With the preliminary rounds complete, The Voice season 17 enters its first live show, featuring some of the strongest competition in years. Each of the megastar coaches - Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, John Legend and Kelly Clarkson - will see their teams of five whittled down with help from viewer votes.
While the survivors won't be official until Tuesday night's results show, a couple contestants from each team already stand out. They represent a diversity of musical genres, ages and ethnicities. Here’s who to look out for on each coach's team.
TEAM BLAKE SHELTON
Cali Wilson
Cali’s powerful vocals were evident in her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” in her Blind Audition, but it was the stripped back subtleties she brought to “Wicked Game” in the Knockouts that solidified her as a contender. After leaving her small town because of her community’s attitude about her sexuality, Cali is ready for big things.
Ricky Duran
Not to be confused with fellow Blake teammate Ricky Braddy, Duran has thoroughly impressed his coach with his ability to slay songs in any genre. Thus far, Ricky D has handled soul, pop and alternative, so don’t be surprised if Blake throws a country song his way to give him a new way to show off his beautiful tone.
TEAM GWEN STEFANI
Joana Martinez
Most teens on The Voice have a pageant-like poise, so it’s refreshing to see someone unafraid to show off her goofy side during rehearsals. It’s a nice contrast to the powerhouse voice and professionalism she exhibits on stage. Gwen certainly lucked out when her boyfriend Blake left Joana available to be stolen.
Myracle Holloway
The music industry may be attracted to youth, but this 44-year-old singer proves that experience is an equally valuable asset. While it’s heartbreaking to hear about her past physical and substance abuse, there’s no denying that she uses that pain and emotion to make her performances even more palpable and relatable.
TEAM JOHN LEGEND
Katie Kadan
If you’re looking to place a bet on the winner, the smart money has got to be on Katie. Between her strong, husky voice and equally as loud clothing, she just plain stands out amongst a talented field. Plus, her story about deciding to embrace her gifts after hiding from the limelight because of her size is the kind of body positivity message that’ll resonate with audiences.
Will Breman
Singing competitions can’t be all boring ballads, which is why it’s great to have a dose of unpredictable fun from Will. The singer, who is on the autism spectrum, matches solid vocals with an unrivaled stage presence, and his unique take on the Spice Girl’s “Say You’ll Be There” is a definite earworm.
TEAM KELLY CLARKSON
Hello Sunday
At the age of fourteen, most singers are still trying to figure out their own vocal capabilities, yet this duo has already nearly mastered the art of blending voices into stunning harmonies. It’s no wonder that Chelsea Grover and Myla Finks managed to make guest advisor Taylor Swift cry during rehearsal. Given how quickly these girls have shown improvement, it’ll be exciting to see where they finish.
Jake Hoot
To be honest, Jake underwhelmed in his audition that yielded a single chair turn (it’s not a good sign when even Blake doesn’t turn for a country artist), but ever since then he’s been blowing away audiences with his rich tone that would totally fit right in on country radio today. Between his talent and warm disposition, Jake could sail to the finale.
The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8PM EST on NBC.
Source: The Voice