The 26th season of The Voice kicked off with new coaches Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé joining veterans Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire. The premiere episode featured the first Blind Auditions and a coaches performance of the Eagles’ “Heartache Tonight.” The addition of the Coaches’ Replay twist added excitement to the competition, allowing coaches to hit their button and turn their chair around after the audition.
More than a dozen contestants showcased their talent in hopes of winning the $100,000 grand prize and a record deal with Universal Music Group. As the new coaches, Snoop Dogg and Bublé proved to be strong contenders, with Stefani and McEntire facing tough competition.
The Coaches’ Replay feature made its debut during the premiere when country singer Kendall Eugene impressed with his performance. Despite no coaches turning around initially, McEntire used her one Coaches’ Replay button to add him to Team Reba.
One standout moment was the fastest four-chair turn, which took only seven seconds. Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez wowed with his rendition of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” and chose Team Bublé. Another contestant, Jan Dan, whose mother was an R&B singer, caught the attention of Stefani and Bublé with his cover of Brandy’s “Almost Doesn’t Count.”
Kiara Vega’s unique performance of a Spanish song earned her a spot on Team Bublé, impressing the coaches with her soulful delivery. Additionally, 15-year-old Sydney Sterlace’s rendition of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” landed her on Team Gwen, showcasing her exceptional talent at a young age.
Looking ahead, the Blind Auditions will continue in the next episode, with McEntire using her Coaches’ Replay power. The coaches are already forming diverse teams with unexpected musical styles, promising an exciting season ahead on The Voice.
With unexpected twists, impressive contestants, and seasoned coaches, The Voice Season 26 is off to a strong start. Tune in to NBC on Monday nights to catch all the action and see which contestants make it through the Blind Auditions.
