“How hard is it gonna be when he”s making you a heartfelt speech, and you”re waiting for him to make you an Arby”s roast beef sandwich?”
IfMonday night’s lackluster season 7 premiereof The Voice was all about the coaches — old and new — thenTuesday night’s episode put the spotlight back on the auditionees with big voices, creative takes and visible potential. (Thank goodness, because this singing show is still in need of a true breakout star.)
Meet the second batch of hopefuls who made it through theseason seven’s blind auditionsand won overGwen Stefani,PharrellWilliams,Blake SheltonandAdam Levine.
You are watching: Pharrell hats on the voice
Danica ShireySong: “Big White Room”Coaches who turned their chairs: Levine, Stefani, WilliamsThe Pennsylvania mother loves singing R&B and won the Apollo’s talent show when she was fifteen years old. Though she hasn’t been performing since she lost her father three years ago, she mastered each trill of the Jessie J track. Levine touted his two wins, while Stefani offered to help with her image. “He’s so fit and I’m so scrawny, but I know what to do with that voice,” said Williams, who compared her to a snake charmer and won her over.
Joe KirkSong: “Lego House”Coaches who turned their chairs: All fourThe Nashville teen, who grew up with a musical mother and brothers in a band, championed the Ed Sheeran track with his own charm. When Shelton started enticing the singer with his regional connection, to Williams’ dismay, the seasoned coach pulled out a beige-colored parody of the newbie’s voluminous hat, complete with a sheriff’s star. “How hard is it gonna be when he’s making you a heartfelt speech and you’re waiting for him to make you an Arby’s roast beef sandwich?” teased Shelton. Nevertheless, Kirk chose Levine.
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Menlik ZergabachewSong: “Santeria”Coaches who turned their chairs: Shelton, StefaniThe son of Ethiopian immigrant entrepreneurs dropped out of high school to play with his reggae band. As he performed the Sublime cover, Williams prodded Stefani to turn, and she finally did at the last second — which is when Shelton knew he lost his chance. “Damnit, Gwen! … I wish things had been different,” said Shelton, after praising his technicality and his “badass” hair. Inevitably, he picked up a Team Gwen shirt.
Reagan JamesSong: “Give Me Love”Coaches who turned their chairs: Shelton, StefaniThe incredibly poised Texas teen put her textured sound on theSheeranballad, triggering another Shelton-Stefani showdown. James revealed that she wants to pursue R&B, which drenched Williams in regret: “Speaking from a missed opportunity, you are such a threat to the game!” Still, she went with the hometown favorite, Shelton. Only time will tell if she doesn’t turn country.
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Taylor PhelanSong: “Sweater Weather”Coaches who turned their chairs: All fourThe Texas father, who gave up his indie rock band to support his family as a graphic designer, tried out with a bare yet headbanging version of the Neighbourhood hit, complete with footwork that Levine compared to Elvis Presley. Williams — who had to scold Levine for interrupting him, “I don’t know anything about baseball, but I know he just stole a base!” — called him melodically articulate, Shelton compared him to Ryan Tedder and Stefani mentioned her extensive band experience. Phelan ended up with Williams.
Sugar JoansSong: “Chain of Fools”Coaches who turned their chairs: Stefani, SheltonThe Los Angeles wedding singer — whose father sang backup vocals for Alice Cooper, Janet Jacksonand Sergio Mendes — went big with the Aretha Franklin classic, bringing about the third Shelton-Stefani match and a ton of regret from Williams. “You vomit and it’s in key! My button was just jammed!” said the producer, who sat dumbfounded by her very stage-friendly name. Shelton pitched a duet of “Me and Mrs. Jones,” but Stefani touted her soul music experience and won Joans’ favor.
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Taylor BrashearsSong: “You Ain’t Woman Enough (to Take My Man)”Coaches who turned their chairs: Levine, Williams, SheltonThe Nashville food-truck worker grew up playing the fiddle, and led a “retro-country” band immediately after high school. She put her sass on theLoretta Lynn classic and intrigued Shelton at the very last second — a move he explained was because Lynn is one of the untouchable choices of singing competitions, like Whitney Houston. “Break the mold!” shouted Levine, asking her to not go with the country coach, while Williams praised her swagger and offered to learn in order to coach her. Still, she chose Shelton.
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Maiya SykesSong: “Stay With Me”Coaches who turned their chairs:The Yale graduate (a triple major!) comes from a musical family; her father is an versatile instrumentalist and her mother sang backup for Earth, Wind & Fire and Neil Diamond. Now a wedding singer, Sykes immediately attracted all four coaches with her Sam Smith cover. Among endless compliments from each of the coaches from their respective angles, Williams stood up and intrigued her with lines like “I’m only going to push your ambitions, not mine,” while Stefani bragged about her fashion sense: “I can get you shoes, handbags — I have access to goods!” Sykes went with Williams.
