‘The Voice’ Season 7 Premiere Recap: Competition, Quips & More!

“The Voice” returned with its Season 7 premiere on Monday night and it was packed with incredible singers, coach camaraderie, and a lot of fun.

While the superstars in the big red chairs – Adam Levine, Gwen Stefani, Pharrell Williams and Blake Shelton – clearly enjoyed each other’s company, they were fiercely competitive. And, it’s no surprise why. The singers in the first episode of this new season were top notch.

Here’s what happened with the contestants who the coaches turned their chairs for:

PHOTOS: ‘The Voice’ Season 7

Luke Wade, 31, Dublin, Texas
Performed: “That’s How Strong My Love Is”
Chairs Turned: All four
Best Coach Comments/Moments: After seeing Luke, Adam made a big proclamation. “It’s stupid to say it, but I’m dumb and I don’t care: you’re gonna win and it’s gonna be on my team.” But, Pharrell took another approach. “I know a thing or two about blue-eyed soul. You could ask Justin. You could ask Robin,” he said, teasingly.
Who He Picked: Pharrell

Clara Hong, 22, Atlanta
Performed: “Chuck E’s In Love”
Chairs Turned: Three – Adam, Gwen and Pharrell
Best Coach Comments/Moments: Gwen Stefani took to the stage, storming from one side to the other with the refrain, “I’m just a girl,” to show Clara how to have stage presence. “Just then, I was having to check myself. I thought I was just a girl,” Blake joked. Adam put in a big plea, standing up and reading Clara a poem he wrote.
Who She Picked: Adam

WATCH: ‘The Voice’: Will Gwen & Pharrell Gang Up On Adam & Blake?

Bryana Salaz, 16, San Antonio
Performed: “Problem”
Chairs Turned: Three – Adam, Gwen and Blake
Best Coach Comments/Moments: The banter between Adam and Gwen was highly entertaining. Adam kicked things off by suggesting he should be Bryana’s coach over Gwen because the No Doubt frontwoman is new to “The Voice.” “I think I might have the longest career,” Gwen responded, much to the delight of Blake. But, Adam threw in another playful dig at Gwen, telling Bryana, “When I was your age is when I started listening to her records.” Gwen then took another approach. She told Bryana she could relate to her better because of their female/female connection. “I can’t stand that girl card,” Blake said. Although Pharrell did not turn around in his chair, he threw his support behind Gwen. “Gwen is my boo,” he said. The moment confused Blake. “I’m trying to figure out what the hell a ‘boo’ is,” the country star stated. “She’s your ‘boo’? What is that? Like a buddy?”
Who She Picked: Gwen

Damien, 35, Monroe, La.
Performed: “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday”
Chairs Turned: All four
Best Coach Comments/Moments: After seeing four potential coaches before him, Damien broke down in tears as he experienced the joy of not hearing “no” once again. Gwen ran up on stage and embraced and comforted him. “Today should be four confirmations of, ‘yes,'” Pharrell said. “Your voice is amazing and that’s why I pushed the button.” A funny moment came when Blake found out Damien worked for TSA, and he asked about his favorite pocket knife TSA took off of him at an airport. To make his case, Adam, who turned first, said, “in the way that we said yes to you, I’m asking for a ‘yes’ from you.”
Who He Picked: Adam

Allison Bray, 18, Louisville, KY
Performed: “Merry Go ‘Round”
Chairs Turned: Three – Adam, Gwen and Blake
Best Coach Comments/Moments: After hearing Allison (who previously auditioned unsuccessfully), Blake found himself floored. “You have completely blown me away. Your voice is a breath of fresh air. … This is the most excited I’ve been… sitting in this chair for a long time,” he said. Pharrell threw his support (he wasn’t in the running for Allison) behind Blake, and in turn, Blake called Pharrell his “boo.” When Gwen tried to make her case, she asked Blake how many great singers he and Adam passed up over the seasons, but Blake threw in a one liner, singing two words to her – “Don’t Speak.”
Who She Picked: Blake

Taylor John Williams, 23, Porland, Ore.
Performed: “Heartless”
Chairs Turned: Two – Adam and Gwen
Best Coach Comments/Moments: “That dude’s the real deal right there,” Adam said of the young singer/songwriter. Gwen said she wanted him on her team to use him as inspiration to push her. “I need to work with someone like you in a greedy kind of way because I need to write a new record, and I feel like if I’m around someone like you, it’s gonna push me,” she said. Then, she added the clincher: “you’re making me hot.” Pharrell once again stepped in, telling Taylor that Adam understands his voice (they sound similar), but Gwen understands his “future.”
Who He Picked: Gwen

Elyjuh Rene, 18, Long Beach, Calif.
Performed: “XO”
Chairs Turned: Two – Adam and Pharrell
Best Coach Comments/Moments: After an incredible performance of the Beyonce song, “XO,” Elyjuh found himself with two very competitive coaches to choose from. Pharrell was very persuasive. “You are one of the most amazing vocalists that I’ve seen in a long time,” Pharrell said. “I can’t lose you,” Adam pleaded.
Who He Picked: Pharrell

James David Carter, 35, Atlanta, Ga.
Performed: “Nobody Knows”
Chairs Turned: All four
Best Coach Comments/Moments: James had a fun little quip when he addressed the lone female coach of Season 7 after finishing his song. “Miss Gwen, thank you for teaching me how to spell bananas,” he said. After the laughs, both Adam and Gwen stood on the backs of their big red chairs to try and win him over, but Blake brought out the praise. “That might be the best country audition I’ve ever heard,” he said.
Who He Picked: Blake

“The Voice” continues on Tuesday at 8/7c on NBC.

— Jolie Lash