On Friday, I caught a preview screening of the brand new season of “The Voice” which returns to NBC on Monday night at 8/7c. I believe this could be the show’s highest rated and most buzzed about season ever. Fans can expect huge surprises, lots of tears, some incredible singers and, of course, the continuing bromance between coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. If that isn’t reason enough to watch, then here are five more reasons from my sneak peek screening of the two-hour season premiere.
The Original Gang is Back: There is no denying that the chemistry between Adam, Blake, Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera was good before, but there seems to be a new magic among the group. It’s quite obvious that Christina and Cee Lo appreciate what they have with the show after being away from it for a season. Both coaches have a new fire in them to really win this time around.
The Judges Are Not Afraid to Beg: It’s no secret that singing competitions are causing viewer burnout – case in point the lackluster ratings “The X Factor” has garnered so far this season. What makes “The Voice” standout from the pack, however, is its ability to turn the tables on the coaches and make them the ones begging for a chance. In the blind auditions, if multiple coaches turn their chairs, it’s then up to the artist to choose. This season has the judges really duking it out and the claws are really coming out. Cee Lo had a classic line that really had one artist pondering their pick when he mused, “Do you want to be a member of a team or an owner?” At one point Blake pulled out all the stops when he busted out his three “The Voice” trophies and laughed, “I can give you three reasons why you should pick me!” Adam, at one point, scolded Blake by telling him that winning four in a row is never gonna happen. His proof — no NBA team has ever won four national championships in succession.
PHOTOS: ‘The Voice’ Coaches Then & Now
Stellar Talent: Sure, other singing talent competitions have some incredible singers as well but what makes “The Voice” artists stand out is they truly are artists. They are not just singers standing on a stage performing. The show has taken some heat for showcasing singers who have more of a professional background, but I don’t understand why this is a problem. Unless someone has made a hit album, had a No. 1 record and made an impact on the industry, they are not a true star, which is what the show is trying to make. One artist’s performance was so incredible he had the coaches not only turning their chairs but standing on them!
You’ll Get To See Adam Blush (and do pushups!): He’s usually as cool as a cucumber, but when one young man, with a very unique voice, charmed Adam, he lost it for a second and had to hide behind a note card. Their first encounter after Adam turned his chair was a, “What’s up handsome?” from the contestant. As the contestant contemplated coaches, he told Adam, “I don’t know if I will be able to focus because you are so good looking.” You will also get to see Adam show his enthusiasm for one female contestant by doing pushups. She later jumped into his arms in one of the episode’s funniest moments.
WATCH IT NOW: ‘The Voice’ Season 5 – First Look
Those Outrageous Outfits: Listen, Shakira’s got great style and so does Usher. You’ll even see Adam rocking some outfits from his new Kmart collection for men this season, but what I like to see are those ‘What the heck are they wearing moments’ that only Cee Lo and Christina can deliver. Cee Lo channels Michael Jackson, circa “Beat It,” on the first episode, while Christina busts out one of her signature wigs and bright red lips. The coaches all open the show together singing, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” which sounded great, but I couldn’t help trying to decipher whether Christina was trying to be a rock ‘n’ roller or perform for the USO. Noticeably slimmer and rocking some major leg, she certainly showed off her sexy side. Perhaps Miley Cyrus can take a few pointers on how to be edgy and sexy without shocking the world from this former Disney girl. (Remember, Christina was in the Mickey Mouse Club as a young teen)
Check out “The Voice” Season 5 premiere on Monday night at 8/7c on NBC.
Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.