Kelly Clarkson Joins 'The Voice' Family As Season 14 Blind Auditions Begin
The Voice returns for its record-setting 14th season! Joining Adam Levine and Blake Shelton are Alicia Keys and the one and only Kelly Clarkson.
In addition to Clarkson, there is a new feature that will make the Blind Auditions more exciting. On each coach's chair, there is a block option. For instance, if Clarkson wants an artist but does not want to compete against Levine, she would press the block Adam button, however, she would only be able to do it once per season.
Blind Audition #1: Britton Buchanan
The 17-year-old Britton Buchanan kicked off Season 14 Blind Auditions with a song that has been performed multiple times on the show: Ray LaMontagne's "Trouble." Season 2 finalist Tony Lucca performed the song six years ago for his Blind Audition while Season 8 champion Sawyer Fredericks sang the song two years ago during the Live Playoffs.
Buchanan has a firm voice and sounds like an old soul. Despite having Alicia, Adam, and Blake turn around, Buchanan could only pick between the "If I Ain't Got You" and the "God Gave Me You" singers because the Maroon 5 frontman was blocked from pitching.
Buchanan admitted that he loved Levine because of his collaboration with Randy Newman ("I Love L.A.") and told him that he watched the music video 80 times a day. Adam decided to advise Buchanan to join Team Alicia.
Blake revealed that he was the one who blocked his rival a chance to coach Buchanan and the North Carolina native told Shelton that he loved his song "Austin." He became the very first member of Team Alicia.
Blind Auditions #2: Brynn Cartelli
The 14-year-old high school student Brynn Cartelli got bitten by the music bug after her parents introduced her to Kelly Clarkson's music. She sang Labrinth's "Beneath Your Beautiful" and displayed an aura of confidence as she performed the song. Cartelli's cover of the song caught the attention of both Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton.
Clarkson loved Cartelli's versatility, and the high school student admitted that she was a longtime fan. Cartelli became the very first member of Team Kelly and she earned a black and gold jersey.
Blind Auditions #3: Rayshun LaMarr
Rayshun LaMarr fought his way back from Lymphoma three years ago. However, he also lost some of his voice and hearing in the process but is now free of the disease.
LaMarr's powerful vocals caught the attention of both Adam Levine and Alicia Keys. Despite Alicia's pitch and hug, LaMarr chose to go to Team Adam.
Blind Audition #4: Kyla Jade
The 33-year-old Kyla Jade is a background vocalist who wants to step out into the spotlight. Jade worked for numerous artists, including former The Voice coach Jennifer Hudson. While her mentor is not at the Universal Studios Hollywood soundstage, Jade impressed the audience with her spicy cover of Aretha Franklin's "See Saw."
Jade was able to impress Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton while Keys was screaming with delight in her seat. The "No One" singer was impressed with the Nashville-based singer's flawless notes while Kelly and Blake entered a playful bickering match.
Clarkson admitted to Jade that Aretha Franklin was one of the reasons why she wanted to be a singer. She also mentioned that despite Shelton's massive winning streak, she won a competition show similar to The Voice.
Meanwhile, Blake brought up the fact that he won the show for the first time with Jermaine Paul, who is Alicia's background singer. Jade chose to enlist in Team Blake.
Blind Audition #5: Kelsea Johnson
The 21-year-old Kelsea Johnson dedicated her audition to her late grandfather who was a mariachi performer. She tackled Meghan Trainor and John Legend's "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" for her performance and Johnson's stunning voice gave the audience its first case of goosebumps this season.
Johnson got the attention of Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and Alicia Keys. Johnson decided to enlist in Team Alicia. She picked the "Lessons Learned" singer-songwriter because of her ongoing working relationship with Season 12 winner Chris Blue.
Blind Audition #6: Drew Cole
The Voice host Carson Daly recruited bartender Drew Cole and invited him to audition for the coaches. Cole auditioned with one of Adam Levine's favorite songs: Marcy Playground's "Sex and Candy." Adam Levine covered the song with Maroon 5 in 2014 on the band's latest album V.
While the new father of two turned around first, Shelton turned around and wanted to steal Cole from his arch rival. However, Levine won Cole over in his coach's commentary and the bartender became the latest member of Team Adam.
Blind Audition #7: D.R. King
When D.R. King sang "Believer" by Imagine Dragons for his Blind Audition, his voice could have reminded viewers of a young Stevie Wonder. King caught the attention of the original American Idol champion and the six-time champion.
King revealed that he is a former school teacher and her mother is also a retired teacher. Blake Shelton called D.R. King's voice is explosive, but King chose to work with Kelly Clarkson.
Blind Audition #8: Kaleb Lee
The 31-year-old Kaleb Lee decided to inspire his three kids to follow their dreams as he auditioned for the NBC singing competition after a seven-year absence. Lee's impactful vocals took the Universal Studios Hollywood soundstage audience to country church as he caught the attention of both Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson.
Lee also introduced his family to the coaches and Clarkson fought hard and even performed a few bars of "Don't You Wanna Stay" to convince Lee to join them. He picked Team Blake to please his kids.
Blind Audition #9: Justin Kilgore
The final Blind Audition performance of the night belonged to Buffalo, Texas native Justin Kilgore. He left his family barn behind to chase his dream. Kilgore sang a powerful version of Chris Young's "Tomorrow" that impressed all four coaches.
However, Alicia Keys decided to use her block button on Blake Shelton. Both Adam Levine and Kelly Clarkson were delighted that Shelton could not pitch Kilgore. Keys admired Kilgore's spirit while Clarkson bonded with Kilgore over their mutual love for her mother-in-law, Reba McEntire, despite Levine giving a solid pitch,
Clarkson stated that the Maroon 5 frontman sat "on a throne of lies." After hearing each pitch from the three coaches, Kilgore enlisted in Team Kelly. He becomes Clarkson's first country music artist in the competition.
