The original gang on "The Voice" is back and better than ever.
The reality singing competition debuted its fifth season with original coaches Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera, who rejoined Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. The show premiered its new season fresh off the heels of their Emmy win Sunday night as Best Reality-Competition Series. The premiere's fresh batch of singing talent proved that the show will continue to be a fan favorite.
The premiere offered so much promising new talent that after the third audition, Adam Levine exclaimed, "I felt like we were at the end of the season!"
The premiere episode resulted in eight new contestants vying for "The Voice" crown. Two new talents were lured onto Christina's team, one was taken by Blake, two by Cee-Lo and three were snatched up by Adam.
Team Christina got two new recruits: Josh Logan and Matthew Schuler. Rocker Josh Logan sang a rendition of Alex Clare's hit, "Too Close," while Matthew Schuler's rendition of "Cough Syrup" made all four coaches hit their button at once. The coaches were immediately mesmerized by Schuler's simultaneously sweet yet powerful voice. At the end of the performance, Adam even stood up on his chair, and Xtina hopped onto the stage to embrace the young singer. He is sure to be a fan favorite as the season continues. Ultimately, Christina was the lucky judge to snatch him up.
Team Blake was able to get Shelbie Z, a former pageant contestant and current hairdresser/pageant coach who sang Gretchen Wilson's "Here for the Party." Her rollicking country number made it obvious that she would go with Blake.
Team Cee Lo was able to snag Caroline Pennell, a young teen with a pretty, soft voice that would be prefect in an indie band. Cee Lo said her voice "sounds like sunshine." Cee Lo also grabbed Kat Robichaud, a fierce rocker-chick with a raspy, powerful voice who sang "I've Got the Music in Me."
And finally, Team Adam snagged three new contenders. He got Nic Hawk, who sang an energetic and feisty version of "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)". Nic even flirted with Adam, saying "I don't know if I'll be able to focus 'cause you're so good looking!" His vivacious personality as well as his singing voice will most likely get him far in the competition. James Wolpert's strong and occasionally raspy version of Jack White's "Love Interruption" made all four judges turn around, but he decided to jump onto Adam's team. Lastly, much to Christina's chagrin, Adam was able to get Donna Allen, a 54-year-old former background vocalist for Miami Sound Machine who sang a gorgeous rendition of "You Are so Beautiful." At the end, Adam went up to hug Donna, and Donna jumped into his arms.
Judging from the premiere, this season of "The Voice" will be chock-full of amazing performances (and obligatory coach bickering).
Check out the performance that made all four judges push their buttons after only one line of the song.