The Voice returned tonight for its 27th season with a new panel of coaches that included OG coach Adam Levine, returning coaches John Legend and Michael Bublé and brand-new coach Kelsea Ballerini, and with a new batch of artists who are hoping to get one step closer to their dreams by landing a spot on one of the teams.
The night kicked off with 20-year-old Grace Miller Moody from Florence, SC, who took a huge gamble by singing one of Adam’s songs in front of him with her electric performance of Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning.”
“It definitely makes me nervous to sing in front of Adam Levine,” she said before taking the stage.
Grace and her family had been to see a Maroon 5 concert on a trip to Las Vegas, so if Adam turned for her, she felt it would be a full-circle moment. And she got her moment as not only did Adam turn for her, but so did all three other coaches.
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Kelsea told Grace, “Adam notoriously does not turn for his own songs, so you have broken the code.”
Michael spoke over Kelsea, saying, “I’m going to say all the things that Adam is about to say to you. This is the greatest I’ve ever heard one of songs sung. You are amazing.”
John jumps in and says teasingly, “Preemptive pitching.”
Michael continues, “Tell me what to say so I can become your coach as you become a worldwide superstar.”
As Michael wraps up, it’s John’s turn to convince Grace to join Team Legend.
“Honestly, all of us feel like we’re at a disadvantage,” he said. “It’s been a long time since Adam has been on The Voice and it’s quite likely very, very rusty. You’ll need someone that’s got more recent experience and who understands how it’s been on the show for the last 10 seasons and not how it was way back in the ancient era. We turned around for you because you kicked that song’s ass. It was so good. Come on home to Team Legend.”
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Then it was Adam’s turn to woo Grace to his team, but it was obvious, he already had an ace up his sleep as she sang his song.
“Forget the song,” he began. “I know it’s mine. I know you have great taste in music. All that’s fantastic.”
Out of nowhere comes Blake Shelton’s voice, “Adam’s a big baby.”
Kelsea says. “I had it for when I really needed some backup, and I got it.”
Kelsea presses the button again, and we hear Blake say, “Adam won’t shut up.” Then she presses it a third time, and we hear, “Adam, you say a lot of stupid stuff.”
Kelsea says, “I rest my case.”
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Adam takes a minute to recall, “You know what that reminds me of? My long pedigreed history here on The Voice.”
But then he turns his attention back to Grace, saying, “I can definitely help you get to where you need to go because the potential for you is limitless. There was just something about what you were doing that was so infectious and so lovable and soulful. You can absolutely go all the way and win this thing. You’re amazing.”
The last coach to try to charm Grace onto her team is Kelsea.
She says, “It feels like it should be illegal to have to go after these three humans. They are three of my favorite artists. I grew up on their music. For me to turn my chair and fight against them is terrifying, but you really are worth it to me. As a woman sitting here, I’m really proud of you for taking this risk. And you’re doing it with such grace and poise. And you’re cool and your voice is great. I just want you to hear that from me. I rest my case.”
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- The Voice Season 27 coaches bring their A-game with a gorgeous rendition of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer”, one of the best covers yet on the show
- Blake Shelton’s clever strategy to bring Adam Levine back for The Voice season 27
Before Grace makes her decision, Michael suggests she bring her family onstage with her to help, and then he asks her the million-dollar question: Who does she want to be her coach?
With little hesitation, Grace picks Adam Levine. No surprise there.
“I’ve got my first artist,” he says. “I’m back from a long hiatus, so I’m fresh again. I usually have the four-chair thing. That’s where I thrive. Under that four-chair pressure, there’s nothing like it. Your heart beats fast. Grace has that rasp and all that cool jazzy radness going on. Nothing rusty here. A finely oiled machine.”
The Voice airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Episode stream next day on Peacock.
