When it comes to The Voice, gone are the days of a consistent coaching panel. Turned into a revolving door of the who’s who in the music industry, the NBC competition show is eager to bring in the tops of the pop rather than establish a dynamic among the coaches. You know, like they did back in the day when the show began. When reality television’s favorite bromance was formed. Well, in a time of nostalgia, The Voice fans are about to be reunited with one-half of that bromance: Adam Levine. He’s back!

For Season 27, Adam Levine is returning to the game, where he’s going to have to establish a new partner in crime. This time, he has two viable options in veteran coaches: music legend John Legend and reigning champion Michael Bublé. Holding it down for the ladies this season is rookie coach who has appeared on the program leading the Comeback Stage and filling in as a coach, Kelsea Ballerini. Another season, another new era. It’s time to see if this new dynamic will hold a candle to the magic of Season 26! Our new quartet takes to the stage for a group performance of “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John. Thankfully, we have four exceptional voices that illuminate the classic. Here’s hoping this is a precursor to the dynamic we’ll have this season.

Now, if consistency is what you crave, The Voice is not the show for you. With a new combo of coaches, it’s time for a big red chair swap! Adam Levin is seated in his former bestie’s seat. Michael Bublé is moving over a spot where John Legend is now occupying. And for Kelsea Ballerini, she’s seated where the Queen of Country, Reba McEntire, sat, who even left her crown as a good luck charm. So perhaps that’s good luck for the rookie! We do see a bit where Adam tries to have one last spin in his now occupied chair, but Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winner John Legend is like nah. So, why musical chairs? No idea, but at least we had a bit! Anyway, let’s get the first round of Blind Auditions underway! Oh, and remember the Coaches Replay Button? She’s back baby! Strap on in. It’s time to spin!

Adam’s Back!

It all begins with a twang. To kick off Season 27 is Grace-Miller Moody, a young 20-year-old from Florence, South Carolina. She is your typical Southern Belle. As we know how this program works, just moments into Moody’s intro package, she reveals some trauma in her life, thankfully with a happy ending. Her brother. Shott, battled leukemia, but he stands next to her today, excited to hear her sing on this grand stage. Of course, we need a connection to a coach, so what better way than to reveal that after Shott’s long battle with cancer was over, the family took a trip to Vegas to see, you guessed it: Adam Levine! Yeah, I had my money on Kelsea Ballerini, but hey, Adam is the OG here. Let’s make him feel welcome.

For Grace-Miller’s full circle moment, she takes on Maroon 5‘s “Sunday Morning,” an interesting decision from the Southern Belle, but hey, story. Her vocals are unique. She has some swag in her sway, but her ability to engage on stage isn’t quite there yet. Nevertheless, she earns the season’s first chair turn and a standing ovation. While Adam notoriously does not turn for his own tracks, he does here, causing the other coaches to try to soften the blow with the inevitable decision. To do so, Kelsea has her chair equipped with some sound bite backup via the voice of Blake Shelton. The bromance is reunited! Sort of. That’s a major power move, country star! Well played. In the end, joined by her father and brother, Grace-Miller decides to make the Maroon 5 lead singer her coach, earning herself a Team Levine sweatshirt. Full-circle fulfilled.

Right from the jump, Darius J‘s sister tells the camera that she is no stranger to judging her brother’s looks. The photo montage showcases his flair for the flamboyant, but it fits perfectly with his effervescent personality. Darius J reveals that he came out when he was 13, which led to bullying. But the bullying subsided when he sang. It is his escape from horrible situations. Now, sparkling in his sparkling matching top and bottom, Darius J simply dazzles. Taking on a Latin acoustic version of Usher‘s “Caught Up,” he is a light on stage. He may not be the most technically perfect singer, but there is magic in watching him sparkle. He earns a turn from everyone but John Legend. As soon as each coach turns, they see the passion and charisma, dancing along in their chairs. Kelsea even bops on up out of hers. His flip of the track endures him to the coaches, but he ultimately selects Adam. It’s an interesting decision, but Darius is someone who could elect to move to another team should the opportunity arise.

Part of the joy of The Voice is the Blind Audition. As they say, looks can be deceiving. When you look at Ethan Eckenroad, you would never imagine what you’re about to hear. However, as soon as he begins his rendition of “Northern Attitude” by Noah Kahan, everything slowly falls into place. Nearly immediately, Adam and Kelsea slam their button for this special performance. Eckenroad ultimately earns a four-chair turn. The magic of this show is Eckenroad’s coach has the ability to mold him into a star. He is effortless as an entertainer; now it’s time to make him look like a star. Bublé’s pitch of himself with a mullet is clearly not the direction to go. John Legend brings in reinforcements in hopes of winning here. Welcome the sign spinner. So, was it enough? In the end, Eckenroad opts to put his fate in the hands of the OG. Adam Levine’s return to The Voice is pretty strong!

Kelsea Ballerini Is What ‘The Voice’ Deserves

Since it is tradition nowadays on The Voice, our first returning contestant hoping for a second chance is 19-year-old Iris Herrera from Newaygo, Michigan. She tried her hand at a Blind Audition last season, ultimately earning no chairs. With very little time between auditions, Iris hopes her new vibe will bring a different result. Instead of Stevie Nicks, Iris tackles “You Are My Sunshine.” The American Standard is beloved, so what can she do to reinvent a classic? There are emotions attached to the song, so she is hoping this performance will lead her to her dreams. The country iteration is smokey and raw. Thankfully for Iris, the coaches’ positive reaction meant success for her. With everyone but Adam turning, Iris is ecstatic to have a second chance. After sharing her story and connection to the previous season, Iris ultimately is ready to kill it with the only woman on the panel, Kelsea Ballerini. It’s a smart choice from Iris. And now, she has her own pair of Tecovas. Genuine leather boots! I’m not jealous, you are!

Angie Rey kicks off her video package by speaking in Spanish before revealing she is a country music singer. She felt that country music was in her soul after attending a Lady A concert. She moved to Nashville to chase her dreams, where she had previously opened up for legends like Tanya Tucker and Wynonna Judd. Now, she’s here at The Voice to forge her own path. The first-generation American is the daughter of two Cuban parents. She is the epitome of the American Dream. For her Blind Audition, she takes a big risk by performing “Penthouse” by the rookie coach. Her goal is to earn a turn from Kelsea herself. Kelsea is so gagged to hear her song that she is the first to turn. And the moment she does, Angie’s entire performance opens up. While she doesn’t have a country twang in her tone, her voice is suited for modern pop country. Kelsea is the perfect coach for the Floridian. To celebrate their unity, Kelsea gets on stage to duet with her second singer on her roster. Their harmonies are what dreams are made of. Keep an eye on this dynamic duo.

Hailing from New York City, Dan Kiernan shares the story of his dad, a tug boat captain, who did everything for him, supporting him even when he was different. He dedicates his performance to his father, who passed five years prior, hoping to overcome grief. Singing “High Hopes” by Panic! at the Disco, Kiernan’s tone is pure. His ability to smash the high falsetto is perfect for the track. His inspirational performance earns a turn from Bublé and John Legend, but wait. Here’s the big twist! Kelsea Ballerini uses her Coaches’ Replay in a manner that has never been used. Last season, the button was solely used when an artist didn’t earn any chair turn. Here, the rookie has said, move over boys, I regret not turning! Now, she is in the fight to earn Kiernan for her team. It’s a shocking move, but the risk is worth the reward. Kiernan goes with Kelsea. The whoopsie pays off!

Michael Bublé Is Ready to Repeat

John Legend and Michael Bublé on their feet during ‘The Voice’ Season 27 Blind Auditions.
Jadyn Cree’s Blind Audition on ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
The coaches of ‘The Voice’ Season 27 illuminate their ‘I Want You’ on their chairs.
The coaches in the greenroom on ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
The coaches perform together for the first time on ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
John Legend and Michael Bublé on their feet during ‘The Voice’ Season 27 Blind Auditions.
Jadyn Cree’s Blind Audition on ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
The coaches of ‘The Voice’ Season 27 illuminate their ‘I Want You’ on their chairs.
The coaches in the greenroom on ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
The coaches perform together for the first time on ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
We’ve got a legacy in the house! Only two seasons ago, Bryan Olesen was a finalist for Team Legend. Now, his daughter, Jadyn Cree, is trying to surpass her father’s success with a win. The first obstacle is to get a chair to turn. Singing “Still Into You” by Paramore, Cree brings modernity into her performance, which has shades of Billie Eilish. Even if the coaches couldn’t see her, she already knows how to dominate a stage. Her confidence is what is needed, so now it’s time to see how she is molded into a superstar. She earns a turn from the freshman and the sophomore of the coaching panel. The 80s cover band singer selects Michael Bublé as her coach. History may repeat itself as Cree has great potential. The Canadian may already have a chance to repeat! Speaking of repeats, the Bublé signature hockey jersey is back.

Starting in the dark, a skilled vocalist tackles Richard Marx‘s “Right Here Waiting.” His name is Carlos Santiago. His rendition is ripe for adult contemporary. Even that modulation piques Michael Bublé’s interest. Perhaps his backstory will come in future rounds, or perhaps his journey isn’t long-lasting, but the Puerto Rican singer has a strong instrument that matches the genre of the song he selected. Can he transcend into something more modern? With Michael Bublé as his coach, certainly! Bublé is having a great day. Dare I say, he’s feeling good?

Michael Bublé, Gwen Stefani, Reba McEntire, and Snoop Dogg are on their feet during the Playoffs on ‘The Voice’ Season 26.
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12
A Good Night for Some, Not for Others

John Legend at the piano during ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
Renzo during his Blind Audition for ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
Zack Zaro’s Blind Audition on ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
Lilli Doll during the Blind Auditions for ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
John Legend plays through the smoke during ‘The Voice’ Season 27 premiere.
John Legend at the piano during ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
Renzo during his Blind Audition for ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
Zack Zaro’s Blind Audition on ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
Lilli Doll during the Blind Auditions for ‘The Voice’ Season 27.
John Legend plays through the smoke during ‘The Voice’ Season 27 premiere.
It’s time to meet a father of two from Philadelphia, Renzo. In his video package, we learn that his father was murdered due to gun violence, so he never had a father figure in his life. Without someone to look up to in his life, he is proud to break the generational curse and be there for his daughters. The science teacher by day is filled with immense emotion, eager to tell a story through his blind audition. He takes on “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Accompanying himself on guitar, his performance is exceptional. His voice is smooth as butter. His range works effortlessly. With immense potential for Renzo, Michael and John are able to pitch their case as the first block of the season is awarded to the OG coach. As the Legend himself says, “I did what I had to do. I just wanted to welcome you back. I wanted to do this for old-time’s sake.” It’s a strong move as, on paper, John Legend would be the perfect mentor for Renzo’s artistry. Smartly, Renzo decides to join the EGOT winner, awarding himself with a letterman jacket.

And now for the sad portion of the show. In the night’s most jarring juxtaposition, we go from Zach Zaro‘s mommy and me music class to The Voice studio as his reality television journey is about to begin. The 28-year-old from Long Island went to school for musical theater before landing the national tour of Bandstand. Hoping to take a song and turn it on its head, Zach Zaro whips out the electric guitar for his rendition of “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears. The transformation is exciting, but it falls just short of a chair turn. I think the coaches are going to regret this one. Next up is Lilli Doll. True story, it’s her real name. And, aside from singing, the girl with a punk aura makes jewelry and lighter covers. She really leans into her persona! With classic rock in her blood, she takes on “Heart of Glass” by Blondie for her audition. It’s a very particular song meant for a very particular tone. She starts out at 100, which prevents her from quite growing as the song builds. Sadly, it’s not her time, as no coach turns.

While the fanfare is clearly meant for Adam Levine’s triumphant return, all eyes should be kept on the resident country singer of the season. As the new girl on the block, Kelsea Ballerini brings her Southern charm with welcome gifts for the boys. She brings Nashville to the boys with their very own cowboy hat. Her presence is beyond welcome on this show. After previously temporarily sitting in for Kelly Clarkson, Kelsea’s passion to help the artists of tomorrow is felt. Kelsea Ballerini showcases why she will be the perfect coach this season, offering brilliant feedback that taps into music terminology that is helpful to the artists before her. Her genuine joy in being here makes Kelsea a smart addition to the program. Season 27 is off to a promising start. Now that the hoopla of the coaching panel has subsided, we can get back to focusing on the artists.