The Voice has returned and here’s how the first part of the season premiere went down:
Chris Weaver (29 — Long Island, New York)
“Try a Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding
Team: Jennifer
Yael’s Notes: Chis was one of my favorite performances tonight because not only is he a worship leader, and a drag queen, but he’s also performed for Jennifer Hudson before AND got her to throw a shoe (now twice).
Mitchell Lee (29 — Charleston, South Carolina)
“Hold My Hand” by Hootie & the Blowfish
Team: Blake
Janice Freeman (32 — Compton, California)
“Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons
Team: Miley
Yael’s Notes: I really enjoyed this rendition of the song – a song which I love to begin with – but I also loved that she took a chance by joining team Miley. I’m excited to see how Janice plays out.
Xaris (17 — Gulf Breeze, Florida)
“Don’t Think Twice (It’s Alright)” By Bob Dylan
Team: PASSED
Shi’Ann Jones (15 — Bowling Green, Kentucky)
“Drown In My Own Tears” by Ray Charles
Team: Jennifer
Dave Crosby (30 — Seattle, Washington)
“I’ll Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie
Team: Adam
Odiseas (20 — Brooklyn, New York)
“Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” by James Brown
Team: PASSED
Yael’s Notes: As a two-time loser (not in the negative sense, but in the sense that he’s been passed by the judges twice now), I felt pretty bad for Odiseas. That said, they told him to try again, “third time’s the charm, but I honestly think he might want to move on.
Esera Tuaolo (48 — Minneapolis, Minnesota)
“Rise Up” by Andra Day
Team: Blake
Yael’s Notes: Sweet Superbowl Batman! Another one of my favorite performances tonight. This powerhouse singer is definitely going to make it far.
Brandon Showell (26 — Virginia Beach, Virginia)
“There’s Nothin’ Holding Me Back” by Shawn Mendes
Team: Adam
Lucas Holliday (26 — Lansing, Michigan)
“This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell
Team: Jennifer
Brooke Simpson (26 — Hollister, North Carolina)
“Stone Cold” by Demi Lovato [watch the clip below]
Team: Miley
Yael’s Notes: Brooke won me over with her song choice, her look, and her incredible voice. Move over Demi!
What did YOU think about the season premiere? Let me know on Twitter at @yaeltygiel
— Yael Tygiel