[ Birds chirping ]
**
Chance the Rapper.
Ooh, Niall Horan, my boy.
Good to see you, man. Good to see you, man.
I'm so excited to do this with you.
It's gonna be awesome. We're at "The Voice."
First day of the blinds. Yeah.
What is this?
This is...
"Home of B.S."?
I'm confused. Does he live here?
Oh, hey, guys. Uh, sorry, there's no soliciting here.
Wait a minute. Oh, my God.
Chance? Yeah!
Niall? Yeah.
What's up, guys? What's up, Blake?
Just thought we'd come and just check the place out.
Well, cool. Well, will you take these things here?
I just got to check my mail.
Just, uh...oh. [ Mailbox opens ]
"Occupant," "Occupant"...
I beat her. He lost.
She really lost.
Oh, finally, one for me. It's...
Alright. I'll read this later.
Come on, guys, let's go in.
**
Whew! Come on in, guys.
What, you -- you actually -- you actually live here?
Oh, yeah.
You think this is for television?
Well, I did.
[ Laughs ]
If you want to win, you need to live here.
Really?
Let's look around. Niall: Okay.
Don't even think about this one. This is my baby right here.
Oh, my God. I keep forgetting to fix this.
And by the way, there's a place that I like to go take a nap.
No way.
It's my little home inside my home.
You got to be kidding me.
Niall: Blake, do you actually play all of these?
If you're gonna play the blues, man,
you don't play a red guitar.
Who's in that chair all the way over there?
Doesn't matter. The winner sits here.
That's a tiny cot. Yeah, it's probably not big enough for all three of us.
Niall: Yeah, you're right.
So, there you have it, guys. Welcome to my home.
Thanks for showing us around, man.
Just remember this is my house.
I'm the only one with a key, okay?
[ Door unlocking ]
**
What's up, guys?! Kelly!
[ Laughter ]
I'm home. I know you're excited.
I should change the locks.
Whoo!
* I'm never gonna not dance again *
Team Kelly is back.
I'm fresh for Season 23, and I'm ready to win again.
Yes!
Blake won Season 22 because I wasn't there.
No!
But I came back to beat him for his last season.
* I'm never gonna not dance again *
Blake: I've been here since the very beginning.
Lift, curl, lift, curl.
This is 23 seasons of doing this show.
There's only one king of "The Voice."
This is my last season, so I've got to win.
You pick me as your coach,
I will quit coaching after this season.
[ Laughter ]
Having two new coaches is a game changer for all of us.
Announcer: From Chicago, Illinois -- Chance the Rapper!
* Huh-huh *
* You don't want no problems *
Kelly: I love Chance.
He's worked with a lot of different artists.
He's an incredible lyricist.
And I love what he brings as a producer.
* Tell me what, what? *
* What could I do? *
Oh, my God.
I'm so excited to be a part of "The Voice."
Ohhhh!
This show is really about that vocal.
It's a cool opportunity to be helping find that.
* You don't want no problems, want no problems with me *
It's gonna be great, man. Let's do it. * Yeah, I want you, baby *
* Slow, slow hands *
Blake: Niall was in one of the best-selling boy bands
literally of all time.
Audience: [ Chanting ] Niall! Niall!
Blake: Niall's had tons of hit songs as a solo artist.
And I've heard through the grapevine
that the ladies love him, too.
Oh, my God!
Kelly: Niall understands the artists.
That's hard to fight and compete with him
because he's been an artist in a competition.
Whoo!
Blake: Even though he's a threat... I'm so happy!
...I'm feeling like a father-son-type bond with Niall.
There you go.
Mostly because he disappoints me a lot.
He was just about to go, [Southern accent] "This is my last season on this show."
[ Laughter ]
When we spin that chair,
we could meet the next biggest superstar in the world.
You just hear that?!
And I just can't wait.
Come on!
Whoo!
Let's do this.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Whoa!
* Slow hands *
[ Cheers and applause ]
I can't wait to feel this turn. Boop!
Anyone nervous for me? [ Cheering ]
I got a new outfit for today.
It's like your first day of school.
Yeah, I set it out on my bed in the shape of my body.
[ Laughter ]
You know we only get one block the whole season?
Yeah. Stay away from me, Chance.
Stay away from me. [ Laughs ]
**
Country, you think?
Like Irish country or...
**
Alright.
**
* Well I left my home on the rural route *
* I told my paw I'm going steppin' out *
* And get the honky tonk blues *
* Yeah the honky tonk blues *
* Well Lord I got 'em *
* I got the ho-on-ky tonk blues *
Whoo!
* Well I went to a dance and I wore out my shoes *
* Woke up this mornin' wishin' I could lose *
* Them jumpin' honky tonk blues *
* Yeah them honky tonk blues *
* Well Lord I got 'em *
* I got the ho-on-ky tonk blues *
Let's go! Two!
* Well, I stopped into every place in town *
* This city life has really got me down * Ohh!
* I got them honky tonk blues *
Whoa.
* Yeah the honky tonk blues uu uu uu *
* Well Lord I got 'em *
* I got the ho-on-ky tonk blues *
* Yahoo *
* Well, I stopped into every place in town * [ Cheering ]
* This city life has really got me down *
* I got them honky tonk blues *
* Yeah the honky tonk blues uu uu uu *
* Well Lord I got 'em *
* I got the ho-on-ky tonk blues *
[ Cheers and applause ]
* Hoo hoo hoo *
Whoo!
**
What's up? What's up?
Whoo! Congratulations, guys. That's awesome.
Well, I'm bummed 'cause Blake blocked me.
Blake?
Well, what's your name, and where are you from?
My name is Neil Salsich.
I'm 34, and I'm from St. Louis, Missouri.
Whoo! Whoo-hoo. Oh, God.
Your vibe is so cool, man.
It's like old-school country.
Your falsetto is incredible,
but you also maintain this, like, throaty, like, raspiness
that's really cool.
Just remember that "block" -- or Blake --
blockhead Blake stole the opportunity away from us, okay?
First of all, there is no proof
that I blocked her whatsoever.
There's proof. Prove it.
Do you want a liar for a coach?
This is a four-chair turn.
It wasn't me. Mnh-mnh.
Wasn't me.
I don't remember doing it. [ Laughs ]
I mean, that's a Hank Williams Sr. song,
but I hear you kind of doing a yodel thing,
and it was incredible.
Do you gig a lot in -- in St. Louis? Neil: Yeah.
Yeah, I'm a full-time musician.
Do you do a lot of country?
Well, I sing blues, folk, and rock and roll, you know?
So, country is very special to me,
but I like to say that's just
one of the musical wells that I drink from.
Oh! I drink from a lot of wells, too, man.
[ Laughter ] Lots of different ones.
Y'all have so much in common. [ Laughs ]
I'd be honored for you to be on the last Team Blake.
[ Cheers and applause ]
I'm not very familiar with country music,
but the texture of your voice, the tone,
the -- the range that you had,
and also the runs that you're doing,
this could be interesting.
It's TV. Anything can happen.
That's right. Why not a rapper and a country singer together?
You know what I'm saying? Neil: Yes! 100%.
And it'd be really cool if I stole the country off --
like -- like -- it's like -- That wouldn't be cool.
It's your thing. It'd be cool.
That is the opposite of cool.
This guy is the definition of cool.
I'm really cool. We can make something happen.
Oh, my God, Chance is my favorite coach. Neil: Alright!
I'm not as cool as either of them, to be honest with you,
but I have that hat and I have that shirt
and I have the same name as you.
That's right.
Is there any Irish-Scottish in there?
I'm sure somewhere in my bloodline.
Job done. [ Laughs ]
When I was growing up, Garth Brooks was big in Ireland,
and that was it.
I started coming to America 12, 13 years ago for work,
spending time across the South,
gigging, going into bars, hearing all these great singers.
Straightaway your voice perked up to me
because I feel like you're a seasoned veteran.
Country, storytelling -- It's my thing!
[ Laughs ]
These guys can't tell you a story at all.
You're all making a great case.
Okay, since I have no dog in the hunt
because Blake stole that chance from us --
Neil, who do you pick as your coach?
[ Audience shouting ]
Blake: Come on, Neil!
Ohh. Who do you think he's gonna pick? I don't know.
Let's do this, Neil!
Chance! Come on!
Let's do this! Pick Chance! Do it!
Alright, this is -- this is a very tough choice.
At this moment, I would like to select...
**
...Blake as my coach. Yes! Come on!
Yes! Whoo! * When I die I wanna come back *
Neil! We're going all the way, Blake.
Blake: I got my first artist. Neil's a really great singer.
It's exciting to have an artist
that can do all different kinds of genres.
He's somebody that's gonna be a blast to have on my team for the last time.
That was literally my favorite pitch that anyone has ever done.
Audience: [ Chanting ] Blake! Blake! Blake! Blake!
Blake: Hey, man, this is my last season,
and I'm going out with a bang.
I don't care if these guys are new and I should be polite.
Forget that. They're going down.
I forgot his shirt.
For the lucky people who join Team Blake this year...
[ Laughing ] Oh, "I'm on Blake's last team...
...and all I got was this lousy t-shirt."
Who could say no to that?
Wow. My -- My first "Voice" treasure. Thank you, Blake.
[ Laughs ]
Niall: I'm a huge country music fan.
Being from Ireland,
I didn't realize that Irish traditional music
and country music, how connected they are.
I'm excited to get someone that is country on my team.
I think that's actually my first goal.
Did you feel like you had to block me to win him?
[ Laughter ]
I just knew you would copy me if I hit my button.
Oh, my God.
Of course, like, right when I get back, Blake is blocking me.
So, welcome back. [ Laughs ]
I never copy you.
She has so little knowledge of country music.
Oh, my God.
I'm a little nervous knowing that Blake is leaving.
They can't fire him, so, like, what's he gonna do?
I got to make a drink. It's time.
At least Blake got off to a good start this season.
[ Audience cheering ]
* Mississippi *
Daly: Coming up on "The Voice" premiere...
* Girl * You better sing.
Yeah!
* Take me to your river *
* You don't need that... *
Hey!
Daly: The rookies give the vets a run for their money.
Ohh!
How are you doing that?
I've never been able to do that.
* Tell me what, what? *
* What could I do? *
I'm working with some of the biggest songwriters
and producers on the planet. Bragger.
If you get down with me, you're obviously gonna win.
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to night one of the blind auditions.
Season 23. I'm back to win again. Yep.
Are you just insecure and you want to say that you won
in front -- in front of the two new coaches here or something? No, no.
No, they know. Are you a pretty laid-back guy?
I'm pretty chill. I can chill.
That's -- That's gonna come in handy sitting next to her.
You know what? You guys have a strong
love-hate relationship type thing. Yeah, yeah.
Hate, yes. Yeah.
I'm loving working with these coaches.
It's different than in the past with anything else I've done.
It's very competitive.
Me and Niall, we're both like little baby deer
just out there trying to figure it out, you know?
This is my last season. Yeah.
And from a fan standpoint,
I'm sure they hope it's your last season, too.
[ Laughing ] Oh, my goodness. And so I'm just thinking
it'd be cool if you guys let me, you know,
have my moment one last time, because you can't beat me.
I mean, I'm just saying. Is that it?
I'm learning a lot from Blake just sitting next to him.
Blake's a nice guy, great fun. He's a winner.
He knows what he's doing, got all the tricks.
Struggling to trust him.
Man: All artists, please make your way to the stage.
Hello! What?!
Oh, my God. Niall Horan is gonna be on?
Oh, my God!
Oh! Niall? How exciting.
Big One Direction fan. I'm, like, absolutely shocked.
He's so handsome. Nobody tell him that I said that.
He's a phenomenal performer. Hopefully he turns for me.
Oh, my God. It's Chance the Rapper.
What? Chance the Rapper!
Are you serious?
He has the career
that I would like to have myself as an artist.
Let's get it. You better turn your chair for me.
Ana: We are so ready for this audition. Ha-ha!
Let's go.
Whoo!
I'm Madi. I'm Ana. I'm Bella.
And we are * Sorelle *
* Sorelle *
We're a sister trio from Ohio.
Ana and I have been singing ever since we could talk.
We added Bella a few years ago.
We tried to get our brother, but he refused. He wouldn't do it.
Yeah.
We're social-media influencers now.
We have 3.2 million followers.
We post every single day.
We get up, we warm up our voices.
We'll write some songs.
Welcome to our Wednesday broadcast, you guys.
This one sleeps in till like 1:00 in the afternoon.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. That's not true.
She's being nice. It's 3:00.
As a trio, we only started in 2019,
so this will be one of our first...
Ever ...performances as a trio.
We feel very inspired by Girl Named Tom.
Daly: Girl Named Tom!
It was crazy to see a trio win and a family.
We're singing "Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy"
by Queen. Queen!
Oh, my goodness. We love Queen.
We have always looked up to their music. Love Queen.
That's how we developed our harmonies.
We've spent our entire lives trying to use music
to be a happy place for somebody.
We hope that we can show the world what we're capable of.
**
* I can dim the lights and sing you songs *
* Full of sad things *
Both: * We can do the tango just for two *
All: * I can serenade and gently play *
* On your heart strings *
* Be your Valentino just for you *
* Ooh, love *
* Ooh, lover boy *
* Whatcha doing tonight? *
* Hey, boy *
* Set my alarm, turn on my charm *
* That's because I'm a good old-fashioned lover boy *
* Ooo ooo *
Both: * When I'm not with you * * Ooo, let me feel your heart beat *
Ana: * Think of you always *
* I miss those long hot summer nights * * I miss those summer nights *
* I miss you, I miss you, I miss you, ooo *
Three? At least three.
Both: * When I'm not with you * * When I'm not with you *
* Think of me always *
* Love you *
* I love you *
* Hey, boy, where do you get it from? * Madi and Bella: * Hey, boy *
* Hey, boy, where did you go? *
* I learned my passion in the good old-fashioned *
All: * School of lover boys *
[ All cheering ]
* Come on and get it now *
All: * Ooh, love *
* Ooh, lover boy *
* Lover boy *
Ana: * Whatcha doing tonight? * * Ooo ooo oh *
* Hey, boy * * Oh, that's my lover boy *
Come on, Niall. * Everything's alright, just hold on tight *
* That's because I'm a good old * Oh, Chance!
Both: * Fashioned * Oh! Chance!
All: * Lover boy *
[ Cheers and applause ]
Okay?
Oh, my gosh.
Chance: Amazing stuff.
Hello, ladies.
We're Sorelle. And we're from Lexington, Ohio.
Sisters?
Yeah, we're sisters. Yeah, sisters.
Sisters. What are you doing turning around, Chance?
This is embarrassing. [ Laughter ]
I don't know if you guys know this or not.
Oh, my God. You may not know this, Chance.
Here it comes. But this is my last season.
What? We heard.
We've heard, too. Yeah, and --
There was press releases about it.
I've worked with a lot of young people,
had a lot of success with young people.
I would be honored to have you on the last Team Blake.
Blake. Blake. Team Blake ever.
Unless someday they hire another coach with the name Blake.
Or NBC pay you more money to come back next year. The last one ever, yeah.
Right. And this is like a fake retirement.
[ Laughter ]
Kelly: I thought it was really cool what you're doing.
That's really hard
to hold on to those kind of dissonant harmonies
all at once and not waver.
That was really well done.
I'm really stoked to see what you're gonna do on the show.
All: Thank you so much.
Niall: The reason I didn't turn personally
is I was trying to think, what could I bring to the table?
I didn't turn and then regret everything that I was thinking
for the 90 seconds while you were singing.
Thank you. It's okay, we love you.
But you've got these two. Ana: Oh, yeah, amazing.
How did you guys start in music?
We're actually on social media.
Oh, me too.
We're big on TikTok. We have 3.2 million.
What?! [ Whistles ] That's awesome.
I was kind of hesitant about some of, like,
the dissonant harmonies that you guys were putting together,
but I started to notice over time
that it was intentional
and was really giving it this theatrical,
almost like show-tunes feel to it that I think is really dope.
In hip-hop, artists like Kendrick Lamar and Drake,
they find younger artists like you guys
that put together harmonics and sample those,
and those become the biggest records
that you hear on the radio.
And I would love to put you guys in position
to be able to create some of that stuff
from scratch like that. Wow.
So let's just recap here.
[ As Blake ] This is my last season on "The Voice"... You could --
...ever.
Why is that so good?
You could pick Chance... Right.
...with the goal of someday hoping
to be featured on somebody else's record.
Or you could pick Team Blake and make your own record.
Isn't that how Sam Smith started?
Yeah, Disclosure. Featured on, like, a dance track?
Yeah. I'm just saying, it's not a bad plan.
I really want to try something. Oh.
There's a song from an amazing film called "The Wiz."
I just wanted to see if you guys could do a three-part harmony
of this simple line. Okay.
* What could I do-oo-oo? *
All: * What could I do-oo-oo? *
* Tell me, what, what *
* What could I do-oo-oo? * Kelly: Alright.
Chance: * And tell me what, what * * Tell me what *
* What could I do-oo-oo? * * And tell me what *
* And tell me what, what *
* What could I do-oo-oo? *
I'm telling y'all, I got y'all. I got a vision.
Blake, show them what you do.
* Tell me what *
* What *
* Tell me what *
* What * [ Laughter ]
[ Normal voice ] Sorelle, who do you pick as your coach?
[ Audience shouting ]
[ Dramatic music plays ]
**
The coach that we choose...
...is Chance.
Aaah! Ohh!
Oh, my gosh.
I'm excited to have my first artist.
Sorelle was amazing.
I'm so excited to have a group on my team.
Come on. Keep clapping. Are you kidding me?
As a producer, I love collaborating with vocalists,
different writers, and choirs.
I think Sorelle will have great success in this industry
because they can create new arrangements.
I look forward to seeing what they're gonna do.
I'm gonna get you guys two more hats, okay? Thank you.
I brought my own special-edition "The Voice" 3 caps
that only are available for the people on Team Chance.
And they look good in it. I'm not gonna lie.
Yes!
[ Niall laughs ] Kelly: That was really good.
Blake: We have teams of 10, and it really makes it hard.
I mean, we had 14 people last season,
and so every spot truly does count.
Whoo! That feels good.
Blake: Chance absolutely slayed me on Sorelle.
The next thing I know, he's producing a record
live in front of our eyes.
Once that happened, I knew that it was over for me.
That was amazing.
* What would I do-oo-oo? *
Alright, Holly, you're a country artist.
We have Blake's last season. Yeah.
What do you hope's gonna happen when you go out there?
I really hope that Blake's gonna turn his chair.
To be on the last Team Blake would be such an honor.
Alright, you ready to go? I'm ready. I'm excited.
Let's do it. Good luck.
Thank you.
I'm Holly Brand.
I'm 22 years old and I'm from Meridian, Mississippi.
The first big stage that I ever got to sing on
was when I got to open for Blake Shelton.
I was only 10.
When "The Voice" first started, we would have that,
you know, "You got to open for him.
You didn't say anything to him,
but you were there with him," you know.
So I actually brought the photo with me.
It's kind of funny that he's so tall
that the camera couldn't get his entire body.
Blake has changed my life for the better, being there.
That was when I had that realization of,
"I'm meant to be a performer."
And then when I was 13,
I became involved with Miss America's Outstanding Teen.
It was a pageant.
It was really just another way
to -- to be onstage and to pursue music.
And then I was Miss Mississippi 2021
and competed at Miss America last year.
Today I'm here to prove a lot of things.
You know, over my time in the pageant industry,
it has been a lot about, like, what's on the outside.
But today, it's not about what I'm wearing,
what my hair looks like.
It's about what I sound like.
Please be something I like.
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to "The Voice" premiere.
Here we go. My turn.
**
* It's a long way from Star, Mississippi *
* To the big stage * Wow, that was fast!
She made it. * I'm singing on tonight *
* And sometimes the butterflies still get me *
Whoo!
* When I'm in *
* The spotlight *
* And some people seem to think that I've changed *
* I * Oh! * That I'm different *
* Than I was back then * Yeah!
* But in my soul *
* I know that I'm the same way *
* That I've really always been *
* 'Cause a Mississippi girl * Whoo!
* Don't change her ways * Hey!
* Just 'cause everybody knows her name *
* Ain't big-headed from a little bit of fame *
* I still like wearing my old ball cap *
* Ride my kids around piggy back *
* They might know me all around the world *
* But I'm still a Mississippi *
* Girl *
You better sing. Yeah!
* Mississippi girl *
* Oo oooo * Whoo!
* A Mississippi girl *
[ Cheers and applause ]
It's alright. She got three chairs.
What is wrong with you?
Blake: What are you talking about?
Is this thing on?
Oh, my God. I'm so happy right now.
That was incredible. Thank you.
Are you from Mississippi?
How did you know?
My name is Holly Brand.
I'm 22 years old and I'm from Meridian, Mississippi.
I nearly hit my button on your first note.
Long enough for me to actually figure it out before him.
Please, Kelly, come on. Give me a chance.
You remind me so much of my good friend Maren Morris.
Oh, my God. I've spent a lot of time in the States over the years
and become very, very, very, very fond of country music.
And country always leads into storytelling,
and I tend to do that.
Your voice, the control was just unbelievable.
I'm telling you, we're gonna do big things together
if you come with me.
Please!
It's hard to come after that.
You hit every note spot-on.
The whistle note took me out.
And she took it up. Doo-doop! Like a couple octaves.
You -- You have a-a crazy control of your vocal range,
and I think if you get down with me,
you're obviously gonna win.
Thank you, Chance. No, I -- Here's the thing.
I love Maren, but I heard like a mix of, like, Faith Hill
and, like, Carrie Underwood.
Oh, my gosh. We don't have that really,
that kind of voice right now in country music.
And I'm such a fan. I grew up on it.
I definitely know a hell of a lot more than these two.
Well, since Blake's deaf... you can win with me.
I-I love your voice so much. Wait a minute.
I have a really cute jacket.
I know -- Why are you talking?
You didn't even turn.
I actually have a really cool story about you.
I brought something that I wanted to show you.
Is this an ancestry.com test?
[ Laughter ]
You are the father.
When I was 10, I got to open for you in concert.
That concert was like the moment that I realized
that I wanted to be an artist. Whoa.
I have the picture. I just wanted to show you.
I got goose bumps. That's crazy.
That's us. Oh, my God.
Oh, my God. I want to see. I love kid pics.
Oh, my gosh. Niall: Hello.
Hi. I'm Niall, your coach.
[ Laughter ]
That's so cute. I've got no one on my team.
This is my first season,
and you're the best thing that's walked out here.
Oh, my gosh. Blake: I want to say something to you
before these guys get back into it.
I would pick Niall.
Geez.
[ Cheers and applause ]
That's why you should vote for me -- I mean be on my team.
[ Laughter ]
Okay, Holly.
We're gonna win this thing, okay?
Who do you choose as your coach?
[ Audience shouting ]
[ Dramatic music plays ]
I don't know. I don't know.
Um...
I appreciate all of you turning.
But I think I'm gonna have to go with Kelly.
Yes!
Oh, my God. I love you.
Oh, my God. I'm so excited.
I got my first artist on Team Kelly, and I'm ready.
Thank you. Your voice is crazy.
Thank you.
Holly is incredible.
It was like very cool tone, range for days.
I am stoked to work with her.
Welcome to Team Kelly. Here you go. Thank you.
The jacket is back, y'all. You're welcome, America.
It's burgundy, like a nice wine.
Holly, we're gonna do so well together. So nice to meet you.
Thank you! I'm so excited!
[ All scream ]
Oh, my God.
Daly: Why did you pick Kelly? You broke Niall's poor heart.
You know, I've been watching Kelly for years,
and she does a lot of great work with a lot of country artists.
But I still love Niall.
I thought you had her. So did I.
I've been heartbroken a few times in my life.
Today with Holly was one of them.
What do you got to do around here?
Kelly's just got -- I don't know what it is.
Blake is really on Team Niall, or he hates Kelly Clarkson.
Yet to figure it out.
You'll be fine, man.
Here's the thing. He knows me. What?
I won't let up on female country artists.
I love them.
Tough start to day one.
Don't have any artists on the team yet.
I'm just gonna hug you.
But good things are coming.
I'm sorry.
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 the blind auditions
at Universal Studios Hollywood.
We should go to Ireland.
We can go around Dublin, just the two of us,
just acting the maggot, two eejits.
Blake: [ Thinking ] I can't understand
a thing this guy's saying.
It's almost like he's talking in another language.
I mean, he's a great kid and all.
I bet he's a sir where he's from.
Sir Blake -- That's got a nice ring to it.
Oh, God, I love onion rings.
Taste great. Beer tastes great, too.
Oh, my God. I love beer.
I wonder if Niall likes beer.
Blake? Do -- Yeah.
Ireland, fancy it? Oh, my God. I'd love to go.
You should come to Oklahoma.
You'll be madder than a wet hen when we come in.
Niall: [ Thinking ] I can't understand a word this guy is saying.
Could be a cool father/son trip.
You'll have fun till the cows come home.
So what do you think? You want to go sometime?
Yep. 100%. I'm so down for that, yeah.
Let's do it. Alright, man. Thanks.
Yeah. Alright. Let's get back to it.
I'll see you out there, yeah? Okay, man, alright.
So awesome to have somebody to talk to around here.
That kid's like a son to me.
Tasha: The reason I'm here is just to show little girls in Pakistan
that would look at the show and be like, "She's Pakistani.
Like, it's possible."
My name is Tasha Jessen.
I'm 20 years old, originally from Pakistan.
I now live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Growing up, my parents were super musical.
My whole family sings.
But life was hard in Pakistan
because Pakistan is a Islamic country.
And I was the one Christian kid in school,
and my mom was always too scared to, like,
let me go over to somebody's house.
I never went to birthday parties.
I, like, stuck out like a sore thumb.
When I was 12, we had to flee the country
because we were facing religious persecution
and moved to Thailand,
leaving everything that I had ever known behind.
We had so much chaos happening around us,
and we forgot about music.
But last year is when I finally got my U.S. visa.
So I'm currently living in Colorado
with my husband, Maverek.
He's the lead guitarist at our church,
and so we love playing music together.
From the moment that I met her,
she was the best singer I'd ever met.
And so it's just been amazing
for her to land in the United States
and then immediately just start pushing hard
towards her dreams and her goals.
I am writing music, but I've just always been so scared
to share it with the world
because I've been so scared of judgment.
My family, unfortunately, can't be here today
due to some border issues.
Hello, Tash. So cute.
We are so proud of you.
I know you're going to do great.
All the glory to God.
That is so sweet. Oh, my gosh.
I, like, so wish they were here.
Man: Our next artist is entering now.
You're about to get one right now.
Tasha: Being at "The Voice," it feels like a dream to me.
I'm finally stepping into my calling.
Here we go, "Nee-all."
It's Niall.
**
* Oooooo *
* Been traveling these wide roads *
* For so long *
Good song.
* My heart's been far from you *
* Ten-thousand miles gone *
* In my darkness I remember * Oh, come on, Niall.
* Momma's words reoccur to me *
I can't tell. * She said "Surrender to the good Lord *
* And He'll wipe your slate clean" *
Pretty. * Take me to your river *
* I wanna go *
Ooh, come on.
* Oooo *
* Go on *
* Please take me to your river *
Let's go! Yes!
* I wanna go *
* Oooo *
* Please let me know, babe *
* And take me to your river *
* And I wanna go *
* Yes, I wanna go * Come on, Chance. Let's go, right now.
* Wanna go, wanna go, wanna go *
* Take me to your river, baby *
* And I *
* Wanna go, mmmm *
[ Cheers and applause ]
Oh! Whoo-hoo-hoo!
Oh, my God! Whoo!
Wow. Who are you?
My name is Tasha Jessen. I'm 20 years old.
I'm originally from Faizabad, Pakistan.
But now I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Kelly: Great song selection, man. That was really cool.
I would have hit my button if no one would have pushed,
'cause your voice deserves to be here.
You're gonna do such a beautiful job.
Your voice is gorgeous. Welcome to "The Voice."
Thank you!
Hi, Tasha. Hi, Blake.
So good to meet you.
I think it's better to meet you.
Your performance, the more it went on,
the more relaxed you became,
until finally, me and "Nee-all,"
we hit our button almost the same time, right? Yeah.
I mean, he did wait for my guidance,
but your voice is hard to define,
which is the best thing you could ever have going for you.
Thank you so much.
This is my last season as a coach on this show,
and I would be damn proud
to have you on the last Team Blake ever.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Chance: You have an undeniable talent.
You have great range and control,
and you're gonna have huge success in this show
just 'cause you shine.
You could win if you get on my team.
You are, like, some of the first rap that I ever heard.
Oh, wow. And I've been with you
since, like, your first project. Wow.
I'm just so honored that you even turned around.
Hello, Tasha. Hi, Niall!
I've worked with and I'm working with
some of the biggest songwriters and producers on the planet.
Bragger.
No, that's a good brag. That was a flex.
That's a -- That's a good flex, though, that you want, yeah.
You're just -- You're just jealous of the brag. I am jealous.
That's what I'm saying. No. Yeah, yeah.
I've got the fan base. that will absolutely love you.
Another flex.
I'm one of them.
I love it!
Hey, that's just another thing that she and I have in common.
I love you, too.
Thank you, Dad. Yeah.
Niall: You can clearly tell you're a storyteller.
And I'll be happy to write with you if you want.
I mean, there are just so many nice flexes
happening right here for you.
Please come over to Team Niall.
Oh, my God.
Okay, so who do you pick as your coach?
[ Audience shouting ]
Whoever.
Oh, you're taking the --
Like father, like son, huh?
Niall: Yeah.
I think I pick...
**
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to the blind auditions.
[ Dramatic music plays ]
I think I pick...
...Blake.
Yes! Alright.
Wow!
Oh, my God.
Tasha.
It was this that did it.
Every time. Yes.
Blake: Tasha looks like a star.
Nobody else sounds like Tasha, and she's on Team Blake.
[ Cheers and applause ]
There was part of me that thought,
"Well, Niall's finally gonna get this girl."
See you soon, Tasha. Beautiful voice.
It's fun to play around with these two new rookies.
It's almost cute, like, you know,
when a toddler tries to beat you up.
Chance: You got it, man.
[ Audience chanting, "Blake!" ]
Thank you. Thank you.
Blake is doing this one move
where he tells everybody that it's his last season.
But do you want to be on the last team?
You want to be on the first team.
Fighting Irish, my ass.
I'm trying to find probably the realest and newest voice,
and I think that could come from a million different spaces.
I'm trying to bring it all in, you know?
What the hell just happened?
You didn't say a word for 15 minutes.
You said, "Oh, this is my last season," again.
Still won.
Alright, y'all, so it's your girl Star Martin
from the U.S. Virgin Islands, and it's take one.
Mark.
Did I do it right? Okay.
Since 2018, I've been doing soca music full time.
Soca is music
that is a little bit more fast-paced than calypso.
It is the culture, which for us means partying, carnivals,
festivals, feathers, everything.
Being born in the Caribbean is such a dream
because it's so full of love
and there's a coconut lady or a coconut man on every corner.
I wouldn't change it for the world.
When I was about 7, 8 years old,
I discovered that I can really sing.
I started to do every single pageant, talent show.
And now all throughout the Caribbean,
I have songs on the radio.
I prayed that she can go further, and here she is.
Right now, I feel like crying.
Don't do it. Don't do it, Mommy.
I'm crying for joy.
Joy is a good thing.
My mom and my daughter, they've been super supportive.
My daughter, she pushes me and she tells me to keep going.
It really inspires me to see her in the studio singing.
I want to be a singer and a dancer.
That's definitely my best friend.
[ Laughs ] Mwah.
For the blind auditions, I'm singing "No Woman No Cry."
I am not singing it in a soca style
because I am multi-genre, as well.
I connect to Bob Marley because he is a part of my culture.
My island, it's only 32 square miles,
and we don't get big opportunities.
So the fact that I'm even standing here,
it's really an amazing feeling.
You see Mommy? Mm-hmm.
Oh, my goodness.
* No, woman, no cry *
* I remember when we used to sit *
* In the government yard in Trenchtown *
Wow. That's pretty.
* In this great future, *
* You can't forget your past *
Come on, Blake. Come on.
Come on, Blake. Turn.
* So dry your tears I sa-a-a-y *
* Sa-a-a-y * * Because *
* No woman, no cry *
[ Cheers and applause ]
* No woman, no cry *
* 'Ere, little darlin' *
* Don't shed no tears *
* No, woman, no cry *
[ Cheers and applause ]
* Please dry your tears *
* No, no * Come on, guys.
* No woman, no cry *
[ Cheers and applause ]
**
Hi.
What's your name? Where are you from?
My name is Star Martin.
I am from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Oh, wow. Oh.
I love your accent.
It's beautiful to have you here.
Thank you so much. I'm sorry that -- that we didn't turn, but --
It's all good. I'mma keep pushing.
I'll be back. Absolutely.
Kelly: I love that. [ Laughs ]
There might have been a little bit of shakiness in it
just 'cause the nerves that come with being on TV
on a platform like this.
But again, I love how quickly you said, like, "I'll be back."
And I absolutely do believe it.
Niall: Song choice, amazing
You're representing. It's incredible.
I feel like there's more in there.
And I just would have loved to have heard you take off.
But I love the attitude you've got. Thank you.
Like, "I'm back next year."
Oh, yes. That's right. Good for you.
Kelly: I thought your voice was really beautiful.
Like, your tone, I was back there going, "Ooh, that tone is so pretty."
I heard a little bit of pitch issues.
Pick something maybe next time
that's, like, showing us really what you can do range-wise.
That's just food for thought.
Thank you. Thank you for coming.
Thank you, Star. Bye.
We all here knows in our careers as entertainers...
Oh, my God, have a beautiful tone. Thank you, Kelly!
...what makes the best entertainers
are people that can take that and keep going.
I see them heels is high. Yes.
Much love, yo.
Thank you.
Daly: Still to come...
* I say, brother *
* Help me, please *
Oh, my God.
* Let the devil take tomorrow *
You are an incomparable talent.
Daly: And later... Blake got blocked.
Chance: I want you on Team Chance.
Oh, my God. Oh!
You only have one choice.
Here's the part where you take up for me, son.
Let me tell you about my old man here.
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to night one of the blind auditions.
I'll tell you the biggest surprise for me
is that artist that you --
Oh, you didn't get anybody on your team.
That's right. So soon to make that joke.
That's tough. Niall: I don't really want to talk about it.
That special someone is out there for you, I believe.
Yeah. Who?
Who's that? That -- That first --
That first one when they come.
It's gonna come in real hot.
I'm gonna -- I'm gonna get one,
and then I'm just gonna go on a roll.
Hey, you know what I did notice, though?
You like country.
There's, like, this thing,
Irish people and country music.
I'm excited to see a country person on your team.
Maybe you could teach Kelly a thing or two about country music
while you're on this show. Or maybe you could teach Blake
how to press a button when a country singer comes out.
Yeah. Yeah.
I'm not even gonna look her direction right now.
[ Laughs ]
Ross: This is outside my comfort zone.
I'm used to dingy bars and honky-tonks
with bad sound systems and a tip jar.
But here we are.
I'm Ross Clayton. I'm 33 years old.
And I'm from McLoud, Oklahoma.
* Where is the remote? * Both: * I don't know *
I am a father to three beautiful, beautiful children. * Where is the remote? *
* I don't know * We've got three goats.
Good morning, ladies.
It's spinach. It's good for you.
We also have four dogs, and so it is a full house.
Music first became serious
when I started doing little coffee-shop gigs and open mics,
and it just sort of kept evolving.
I got out of school and I was flying back and forth
between Oklahoma City and Nashville,
and in that time, Eleanor was born
and then my second daughter, Eva.
So I was away from home and sort of reevaluating things.
You know, is my time out here
worth as much as my time with my kids?
And to me it wasn't.
So I gave it up and I went home.
My wife and my kids are the most meaningful thing to me.
I wouldn't trade it for the world.
[ Clears throat, chuckles ] Sorry.
Reorganizing this drop-down, that'll be good, because...
Currently I am a senior product manager
for a software development consulting company.
I think it's been almost five years
since I've performed really at all.
The kids are at a stage now where there's more stability.
There's not as many diapers to change,
and my wife just keeps telling me, "Take a chance."
Hi, Dad! Hi, Ross.
We're so proud of you.
* I would never fall in love *
You're going to do great. You are such a great dad.
We miss you and we love you so much.
* I said I would never fall * I love you guys.
* Unless it's you I fall into *
My wife couldn't be here.
There's a lot to take care of at home.
I wish more than anything that the kids could be backstage,
but I'm gonna do my best.
I want them to say, like, "Look at my dad.
He's out there giving it a shot."
If I don't get a team member, will you come and sing for me?
[ Laughter ]
**
* I can see you over there *
* Staring at your drink, watchin' that ice sink *
* All alone tonight *
* Yeah *
* Chances are, you're sittin' here in this bar *
* 'Cause he ain't gonna treat you right *
* Well, it's probably not my place *
* But I'm gonna say it anyway *
* 'Cause, baby, you look like *
* You haven't felt the fire, had a little fun *
* Hadn't had a smile in a little while *
* Baby *
* Blue * Ohh!
* Looks good on the sky *
Yeah.
* Looks good on that neon buzzin' on the wall *
* But, darling, it don't match your eyes *
* I'm tellin' you *
Whoo!
* You don't need that guy *
* It's so black and white *
* He's stealin' your thunder *
* Baby, blue ain't your color * Hey!
Where is everybody? * I said blue ain't your color *
* No, no, blue *
* Ain't * Yeah.
Whoo!
* Your color *
[ Cheers and applause ]
Four chairs!
**
Wow. Deep breath.
What's your name, man? I'm Ross Clayton.
I'm 33 years old, and I'm from McLoud, Oklahoma.
He's an Okie. Yeah, but Texas isn't far.
And Ireland's about -- Ireland's far.
But that's not the point, either.
I've got Irish heritage, so, yeah.
See? Straight in. Me too. So much in common.
I also own glasses, so we got something --
Is your family here with you? Unfortunately, no.
I'm a father to three beautiful children. Oh.
Ah. We've got goats and dogs and kids.
Where do you find the time to sing
between all the madness of goats and babies and stuff?
I don't, really. You know, I --
Sorry. I get choked up. I got --
I had to put it aside for a bit and focus on family,
'cause that's -- It's important. Absolutely.
Chance: Than anything. Right.
Well, you're back onstage now.
Welcome to "The Voice," my boy!
Thank you.
Beyond the fact that you have such a unique tone,
as somebody who's a father of two daughters,
I can completely understand. Absolutely.
But also, I understand that hunger
and that -- that destiny that calls you to be who you are.
And so I would love to help you win this whole thing,
'cause why not? You know what I'm saying?
Why not? Why not?
My main thing with you,
because you already have this huge, beautiful gift,
is to really pick songs that showcase you emotionally,
because you already have a lot of depth.
But if you show people the vulnerable side,
as well as that power, I think that would be really rad.
I love your voice. Thank you, thank you.
Ross, these two have spoken. I need to pitch to you properly.
I need a bit of privacy.
Well, now this got awkward.
You don't get privacy. This is for television.
Is it?
Whoa! Kelly: Aah! No!
I didn't know you could do that!
What the --
How are you doing that?
I've never been able to do that.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Your voice is absolutely incredible.
You have that country tone to your voice.
But to me, I was hearing so much soul.
I came up onto a show like this when I was 16 years old.
If I was to point at fans of mine in this room.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Yeah.
There's fans of mine that would really love
to take you under their wing.
But I'm telling you, please...
[ Cheers and applause ]
...forget about whatever any of them said.
That's why I spun them around.
I don't want to hear any more crap.
He was just about to go, "This is my last season on this show.
It'd be an honor and a privilege."
Thank you.
So, Ross, please join me.
Are you not gonna pitch any more, buddy?
I kind of hate to say anything now.
If I have to pitch myself to him,
I'm gonna have to talk about our kinship as Oklahomans.
I would have to talk about, if I was pitching myself... If you were to pitch to him.
...the fact that Ross would probably like to get out
and maybe do some gigs, and I just happen to have venues
that he could do that in, one in Oklahoma. [ Whistles ]
Wouldn't that be cool
to have Ross ride off into the sunset with me
on my last team I'm ever going to have... On your last team ever.
So dramatic. ...on this show.
Me and him with his polarized sunglasses
kicking everybody's ass.
Let's do this, Ross. Come on.
Come on, Ross!
See how much power I've got around here?
I can spin chairs.
That's never been done.
Alright, Ross, who do you pick as your coach?
[ Audience shouting ]
[ Dramatic music plays ]
**
Niall, let's go. * Nice to meet ya *
Oh, my God!
* What's your name? *
* Let me treat ya * Whoo!
Whoo, whoo, whoo. Got my first artist.
I had to wait for a long time.
Man, that was unbelievable.
Ross had so many dynamics.
He took us on a real journey through the song.
The people of America are gonna fall in love with this guy.
Here's a little hoodie for you.
When you join Team Niall,
you will get one of these beautiful purple hoodies.
It's just a nice little smiley face welcoming you.
* Where ya been? *
* Let me treat ya *
What have you done with this poor man's life?
Blake: Niall needed that one. I'm actually happy for Niall.
* Nice to meet ya *
I feel like Niall is gonna take my seat on the show.
Playing those kind of dirty tricks gives me confidence
that he can be the liar he needs to be
to cover for Team Blake from now on.
[ Audience cheering ] Kelly: Yes!
**
All four cheers turned for me. I went with Niall.
So proud of you. I love you so much.
Thank you. Give the kids a kiss for me.
I love you, I love you. I love you, too.
I'm damn proud of you, son. Thank you, Dad.
I was gonna be so sad if you didn't win that.
If I did all that and didn't win...
See, I told you I could get a country dude off you.
You did it, buddy.
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back.
I would turn for you if you would sing with your accent.
You don't sing with your accent.
Listen to "Nee-all" too much.
Man: Michael B., take one. Marker.
I got to be honest, it's really weird being on this side.
Like, I'm like, "Do we need waters?
Does anyone need a water?"
By day, I'm a production coordinator
in the entertainment industry, taking care of the crew
and making sure we have all the, like, production supplies
Even though it's very, you know, organized, budgets,
Excel sheets, I still get to, you know, sneak to set.
Ooh, a three-camera setup.
That's intense.
My name's Michael B.
Let's do this.
Going into high school, I thought I was, like --
Broadway was gonna be my thing.
I did "Seussical," "Footloose."
I was the reverend 'cause I couldn't dance.
My senior year, we all competed
in the National High School Musical Theater Awards.
And that meant I got to travel to New York.
All I could see is I wanted to be on Broadway.
I wanted to perform.
I would audition for, like, "Mamma Mia!" "Book of Mormon."
I got close.
New York didn't work out, but everyone has their own timeline.
And it's the reason I'm so grateful to be here.
Pick me, please.
These four coaches represent
every facet of the music industry.
Oh, Chance.
Did you know that he has three Grammys?
Chance the Rapper -- producer, singer, rapper.
I love it.
I was shooketh.
Niall.
When I found out One Direction Niall Horan
is gonna be making his coaching debut...
He's an Irish boy. He is an Irish boy.
...I was like, "That's my team. That's my ticket."
Man: Our next artist is entering now.
Michael: I have a background in theater.
But as I get older, I enjoy pop, soulful kind of things.
A chair turn would mean I would be able to just work
with other incredible artists that are better than me
and make me grow as an artist.
That's what I was born to do.
Here we go, "Nee-all."
* I saw you dancing in a crowded room *
* You look so happy when I'm not with you *
* But then you saw me, caught you by surprise *
* A single teardrop falling from your eye *
* I don't know why *
* I run away *
Yes! Yay!
* I'll make you cry when * Made it.
* I run away *
Yeah.
* Take me back 'cause I wanna stay *
* Save your tears for another *
* I realize that I'm much too late *
* And you deserve someone better *
* Save your tears for another day *
* Hey * Come on, Kelly, turn.
* Save yo-o-ur tears for another day * * Yo-o-ur * Alright.
* I don't know why *
* I run away *
* Save your te-e-e-e-e-e-ars *
* Baby *
* Save your tears for another day *
* Ooo, baby *
* Save your tears for another day *
[ Cheers and applause ]
Yeah!
Ahh.
Whoo!
Yes!
What's your name, and where are you from?
My name is Michael B. I live in Los Angeles.
But I'm originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Whoa. Oh, wow.
Yes. Whoo!
I'm glad none of them turned.
I don't have to pitch. This is great.
By any chance, do you write songs?
I love writing songs, things that are emotional,
but I also love soulful pop, R&B. Yeah, can hear that.
You sang the first verse of that really sweet,
then started belting but had complete control over it.
Do you like singing, like, rock stuff, as well?
Definitely. I feel like that's in your wheelhouse.
We are gonna do magic things together.
I'm ready. I'm ready. Let's do it. Me and you, Michael. Come on!
[ Laughs ]
Chance: That was an amazing performance, dude.
I felt the connection from Niall.
Like, he was jamming out.
I think you're gonna do well in this competition.
I'm excited to see your song choices.
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
I thought the performance was really good.
I was just waiting for you to do a couple different things,
but you have a really solid voice.
I'm so stoked for you, man. That's so cool.
Congratulations. Welcome to "The Voice," man.
Appreciate you. Thank you.
Alright, thank you guys so much.
Michael B., now, that's a voice.
Dude, your voice is insane.
I feel like you can throw any type of big song at him
and he'll be able to sing it.
Michael is gonna shock a lot of people in this competition.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Blake, Kelly, Chance, you missed out on a good one this time.
Earlier, I was having an awful time.
But I am feeling so good right now.
Missed you guys around there.
First time I've been out there on my own.
It's awesome, though, when that happens,
'cause then you're like, "Cool."
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to the blind auditions.
**
* I found a love *
* For me *
* Darling, just dive right in *
* And follow my lead *
* I found a girl *
* Beautiful and sweet *
* I never knew you were the someone *
* Waiting for me *
* 'Cause we were just kids *
* When we're so in love *
* Fighting against all odds *
* I know I'll be alright this time * Yeah!
* Baby, I'm *
* Dancing in the dark *
Did that * Ba-by-y-y * * With you between my arms *
* Barefoot on the grass *
* Listening to our favorite song *
* I have faith in what I see *
* Now I know I have met an angel in person *
* She looks perfect *
* I don't deserve it *
* Darling, you, you, you, you look so perfect *
* Tonight, tonight, tonight *
* Oh *
* Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah *
Yeah, let's go. Who turned around?
No.
**
Yes! Niall: Whoo!
No! I'm back.
Oh, my gosh.
Chance: Wow. No!
Yay!
Kelly!
What is your name? Where are you from?
We got to know something about you.
My name is D.Smooth.
Whoo! D.Smooth.
I'm 25 years old and I'm from Birmingham, Alabama.
I'm from a small town.
It's not the richest of the rich.
I did grow up in a poverty-stricken type neighborhood.
It was a lot more opportunities for me to fail, basically.
I feel like my mom, my dad,
they really done a great job of keeping me whole.
My parents tried to do their best to kind of shelter
me and my sister from a lot of the dangers that surrounded me
and they allowed me to be able to just soar.
I've had a lot of jobs.
I am a barber, a personal trainer.
I was a delivery person,
but I felt like God was telling me,
"It's time to focus on what gifts I gave you."
I would go, like, downtown Birmingham.
I would study these people in the live music scene,
and I just wanted that for my life.
So I took it upon myself to go into open mics
and go put yourself out there.
Now that I do it full time,
I feel like I have a knack for the art, for the craft.
So to work with one of these coaches,
oh, my goodness, that'll just put fuel on the fire,
especially coming from where I come from.
We've had very humble beginnings.
You always want the best for your children.
And he's singing. He's doing his thing.
So I'm glad that it has landed him here.
Chance: D.Smooth, I got to tell you straight out the gate,
you smashed that, you powered through.
There was like maybe a second at the very beginning
where there might have been a little sour note.
But, like, straight from after that,
you just had so much control.
I told Kelly she needed to turn around.
I loved the runs. I was enjoying the runs.
I'm sorry. I cut you off.
I'm so sorry. Do you want to hug it out?
You guys stop it. Do you want to hug it out?
Let's get a hug. Let's hug it out, let's hug it out.
Niall turned around without anybody telling him to.
No, he didn't tell me. He just like -- He just did it.
He was just like, "Hey, I like this guy." No, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no, no. I've been here nine seasons.
Mama turns when she wants to turn.
[ Cheers and applause ] Okay?
[ Laughs ]
I love that you took it to this Boyz II Men,
Brian McKnight level.
Like, it was so different from how Ed does it.
And I love that.
He turned with like five seconds on the clock.
Mama turned like in the beginning.
But go ahead, Niall. [ Laughs ]
D.Smooth, because I knew how hard of a song it was to sing,
that's why I was waiting, 'cause there's no room for breath.
You just carried the song and you kept taking it
to -- to new heights.
Nice and delicate at the start.
And then you went on a rip and you were just flying.
It was so cool.
The hardest part is getting chairs to turn.
Now you're just smooth sailing.
It doesn't get easier from here.
Every single performance has to be elevated in some way.
She's either saying you're wrong or she's saying you're a liar.
No, no. I didn't say anything --
He's been in a vocal competition.
Yeah. He knows that.
Oh, so she's calling you a liar.
I just meant -- I just heard him --
No, no. You know what I meant, Kelly.
No, no, no. What I was saying --
The audition part is sometimes the hardest thing to do.
Whoever you end up going with, you're a super singer,
and you're gonna go really far in this.
Thank you, man. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I just want you to know, like, whatever team you land on,
like, it's got to be A game, like, every time.
So have fun. [ Laughs ]
I really want you on my team. That's all, D.Smooth.
Okay, Miss Kelly.
D.Smooth, by the power vested in me...
[ Laughter ]
...who do you choose as your coach?
Come on, come on, come on.
[ Audience shouting ]
Kelly.
First of all, I just appreciate being here
and appreciate you guys' feedback,
'cause I've come a long way from just being on the stage.
And it means a lot to me just to be here.
But I'm gonna have to go with...
...Miss Kelly.
Yes! Whoo!
Yeah!
[ Cheers and applause ]
Oh, my God. You are so good.
Thank you, Miss Kelly.
I love D.Smooth. He is so talented.
His runs were just very on point.
I'm very excited to figure out what he wants to do on the show.
Ohh.
I think you was more stressed than me.
I was.
That was really cool.
That was really --
Blake: Kelly actually called Niall a liar.
I feel like my grooming is coming along nicely with Niall.
When you pointed out what a liar he is...
No, that is not what I was saying. ...that was like a nail in the coffin.
You had -- You had him at that moment. I --
I saw a chance and I took it.
I'm kidding. [ Laughs ]
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back.
**
Man: Go for it.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Daly: The cowboy, Blake Shelton!
[ Cheers and applause ]
Blake: It's my first day of my last season of "The Voice."
I'm having a damn good day, you know.
I was -- I was -- [ Cheers and applause ]
I was nervous I was gonna be sad, but I'm not.
I'm just having a blast.
Chance: This girl over here loves you.
Loves me? I love you.
I'm so glad we have the audience back for my last season.
Just looked me in the eyes and goes, "I love you."
I'm like, "Really?" She's like, "No, Blake Shelton.
Get his attention, please."
It's always fun to come into the room
and interact with them and joke around.
You would pick me?
My man.
Since you said you would pick me,
I'll just give you --
Since -- I'll just give you the gift
that I give people that pick me on their team.
Alright? Yeah.
That's my team shirt. That's for you.
Yeah. Thank you.
Good to meet you, brother. Yes, sir.
Thanks. Yes, sir.
Man: Places, please, places, please.
Keep going. Blake: This season is the last time
I'm gonna get to hear a voice that moves me
and turn this chair.
12 years is like the entire, like, element--
kindergarten to senior year.
I know. Yeah.
It's gonna be an emotional, crazy season for me.
'Cause I'm back? Is it 'cause I'm back?
Is that what it is?
You spit all over the side of my face when you asked that.
Man: Our next artist is entering now.
Emily: I grew up in Ada, Oklahoma,
Blake Shelton's hometown,
and there have just been so many connections
that have led me to Blake.
Now, on his final season, to be able to say,
"Hey, I followed in your footsteps
and I have the same dream," it's unreal.
Good luck.
**
* I would have given you all of my heart *
Oh.
* But there's someone who's torn it apart *
* And he's taken just all that I have *
* But if you want I'll try to love again *
* Baby, I'll try to love again, but I know *
Come on.
* The first cut is the deepest *
* Baby, I know *
* When it comes to bein' lucky, he's cursed *
Come on, guys. We got to get it going.
* When it comes to lovin' me, he's worst *
* Try to love again *
[ Cheers and applause ]
Oh, man.
What's your name? Where you from?
My name is Emily Rhyne, and I'm from Ada, Oklahoma.
Chance: Wow. Kelly: What? What?
Ada? Yeah.
Man, turn this around. What are the chances?
Well, and actually, Blake, I play music at Ole Red.
Oh, no. Oh, my God, how bad do you feel right now?
I feel terrible.
Why do you think it's funny that everybody feels bad?
What's wrong with you? Just you.
Not to make it worse, but I did bring
a couple things for you. Okay.
If you don't mind. Oh, my God, make it worse, please, for me.
Make it worse. Have my sister bring it out for me.
Come on, sister.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Oh, my God, I love you. This is my sister Annie.
Oh, she probably really hates me.
And also, just a side note, we're huge Niall fans.
Me too.
I'm sorry.
I have two presents. Okay.
So this is a T-shirt.
It was made at Junk Stars,
and I had local Ada musicians sign the shirt.
And... Aww.
You live in Ada now?
I grew up in Ada. You know my grandpa. Okay.
I probably went to high school with your grandpa.
Who's your grandpa? Ernie Dunlap.
Oh, my God. Wow. Crazy.
So I think you guys will get a kick out of this.
I promise you I will. My --
Niall: Yeah, me too.
My grandpa was a musician, and when Blake was 13 years old...
Oh, no.
...he asked his mama for his birthday
if he could go to the recording studio...
That's true. ...and lay down some tracks.
Oh, this is gonna be good. Oh, my God.
[ Laughs ]
This is gonna change your life.
[ "Dumas Walker" plays]
Young Blake: * Well*
* Let's all go*
* Down to Dumas Walker*
* Down * [ Laughs ] He's so funny.
* Let's all go*
Under. * Down to Dumas Walker*
That's cute.
* We'll get a slaw burger, fries, and a bottle of 'skey*
* Bring it on out to my baby and me*
That is great. That was so great.
Emily. That's beautiful.
I'm so sorry. This sucks so bad.
Your house is gonna get egged.
Yeah, yeah.
But it was your last season here.
So I had to -- I had to go all out. Thank you.
I wish we would have turned. We love you as a human, too.
Niall: Thank you, Emily.
Blake: Man, if I could ever go back in time,
it would have been for Emily.
It just didn't move me enough.
But knowing the backstory, if I had known it,
I definitely would have hit my button.
That's a heartbreaker for me.
That was so cute.
She was so nice. Damn it.
I want a redo.
Hearing me perform when I was 13
just shows you that no matter how bad you suck,
you can get there.
Niall: You did not sound 13 in that thing.
That's 'cause he was probably 6 feet tall already.
Sounded like a 45-year-old man.
[ Imitates singing ] I was trying to.
That was, like, real country, too.
* A-y-ee * You know?
You're like * May *
Every time someone has a gift for Blake, he fails to turn,
and I think that kills him. You feel bad.
All I'm saying is I hope no one from my hometown turns up.
[ Laughter ]
Too many stories.
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back.
What about your Block?
What are you gonna do with that?
I'm saving it for battles.
I wonder if you can keep it like minutes,
like rollover minutes on your phone.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Alex: [ British accent ] I worked as a tube driver
in London Underground for 18 years.
The hardest part of the job, depending on the shift,
you could go into work in the dark, spend all day in the dark,
and come home in the dark and not see the sun for a week.
Coming out to Hollywood was something I dreamed about
while I was on the front of the train
but never dared myself to think would happen.
So here we are, then.
When do I sing?
[ Laughs ]
My name's Alex Whalen. I am 43 years old.
I'm originally from London,
but currently residing in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida.
Yeah, this doesn't suck.
I met my wife,
just like any other self-respecting Englishman,
in a pub, but I was actually performing.
Thought, "Yeah, that boy can sing."
[ Laughs ]
Not bad-looking, either.
She supports everything I do. She actually braids my beard.
You do know we're English, right?
This is -- This is torturous. This is like the worst thing ever, okay.
Now on my way to my first gig of the day.
I'm doing five or six four-hour shows a week
at bars, restaurants.
While I'm very thankful for the work,
I play in the background,
and it's kind of soul-destroying
when you sing your guts out and nobody cares.
So I'm hoping that this is the change that I'm looking for.
I'm 43, but it's never too late.
And, you know, the blind audition
is a great leveler, isn't it?
I just got to give it absolutely everything,
and we'll see how the chips fall.
**
* Take the ribbon from your hair *
Oh, yeah. Sammi Smith.
* Shake it loose and let it fall *
* Laying soft against my skin *
Pretty voice.
* Like the shadows on the wall *
That's a big voice.
* I don't care who's right or wrong *
* And I don't try to understand *
Come on.
* Let the devil take tomorrow *
* Lord, tonight I need *
* A friend *
* Yesterday is dead and gone *
I like that part of his voice.
* And tomorrow's out of sight *
* I don't want to be alone *
Oh, yeah.
* So help me make it through *
What are you doing?
* The night *
Stop it!
[ Cheers and applause ]
You stop this, Chance.
Whoa.
That was incredible. What's your name?
Where you from? My name's Alex Whalen.
Originally, I'm from London,
now residing in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida.
You have a gorgeous, gorgeous voice.
When you go low, that's your superpower, man.
That storyteller in you, it's really nice.
And I'm so stoked to see you work with Chance.
It's just the coolest thing ever.
It will be.
That was really good, Kelly.
Here's the part where you take up for me, son.
Alright, let me -- let me tell you about my old man here.
Before he turned, he was singing every word.
He was all over it from minute one.
And I feel like this is right up his strada.
Oh, what does that mean?
"Street" in Italian. Oh, okay.
That's your man.
[ Applause ]
In all these years, I've never had a chance
to work with a country singer from London.
Well, there you have it.
I like it, Alex. I like it a lot.
And you've braided your beard nicely for television.
I mean, you just look badass.
Listen, man, I'm gonna go ahead and say it.
This is my last season as a coach on this show,
and I want you on my last team.
But this is actually my last season, too.
No, I'm just kidding. But...
I honestly think your voice is just so unique, man.
Your tone, like, you're a natural tenor,
but you can move around.
And then I like your swag, man.
I like the hat. I like the glasses on the hat.
And I think that you could do well with Chance the Rapper.
[ Cheers and applause ]
I think what's interesting, too, to keep in your mind is...
Oh, this'll be good. ...what team are you gonna stand out on?
You might find people that are in a similar lane on one team,
and on the other one, you might stand out.
I'm just saying. Kelly has chosen
to not be a part of your life in any way...
And yet I'm still trying to help you. ...shape or form.
By not hitting her button... I'm just kind.
...she chose to not be a part of your life.
I'm totally gonna miss him. Mm-hmm.
I'm hopefully taking over from him.
[ Laughter ]
It really doesn't matter what team you pick.
You're gonna do really well because you already have your sound.
But who do you pick as your coach?
Come on, Alex.
Alex: Well, this is a tough one.
Um...
[ Dramatic music plays ]
I'm gonna have to go with Blake.
Okay. Alright. Yes.
Blake: Alex has got that thing about him.
His voice is a little bit wild.
Kind of had a rock edge to it.
That's good stuff.
Chance has come into this thing fearless.
When he gets excited about somebody, he goes all in.
Oh, and you too.
I knew he was gonna pick you.
Chance: Kelly and Blake seem to be like the vets of the show.
They know how everything works,
but they should definitely watch out.
I haven't used my Block yet, so the Block is coming.
He called me "mate."
I thought that was an Australian thing.
No, people say "mate." They do?
They say they're best mates. Have you ever left this country?
No. That makes sense, then.
It's so weird.
That's why I'm retiring, guys.
You're not gonna go anywhere but your ranch.
* This is "The Voice" *
Daly: Welcome back to the blind auditions.
NOIVAS: Today I am singing
"A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke.
This song is very important for me personally.
It traces throughout the lineage of my own family.
My name is NOIVAS.
I'm 30 years old and I currently live in Hutto, Texas.
I have one daughter, Bella.
I absolutely love that little girl.
And I have another one on the way.
I love being a girl dad.
I want my children to look back on this one day
and say, "Dad didn't give up on his dream,
so why should I?"
* Mmmmmmmm *
"A Change Is Gonna Come"
is the perfect song for this moment.
It was the first song I ever played on the guitar.
And my father, he grew up in Jim Crow Mississippi,
in a time of widespread racism.
So, I waited for a change.
My grandfather, they tried to burn down his church.
I remember singing that song for him before he passed away.
He told me, "This reminds me of the happiest times in my life
and some of the worst times in my life."
And if that isn't the perfect definition
of what it was like to be Black in this country...
That's one reason why I wanted to sing this song.
I am dedicating my performance to not only my daughters,
but my father, my community.
Man: Our next artist is entering now.
NOIVAS: I just want to honor those who came before me.
[ Light drumming ]
* I was born by the river *
[ Audience cheers ]
* In a little tent *
* And just like the river, I've been running *
* Ever since *
* It's been a long *
* A long time coming *
Yeah! * But I know, know, know *
Oh, my God, that was so fast. * A change gon' come *
* Oh, yes, it will *
* Oh, oh, yeah *
* And I go, go, go, go *
Let's go! * To my brother *
Wow.
* I say, "Brother, help me, please" *
Oh, my God.
* And my brother *
* Ends up knockin' me *
* Back down *
* Back down on my knees *
* Ohhhhhh, ohh *
[ Audience cheers ] * Oh-h-h *
* It's been a long *
Oh, my God, this guy!
* A long time coming *
* But I know, know *
* That a change is gonna come *
[ Cheers and applause ]
Let's go!
That's how you do that!
Four chairs!
Chance: That's how you do that!
Holy...! [ Laughs ]
Holy... That's how you do that, boy!
Blake got blocked!
What's your name? What planet are you from?
[ Laughter ] My name is Savion Wright.
Wow. But my stage name is NOIVAS. It's my name spelled backwards.
NOIVAS? Oh, that's cool.
You are an incomparable talent, yo...
One of one. ...and I would love to give you the platform
to show yourself to the world. I think you're a voice
of this generation that deserves to be heard. Wow.
To be honest, I actually blocked Blake.
[ Laughter ]
Did you know it was me, really? Yes.
Because, your smile from ear to ear
when you looked at me.
I'm really taking it in this season.
So, even the blocks -- I appreciate that,
because you're threatened by me.
So I'll take that as a compliment.
Chance: You made that song yours.
I would love to have you represent it on my team.
I remember about 2016, you made a challenge go viral.
And I actually was inspired by you to do my own.
Like, just for the first time ever...
That's crazy. ...I was like, "You know what?
I'mma just try to rap."
It went viral on social media,
and I would have never expected that
I could try to rap a little bit.
But I thank you for inspiring me to do that.
Oh, God. [ Laughter ]
It's going down.
Blake, can you just do the finger thing for me?
That's right. I'll do it for you. Oh!
I've always wanted to see that.
I was gonna coach you to be able to do this!
Niall: Hey, do you know what? He's my dad now,
and he's coached me to do it, so I'm doing it.
[ Laughter ]
I don't know if you know this,
but I've won this show a few times.
And I'm just sayin'... I have a TV show.
You wanna perform on a TV show? I'm just saying, I...
Is that legal? Well, I don't know if it's legal...
I don't like the way this is going right now.
Also, I can rap. Uh...
[ Laughter ]
I just don't share that with the world.
But I think the key thing will be having a coach
that's familiar with a show like this
and knowing how to navigate -- Alright, alright, alright.
Alright, now... I'm just saying. I'm just saying.
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on.
I don't -- I don't like the way that this is starting to feel
like a competition, 'cause obviously --
Kelly: It is! It is!
No, no, no. You only have one choice.
You've got Chance right here.
You still got Chance over here.
Oh, my God! Ohhh!
You got Chance right here.
And even though my boy is blocked,
you got Chance right here!
[ Laughter ]
Chance doing all that. I love it!
Make the right choice, my boy.
I'mma give you all the space.
I want you to win this show
and I want you on Team Chance, man.
-Wow. -Ooh-whee!
Niall: First of all, I need a Sharpie.
My name has disappeared.
And I'll try to write it in here.
What you gonna do, man?
NOIVAS, you gave us so many, like, beautiful,
sensitive moments at the very start there.
I knew straight away you were playing the guitar.
And then when I spun around, I haven't seen anyone
with a passion like that.
That's like Stevie Wonder stuff.
It's incredible what you're able to do.
I don't make this kind of music, but sometimes
the best things happen when opposites come together.
I'm actually... I consider myself a pop artist.
Please consider Team Niall.
[ Cheers and applause ]
Blake: I'm not a part of this,
so let me be the one to say,
who do you pick as your coach?
Blake, I really hate that you got blocked
because I was going to choose you.
Oh, that's just great!
Kelly: So then you don't want to go with the guy
that took that opportunity away.
This is such a hard decision. Wow.
I mean...
Oh, my God. Please, please!
I'll do anything. Ahh!
I'm gonna trust my gut here.
Come on, baby. Trust it.
I'm going with Chance.
[ Screams ]
[ Cheers and applause ] Wow.
Let's get this. Let's win! Let's win, man.
Chance: NOIVAS, that's, like, one of my secret weapons right now.
He's immensely talented. He's an instrumentalist.
Make some noise!
First day is done. I'm excited to keep going.
Oh, my God!
I knew you were gonna turn. That's maybe the most well-played block
I've ever seen on the show. Chess, not checkers, baby!
"Chess, not checkers." [ Laughs ] You kidding me?
Let's go!
It's rookie season, and I'm so proud
of my fellow rookie Chance for getting NOIVAS.
He's gonna take him all the way.
Can you try to be home by 7:30 for dinner?
Yes, Dad. Okay.
I'll get an Uber. Okay.
Great job today. I'm really proud of you.
Thank you, Dad. See you later.
See you -- See you tonight!
My dad. What a guy.
[ Clears throat ] Um, what was I saying?
**