The Voice still resonates

MANILA, Philippines - The Voice (US) has undoubtedly become a highly-successful singing competition, producing singing stars since it started in April 2011. It is the only singing contest that airs two seasons a year. Last season’s winner was Jamaican talent Tessanne Chin, who was proudly mentored by coach Adam Levine.

Now on its sixth season, The Voice earlier had open auditions in Las Vegas (Nevada), Austin (Texas), St. Louis (Missouri) and New York City (New York). The show recently finished its blind auditions, the initial stage of competition where the four coaches chose 12 talents into their respective teams. The talents then advanced to the battle rounds.

With the departure of Cee Lo Green after season five, the coaches this season are Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, joined by returning coaches from season four, Shakira and Usher.

The show is now into its much-awaited battle rounds. What started out in the third season, where a coach can steal two artists eliminated by another coach, is carried on this season. The artist, who wins the battle rounds, will advance to the battle rounds two (formerly the knockout rounds).

For this season’s advisors, the coaches enlisted the help of Panamanian-American singer, songwriter, rapper and musician Aloe Blacc for Team Adam, country music star Miranda Lambert (wife of Blake Shelton) for Team Shakira, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jill Scott for Team Usher and American country music siblings The Band Perry for Team Blake.

After two episodes of the battle rounds, hopefuls who advanced to the next round were T.J. Wilkins, Stevie Jo, Morgan Wallen and Melissa Jimenez from Team Usher. Jake Worthington, Sisaundra Lewis and Megan Ruger from Team Blake, who stole Biff Gore from Usher.

Dani Moz, Clarissa Serna and Ddendyl from Team Shakira, who stole Patrick Thomson from Adam. Kat Perkins and Delvin Choice from Team Adam, who stole two artists — Jake Barker and Brittnee Camelle — from Usher. Three coaches actually attempted to steal Jake from Usher after the talent lost out to Stevie Jo in the battle rounds, but Jake chose Adam.

For the second battle round, all four teams share the same advisor, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Each coach can have one more steal. “Only the strongest will survive,” stressed The Voice’s promotional plug.

The Voice is hosted by Carson Daly and airs on AXN Monday and Tuesday nights. The show is also seen in its respective versions in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, United Kingdom and the Philippines.

Also presently airing is The Voice UK, with Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, Ricky Wilson and will.i.am as coaches. Meanwhile, The Voice Philippines will air its second season this year (after The Voice Kids). Returning coaches are Lea Salonga, apl.de.ap, Bamboo and Sarah Geronimo.