‘The Voice’ kicks off live shows with Team Adam and Team Blake

The Voice returned to NBC with the first night of the live playoffs. Each individual vocalist will compete for America’s vote. The first two teams to perform for the vote were Team Blake and Team Adam. Tomorrow night will feature Team Pharrell and Team Gwen. All of the contests are able to watch each other perform. Kicking off the evening was coach Adam Levine with his band Maroon 5. They performed their latest hit “Animal” off of their album V.

Image courtesy of Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

Starting off the night was Team Blake’s Taylor Brashears. Shelton chose “Long Time Gone” by the Dixie Chicks for Brashears to perform. The goal of this song choice was to take a classic country song and make it modern. Williams started off the comments by saying that this performance feels different than what is happening on the radio and she is keeping music fresh and interesting. Stefani added that she was shocked at how comfortable Brashears was on stage and that her performance was effortless. Levine also spoke about her confidence on stage. Her coach added that she did a great job tonight and he was impressed by her performance and personality.

Image courtesy of INFphoto.com

Following Brashears was Team Adam’s Chris Jamison. Levine chose a modern current chart topping single for his performance, “Don’t” by Ed Sheeran. Shelton said simply it was a great job and performance. Williams added that Sheeran really writes to every note of the track and Jamison captured that and floored everyone. Stefani added that she noticed something different with his stage presence and how he performed. Coach Adam added that it was clear how excited Jamison was during his performance and he contained that energy and showed his control.

Next up was Jessie Pits who was stolen from Stefani to Team Blake. She performed “Holding Out For A Hero.” The overall comments from the coaches included how many Pits had advanced and grown as an artist. Levine explained that it is cool that Pits really had a moment on stage and was memorable. Coach Blake added that this was her best performance yet and she really captured the moment.

The next performer from Team Blake was James David Carter. He performed “Full House” by Garth Brooks. Levine and David Carter explained how to fully pronounce him name and he is super jealous of Shelton for having him on his team. Shelton said that he continued to be a rock and that he could always count on Carter to sound great and be present in the moment. His experience all shined through according to Shelton.

Matt McAndrew from Team Adam was up next. Levine chose “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys. Shelton started off the comments by saying that McAndrew really sung the song perfectly and that it was an interesting and different song choice. Stefani was moved to almost tears during this performance. Coach Adam was impressed and added that this performance was incredible and blew him away.

Next up was Team Blake’s Reagan James. James performed “Try” by Colbie Caillat. The performance brought her coach to his feet. Williams started off the performance by adding that she really showcased what she had as a performer and floated across the stage. Stefani said that she was touched that James would listen to her advice and that performance was effortless. Coach Blake said that he thinks she is one of the most important artists that have been on the Voice to date.

Following James was Team Adam’s Taylor Phelan who was stolen by Levine. Phelan performed the current chart-topping hit “Cool Kids.” Williams started out the comments by saying this type of a performance is why fans should by his record when it comes out. Stefani said that Phelan performs every time as if he is putting on his own concert. Levine said that it is true that Phelan blew everyone away from the start but he keeps on impressing everyone as he goes.

Following Phelan was Mia Pfirrman from Team Adam. She put her own unique spin on “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey. Shelton added that her voice was perfect for that kind of a dramatic performance. Williams commented on the growth that she had shown during this performance. Levine said that he was impressed at her vocal performance and that she would listen to all of his advice and coaching, this has really allowed her to come into her own as an artist.

Next up was Damien from Team Adam. Levine picked a modern song with a classic twist, “I’m Not The Only One,” by Sam Smith. Shelton started off the comments by saying that it was clear what people thought because the audience kept cheering. Williams added that people will be going crazy over that performance when they see it. Levine commented that he loved the performance and was even impressed at how Williams reacted to the performance.

Closing the night was Craig Wayne Boyd from Team Blake. Boyd performed “Some Kind of Wonderful,” originally performed by Grand Funk Railroad. Williams said that he really wanted Boyd to stay on his own path and is impressed with his direction. Stefani added that he looks awesome and he really had a moment on stage. Shelton said that without a doubt that was the performance of the night.

Image courtesy of Famous/ACE/INFphoto.com

Image courtesy of Nancy Rivera/ACE/INFphoto.com

The live shows continue tomorrow night with Team Pharrell and Team Gwen taking the Voice stage.