‘The Voice’ comes back strong

[O]n the surface, NBC’s ‘The Voice’ resembles every other music competition show out there. Some people (us included) have even brushed it off as just another American Idol, X-Factor and America’s Got Talent wannabe. But a few minutes into ‘The Voice’ and it’s clear the show is anything but a copy cat. And if last night’s season 2 premiere is any indication, this season is proving to be one we’re not going to want to miss.

But what makes the show stand out? Simple, the blind auditions.

Unlike other talent shows, ‘The Voice” start round one with the panel of celebrity judges (Adam Levine from Maroon 5, Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton), listening to contestants they can’t see and basing their decisions solely on their voices. It’s a new concept to American reality talent show and it definitely explains the show’s wide success last season.

For those looking for those juicy tension between the judges, you won’t be disappointed. The panel often have to vie for the contestants’ decision to join their team, so the competition gets fierce between the judges.

A Recap of Last night’s episode:

Only 5 contestants have been chosen, the first was 17-year-old, RaeLynn, who sang Miranda Lambert’s “Hell on Heels”. A risky choice for sure since Blake Shelton is married to Lambert. But with Shelton and Levine vying  for her, it seems the risk paid off. But it doesn’t come as a surprise when RaeLynn picks Shelton’s team.

Second contestant is Jesse Campbell, a 42-year-old single dad, who until recently had been homeless. But it’s not just Campbell’s story that grabs our attention, it’s also his soulful voice . And it definitely captures the interest of all four judges. With four judges to choose from, Campbell has a hard decision to make. In the end, Aguilera grabs the victory.

Next is 25-year-old rock chic, Juliet Simms. She belts out “Oh! Darling”, grabbing the attention of Levine, Green and Aguilera. As we mention before,  the sparing between the judges is outright hilarious. And as Levine and Aguilera try to enlist Simms to their respective teams, they come armed to throw punches. However, it’s Green who turns out successful, grabbing his first contestant.

Following Simms is Chris Mann. The 29-year-old, suit-wearing singer chooses to sing Andrea Bocelli’s “Because We Believe”. The lovely opera number prompts Green and Aguilera to spin around and vie for him. It’s Aguilera’s ‘I know what to do with real vocalist’ statement that wins Mann over. A second victory of the night for Aguilera.

Last contestant is former mouseketeer, Tony Lucca. He ends the night with his rendition of Ray LaMontagne’s “Trouble”. His voice is perfect for the song, and we’re not the only ones who agree. All four judges (Levine ends up pressing Green’s button too) praise Lucca. With his last chance to grab a contestant of the night, Levine goes all out to try to grab Lucca on his team. His two- button press wins Lucca at the end, but honestly who could turn down someone who rallies twice for you. All while, Aguilera (also a former mouseketeer) hasn’t recognized Lucca from their TV screen time, that is until after he is backstage with his family and Carson Daly, which she goes on to congratulate him.

Look for next tomorrow’s recap of ‘The Voice’. In the meantime, what did you think of the season 2 premiere?