‘The Voice': Blake Shelton Rounds Out His Team With Well-Chosen Pick
Tuesday (Mar. 13) night ushered in the last day of Blind Auditions for the 14th season of The Voice, in which coaches Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Alicia Keys and American Idol alum/newbie Kelly Clarkson compete to figure out who will make up their respective teams.
This was the night to round out the teams, and Shelton had one slot left to fill. Given that he's already armed his arsenal with a variety of interesting — and genre-diverse — vocalists, viewers were left to wonder if he'd go for a safe (i.e., country) choice with his last pick, or perhaps decide to surprise everyone with a left-field selection.
The very first contestant Tuesday night promised to be the latter. Genesis Diaz, an 18-year-old from Miami, caused both Levine and Shelton to turn their chairs with her rendition of Kesha's soulful "Praying." It ain't country, but Shelton notes, "It wouldn't be possible for me to be happier if you completed Team Blake this season." Alas, Diaz took her pipes to Team Adam (although we all suspect she really wanted Team Alicia).
Shelton found his missing piece, however, in California teen Dallas Caroline, who sweetly warbled Willie Nelson's classic "Always on My Mind" in a fragile, trembling style sounding somewhat like Ashley Monroe's high register. Levine, Clarkson and Shelton all hit their buttons.
Clarkson raved, "You have a beautiful quality that’s missing in country music," adding "I sing with Reba! I sing with Jason Aldean!" Meanwhile, Levine — who probably knew he didn't have half a chance — pleaded, "When I see cowboy boots I usually run for the hills."
The young singer said, somewhat flustered, "This is crazy and a dream come true," but quickly settled on Team Shelton. Was anyone surprised?
Shelton, fully satisfied, remarked, "Dallas has a very pure, sweet-sounding voice. I had a great team, and this is just the icing on the cake."
Make sure to join us next week, when the Battle Rounds begin and there's extra help on board. Trace Adkins lends a hand to Team Blake, Shawn Mendes will join Team Alicia, Julia Michaels will assist Team Adam, and Hailee Steinfeld joins Team Kelly.
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