood, a buddy of mine.
Love the song, and you did it justice.
Thank you. I was very taken with your performance.
I did notice a little few pitchy things,
but your enthusiasm was wonderful.
Thank you so much.
Now, in my career, I've had a lot of mentors,
so I am very full aware of what you want to hear,
what you need to hear,
and I would love to be your coach
and help you out to win this competition.
Well, thank you very much.
This is really difficult because Reba is the queen,
so it's hard to fight against her,
but I'm gonna fight her right now.
[ Laughter ]
Continue on, Lady Gwen.
I'm not trying to brag, but I did have --
[ Chuckles ] It's so awkward.
I'll stand here for you.
Say it, say it now.
I mean, I'll just -- Let me just do the stats.
It's a safe space.
I've had two #1 country hits on country radio
riding the coattails of Blake Shelton, so...
[ Laughter ]
I'm very proud.
But no, honestly, I really did love your performance.
I thought you have a really interesting tone.
You're like a diamond in the rough.
The thing is, is that everything that I try to, like, pitch,
she's done it as well, but 10 times more.
Hey, she has not won "The Voice."
Oh! She has not won "The Voice."
[ Laughs ]
To be able to share with you
everything that I've ever learned, it's my dream.
I've done all of the stuff that you want to do.
I want to mother you, okay?
[ Chuckles ]
I'm exhausted. Lady Gwen, you are right.
I have not won a season of "The Voice" -- yet.
Oh! [ Chuckles ]
So we could make music together, so...
I rest my case.
Niall, pop the question.
Pop the question?
I'm ready. No --
[ Laughter ]
Yes, a thousand times, yes.
[ Laughter ]
Kristen, who do you pick as your coach?
[ Audience shouting ]
**
I gotta go with Gwen.
What?! What?! What?!
What?! What?!
What?!
Upset victory!
You're crazy! Thank you!
When Reba brought out her scepter,
I was like, okay, it is over.
She's gonna cast some kind of spell on me right now.
[ Laughs ]
I'm gonna steal you, though, so you better behave.
So nice to meet you. I'm scared.
I'm really excited to have a country girl on my team.
I just kept fighting and she picked me.
Let's get a budding rivalry between Gwen and Reba.
I like it.
No, I wasn't happy that Gwen got the country person
I was supposed to have gotten.
No.
I'm still mad about it.
That was a hard fight, Reba.
You did very, very well. Thank you.
Very well. You fought like a champ.
Well done, champ.
Reba: Gwen is a force of nature,
but, you know, I'm from Oklahoma.
I'm the country queen here.
No respect.
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to night one of the blind auditions.
This is to happiness, to me --
[ Laughter ]
Okay, let me --
To health --
[ Laughter ]
To health and happiness.
Salud! Salud! Salud!
I am one of five siblings,
so I do have a very big family.
There's never a dull moment.
We got it. We got it.
My name is Mara Justine, I am 21 years old,
and I am from Galloway, New Jersey.
I first started singing when I was eight years old
and my mom got me singing lessons.
[ Vocalizing]
From there [chuckles] I've been singing ever since.
**
Being Italian,
when we're cooking, we're always playing music.
And Mom, that little lady can cook.
She literally cooks on a Segway.
What?
Oh, my gosh. It's like -- [ Imitates motor ]
I'm like, "What are you doing?"
Cooking on a Segway. [ Chuckles ]
I think that's where I get my adventurous side from.
**
Like, when Mom and I ride motorcycles,
I'll hop on the back with her and, you know, I like --
Sorry.
Um, I have to, like, drive her now kind of.
Sorry.
I get on the front 'cause she's a little too weak right now.
She actually found out that she had breast cancer
about a month before I knew I was gonna come and audition
for "The Voice."
It's been very hard seeing her go through everything
that she's going through at the moment,
but her strength inspires me so much.
You're the strongest person I know.
I get it from you.
[ Chuckling ] Don't make me cry.
I think with everything that my mom is going through now,
music, it's my medicine.
It gets me through everything,
and so being here is a blessing.
Man: All right, here we go, guys.
Jesus, take the wheel.
This is a life-changing opportunity for me.
I get emotional
because I've had, like, a new outlook on life.
So to have this opportunity, it means everything to me.
[ Exhales deeply ]
[ Exhales sharply ]
**
* When are you gonna come down? *
* When are you going to land? *
* I should have stayed on the farm *
* I should have listened to my old man *
Look at that.
* You know you can't hold me forever *
* I didn't sign up with you *
* I'm not a present for your friends to open *
* This boy's too young to be *
* Singing the blues *
Whoo!
* Ahhh *
Wow.
* Ahhh *
* So goodbye, yellow brick road *
* Where the dogs of society howl *
* You can't plant me in your penthouse *
* I'm going back to my plough *
* Back to the howling old owl in the woods *
* Hunting the horny back toad *
* Oh, I've finally decided my future lies *
* Beyond the yellow brick roooad *
* Ohhh *
Yeah!
[ Cheers and applause ]
Are you serious?
**
John: Four chairs!
Wow!
Whoo!
Wow! Yes!
Oh, my gosh. Oh, my Lord.
What is your name,
and where in the world did you come from?
My name is Mara Justine.
I am 21 years old from Galloway, New Jersey.
[ Cheers and applause ]
God, they make them different in Jersey.
[ Laughter ] Ohh.
Like, someone that's willing to go into the first round
with an Elton John song and sing it like that
takes something.
If this is where you've set the bar,
what are we gonna see from you down the line?
America's gonna fall in love with that voice.
Thank you.
I love the song selection.
I love your voice.
I love your confidence, your stage presence.
You've got such a soft-spoken voice
to have such a big voice...
[ Chuckles ]
...when you sing -- that's incredible.
Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.
Thank you.
If I were to be your coach,
I would love to help you more into that stage presence
with your eye contact with the fans
to increase that persona that you have,
that sparkle in your eyes,
and I'd love to be your coach.
Thank you so much.
I hope you noticed I was the first one
who turned for you.
[ Chuckles ]
They just didn't have the foresight that I had
and understanding what a magical gem you are as a vocalist.
[ Clears throat ]
And the thing that made me turn around so quickly
was your tone in that lower part of the song,
and then you had the finesse
to also do those really light touches,
the [Singing] * Ahhh *
So I would love to have you on Team Legend.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Gwen: Your voice has so many beautiful parts to it,
and that's not even talking about the stage presence,
especially this stage.
You're looking at us, right?
And you're waiting for us to turn around,
and even then, you still were like,
"I'm going to slap them around a little bit."
Even though you're so incredible,
I feel like I could help you even more
with that stage presence,
just little tweaks here and there
to get you to the next, like, level.
I would love, die, freak out,
so please let me be your coach. Thank you.
[ Chuckles ] Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Mara, you're in my wheelhouse,
and I would love nothing more than to coach you.
I learned off a good friend of mine who's no longer here --
uh, he's still on the planet, but, um --
He's no longer with us.
He's in a tractor in Oklahoma as we speak.
I know him. Yeah, you know him?
Yes.
He taught me a little trick I noticed on day one.
[ Laughter ]
And, uh -- I just -- I seen something --
[ Fanfare plays ]
What is happening?
[ Cheers and applause ]
Gwen: Oh, what an idiot!
[ Cheers and applause ]
Look at this.
What is happening?
[ Cheers and applause ]
You're shameless.
He's passed the -- He would say, "pass the baton"
over to me.
And I've just... What is happening?
...I've taken it on.
Gwen: That is such a lie. He's a liar.
My husband is Blake Shelton.
He did not do that, I promise.
Well, I'll tell you what --
he did because that's his and it's got his name crossed out.
John: Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
He taught me how to do absolutely anything
to make sure that you get a team member.
[ Laughter ]
[ Cheers and applause ]
What is going on?
Hello. Hi.
What is this?
What is happening?
I think this is cheating.
We were already talking about the battles on Team Niall.
Have you ever sung one of my songs before?
Of course. [ Chuckles ]
But you don't want to do it now, right?
[ Laughter ]
You want to sing a song together?
That would be fun. Yeah.
"All of Me"? "All of Me," let's do it.
Okay.
Oh, my God.
Mara: Oh, my God.
* What would I do without your smart mouth? *
* Drawing me in, and you kicking me out *
* You've got my *
* Head spinning *
* No kidding, I can't pin you down *
* What's going on in that beautiful mind? *
* I'm on your magical mystery ride *
* And I'm so dizzy * Pretty cool.
* Don't know what hit me *
Me either.
* But I'll be all right *
John: Sing it.
* My head's underwater, but I'm breathing fine *
* You're crazy, and I'm out of my mind * What is this?
* 'Cause all of me loves all of you *
* Love your curves and all your edges *
* All your perfect imperfections *
* I give you all of me *
Get away, get away. [ Laughter ]
* And you give me all * Pick me.
[ Laughter ]
Of me.
[ Laughs ] Ohhh.
Give it up for Mara, everybody!
You're amazing. Incredible.
So good. That was beautiful.
[ Cheers and applause ]
That was awesome.
That was great, right? Yeah.
Niall: That was cute.
[ Laughs ]
But -- But the finger, yeah?
Yeah -- [ Laughs ]
So, Mara, this has been quite entertaining for all of us.
I did not expect this. Niall: Not me.
Except -- Except for Niall.
Who do you pick as your coach?
[ Audience shouting ] Oh, man.
Come on, guys. Help her, help her.
Um...
You know.
**
Whoa!
Gwen: Oh, my God. [ Laughs ]
Niall: Please. Oh, my God.
* I'll give you all... *
[ Cheers and applause ]
John: Come on!
Don't break my heart, Mara!
**
Oh, that'll do it.
Come on! Come on!
Be great if she just picked Reba now.
She loves Reba. Who should I go with?
**