Original subtitles

Producer: "Blind auditions, take 1, marker."

Okay? Gwen: Okay. Okay.

Blind aunditions ‐‐ Sorry.

How do I look?

Oh, you look stunning.

That looks like a long lens. Um...

I don't want to be up too close. I think it's perfect.

Kelly: This season, it's a little different.

I mean, there's way more restrictions on things.

So, we definitely had to take on some more jobs...

What do we got going on here?

...which...fine.

I love jobs.

Well, there's one available.

Okay. Wait.

I've been helping out, doing my own lighting.

I think it's going pretty well, 'cause I look fantastic.

[ Electricity crackles ]

Damn it!

Blind auditions, comma, marker, take 1.

Oh, sorry. I did it wrong again.

Is it good focus? It's very focused.

I've become very adept at operating a camera.

They're always so good at lighting, and they make me...

Yeah. I feel like your exposure is perfect.

It's easy. Put me in the union.

Alright. Let's see if this puppy's on.

It's on. Okay.

Producer: "Blind auditions, take 1."

Oh, blind auditions, take, mar‐‐

1, mark ‐‐ marker.

I'm feeling magenta.

Everybody, like, pitching in is making this show even better.

That's kinda nice, the red on ‐‐

Well, maybe it's a little too red on red.

I don't feel like I'm on the camera.

I'm going for more, like, an artsy approach.

I've been doing this a long time,

and I've never seen a camera guy do...

I'm gonna just do the... ...whatever that is.

quick cut.

Mark ‐‐ Oh, sorry. Say it again.

Maybe just diffuse it. Maybe that's what it is.

I don't think this is that kind of a reality show.

Yeah.

Alright. I think I'm ready.

Let's get this started. Okay.

♪ This is "The Voice" ♪

There you go.

Second sticks, common marker.

Nailed it.

Alright. I'm gonna head to the other camera.

That one's set. It's good.

It doesn't look set!

All right, y'all. The blind auditions start right now.

Daly: Let's meet the first artist of the night.

Rio: Being on "The Voice," it's very exciting for me.

I love L. A. I love this set.

I wish my living room looked [Chuckles] like this.

This is a lot different than where I'm from.

My name is Rio Souma.

I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan.

Detroit is a very gritty city.

You have to be on your hustle

in order to make a living for yourself.

And this city, for a while,

the economy wasn't doing so well,

but I've seen a lot of revitalization.

I would say that Detroit is famous for, of course, its cars.

We have the Big Three manufacturing plants.

I'm currently a production assembly man at Chrysler.

I've been there for the last three years.

I work on the assembly line in the axle loop.

The car floats above us,

and they travel on a conveyor belt,

and that carries the shell of the car.

Every 45 seconds, a new car comes,

and I drill in the fuel tank.

I'm under the car with a hand drill

for 10 hours straight.

In a day, we do about 680 cars.

I actually like working at the plant. It's great money.

It is a job that a lot of people in this city covet.

But it's just not where my heart is.

I want to do music.

Tishka: He's been pursuing this since he was little.

Maybe high‐school age,

it became a serious dream for him.

[ Vocalizing ]

I've been wanting to do music for so long,

I'm willing to leave my job for it if I have to.

♪ Aa‐a‐ah ♪

Yay. Good luck, baby.

[ Chuckling ] Thank you, Mom. Love you.

I love the fact that he works and is gainfully employed.

But, I mean, I taught my son and my daughter

"Reach for the stars.

At least you'll get off the ground."

I did 30 years of the corporate America,

so I know, you know,

but I had two babies to take care of.

He ‐‐ Pshew. That's what I want to see.

♪♪♪

"The Voice" is my chance to break away from the 9‐to‐5 life,

and I am going for it full force.

For my blind audition, I'm gonna be doing

"Cruisin'" by Smokey Robinson.

I chose the song, of course, to represent the city,

because it is definitely a Motown classic,

but more so just to show that you can take a Motown classic,

and you can make it powerful.

I cannot wait to do my city proud,

do Motown and Smokey Robinson proud.

I really wish my mom were here to see me perform.

I remember telling her

"I'm about to give up so much security

to chase this dream,"

and she was like, you know, "I got you,"

and I'm so blessed to have that type of support.

Alright, alright.

I think I hear some heals.

I need this, and I want it so bad.

I'm gonna do it to the best of my ability.

Hey!

♪♪♪

Whoo!

♪ Baby, let's cruise ♪

♪ Away from here ♪

[ Screaming ] Oh! Oh!

♪ Don't be confused ♪

♪ The way is clear ♪

♪ And if you want it, you got it forever ♪

Wow.

♪ This is not a one‐night stand, baby ♪

Hey!

♪ Let the music take your mind ♪

♪ Just release, and you will find ♪

♪ We're gonna fly away ♪

♪ Glad you're goin' my way ♪

♪ I love it when we're cruisin' together ♪

♪ Music is played for love ♪

♪ Cruisin' is made for love ♪

Sing! ♪ I love it ♪

♪ When we're cruisin' together ♪

♪ We're gonna fly away ♪

♪ Glad your goin', goin' ♪

♪ Baby, I love it, ahh ♪

♪ Love it when we're cruisin', baby ♪

♪ Music is played for love ♪

♪ Cruisin' is made for love ♪

♪ I love it when we're cruisin' together ♪

Yeah!

Oh, my gosh! Yes!

[ Cheers and applause ]

Yes! He got John Legend on his feet!

What is wrong with you, Blake?!

Come on, Blake!

Oh, my gosh. What is your name?

My name is Rio Souma.

I'm 28 years old, and I'm from Detroit, Michigan.

Detroit! Oh, my gosh.

Well, Rio, you have an incredible gift.

And you took a song that is classic to this Rio place.

The thing that impresses me most is when vocalists

go to places I just wouldn't think of.

John, you actually do that for me, too, as a vocalist.

And it's really interesting.

It just makes for a very intriguing performance

because not many people are capable of that.

You are wonderful. Killer voice.

Thank you. And ‐‐ Hold on. I got to say ‐‐ Sorry.

And the pause for, like, the body roll in the middle of it...

Hey! ...that was, like, my favorite part.

Hey, Rio, let me say my piece and get out of the way,

because I didn't hit my button, which ‐‐ I'm the moron, okay?

Disrespectful. [ Laughter ]

Actually, I didn't hit my button out of respect.

I love your voice, and you're super talented,

But not only did I not know that song...

Oh, really? I didn't even ‐‐ Yeah.

I didn't even know kinda what lane, what genre that is,

and so I would not know what direction to steer you,

so out of respect and not wanting to screw up your life,

because there would be no way you could say no to me ‐‐

let's face it ‐‐

I'm gonna let these three just argue it out.

But congratulations, man. You are on "The Voice."

Thank you, Blake. Let's talk about that song.

Let's educate Blake a little bit, Rio. That's a great song, yeah.

It was written by a great Detroiter.

Kid Rock wrote that song?

Not Kid Rock, not Marshall Mathers,

but Smokey Robinson. Ted Nugent?

Oh, wow. I can see that. I can see that?

The architect of the Motown sound wrote that song,

and that is literally one of my favorite songs on the planet.

And when your voice came in,

it was just magical from the very beginning,

because normally, that song is completely falsetto.

It kind of drifts and floats,

but it doesn't have the kind of power

that you brought to the song.

You showed us that powerful chest voice that you had.

You showed us that piercing,

beautiful falsetto that you have.

You did everything with the song,

and you made it truly your own.

You deserve to be a four‐chair turn.

You are a phenomenal vocalist.

I would love to be your coach.

Thank you, John.

He's so excited! [ Chuckles ]

I'm star‐struck. [ Chuckles ]

I don't know if you noticed

that I pressed my button almost immediately.

I love that sound.

That voice sounds unique,

but it also sounds, like, professional and perfect.

What's exciting about you, too,

is the confidence that you have on stage,

and you just know that music just lives inside you.

This is my favorite thing I've ever done,

is be a coach on "The Voice,"

so I would love you to be on Team Gwen.

Did you grow up singing in a church or...?

The movie that kind of got me started was, like, "Sister Act 2."

Oh, my gosh! I love it! Lauryn Hill!

When she punches him and she's like, "Sing."

"His Eye Is on the Sparrow." ♪ I sing because ♪

Yes! That's my favorite part. Yeah.

Yes, Kelly. Yes, Kelly.

I love that part. Sing that song.

I was in high school at that time,

and all of my singing friends were so excited

when "Sister Act 2" came out, and we would see Lauryn,

and we'd see all these other singers,

and it just made us feel like we were being seen

and being represented on the screen. Yeah.

It was beautiful to watch. Yeah.

Rio, who do you choose as your coach?

[ Indistinct shouting ]

♪♪♪

Come on home, Rio. Come on!

I choose...

♪♪♪

...John Legend. Yeah!

♪ Ain't no mountain high enough ♪

♪ Ain't no valley low enough ♪ I'm so happy to have you.

If y'all make it to the finale, you have to sing something

from "Sister Act 2." Happy.

Rio, he's got such a fun energy and spirit about him.

He loves soul music,

and there's so many places you can go with that.

So happy he's on Team Legend.

You have to touch the rubber glove.

[ Gwen laughs ] I'm gonna shake your hand.

Just lean in to the creepiness.

[ Laughter ] Oh, my God.

I shook John Legend's hand. Oh, my God.

It's so nice to meet you. Thank you for joining my team.

Thank you, guys.

That glove looks moist or wet or something.

That is ridiculous.

Things like this don't happen every day.

Where I come from, it's like a dream come true, man.

You are so talented. You deserve this.

Thank you so much, Carson. Congratulations, man.

Go celebrate.

He's so good.

Rio had such a beautiful, beautiful voice ‐‐

classic‐sounding.

I love Rio.

But it's like, you just cannot beat John Legend.

I'm the only person with a block left,

and I'm going to use it wisely.

Both: ♪ I love it when we're cruisin' together ♪

Daly: Still to come...

Whoo! It worked!

...Gwen gets revenge but fails to launch.

John: Ohhhh. Oh, what do we do now?

Sometimes, that happens.

Blake: [ Chuckles ] Redo.

Daly: Plus, more incredible auditions...

♪ Un‐break my heart ♪

♪ Baby, I want you ♪

Daly: ...shock and impress...

Hey!

♪ Red dirt road ♪ Whoo!

Daly: ...as Night 3 of the blind auditions continue.

[ Screams ] Oh!

You do not look like your voice.

Where is the person who was singing?

You just sang the crap out of my song.

[ Chuckles ]

♪ This is "The Voice" ♪

Daly: Welcome back to Night 3 of the blind auditions.

Announcer: Our next artist is entering now.

Ryan: It's been a long journey.

I've been doing live music for about 10 years now.

I love that "The Voice" has given me an opportunity

to have a chance to step on a stage at this level

in front of America and show what I truly do.

I'm nervous. I'm scared. I'm excited.

I've been working my whole life for this moment right now.

♪♪♪

John Mayer.

♪ Me and all my friends, we're all misunderstood ♪

♪ Say we stand for nothing, and there's no way we ever could ♪

♪ Now, we see everything that's going wrong ♪

♪ With the world and those who lead it ♪

♪ Just feel like we don't have the means ♪

♪ To rise above and beat it ♪

♪ So we keep waiting ♪

♪ Waiting ♪

♪ Waiting on the world to change ♪

♪ We keep on waiting ♪

♪ Waiting ♪

♪ Waiting on the world to change ♪

♪ It's hard to beat the system ♪

♪ When we're standing at a distance ♪

♪ We keep on waiting ♪

♪ Waiting ♪

♪ Waiting on the world to change ♪

♪ Now, if we had the power ♪

♪ To bring our neighbors home from war ♪

♪ They would have never missed a Christmas ♪

♪ No more ribbons on the door ♪

♪ And when you trust your television ♪

♪ What you get is what you got ♪

♪ 'Cause when they own the information ♪

♪ Oh, they can bend it all they want ♪

♪ That's why we're waiting ♪

♪ Waiting on the world to change ♪

♪ We keep on waiting ♪

♪ Waiting on the world to change ♪

♪ We keep on waiting ♪

♪ Waiting on the world to change ♪

♪ Waiting on the world to change ♪

Gwen: Whoo!

It worked!

[ Cheers and applause ]

Wow. Wow.

[ Blake chuckles ]

That was rude.

What's up, guys?

Oh, my gosh! I just saw it!

You see this "Blocked" right here?

I thought she was a much nicer person than this.

I thought wrong. Come on! I deserve it.

[ Laughter ]

"I deserve it." Wow!

You don't have a choice. You are stuck with me.

[ Laughs ] You're so lucky!

I'm so lucky.

Who are you, and where do you come from?

My name is Ryan Berg.

I'm 27 years old, and I'm from Dallas, Texas.

Usually, when people see a guy dressed up like a cowboy

from Dallas, Texas, they think,

"Okay, this guy's about to sing some Hank here."

I listen to a lot of R&B. I listen to a lot of soul music.

We grew up in kind of Bible Belt Dallas, Texas,

to where the majority of the population

is Southern Baptist Christians.

When I turned 18 years old, my mom came out as a lesbian,

and we experienced a lot of judgment.

The community tended to make us feel unwelcomed.

My mom stopped being invited to certain things.

My dad, he was torn up, as he should be.

The fact that your partner of 30 years is walking away,

that's very emotional.

So it was a hard time for my parents, of course,

but also for me to secure that feeling of self‐identity.

During that time,

music was definitely something that I leaned on.

That's really when I started writing.

So that situation kind of propelled me

into being who I am today.

To this day, my mom is definitely a role model of mine,

just in terms of her acceptance.

Now my parents are both remarried.

They both have partners,

and I get to say that I have three moms.

I feel love from them constantly.

Since my journey here,

I've gotten three care packages every week.

They're keeping me fed,

giving me skin products that I don't know how to pronounce.

They're trying to get me pretty for TV.

I cannot complain.

You look so cool! Thank you so much.

[ Laughs ] Look how mad he is.

Celebrate.

[ Laughter ]

It's so crazy. You don't understand.

John gets to everybody,

especially really, really amazing,

talented singers like yourself.

[ Growls ] And I think what I liked about your voice, honestly,

it sounded just so classic. Thank you so much.

Are you a songwriter?

I'm a songwriter, for sure, first.

I grew up listening to Ray Charles.

That's interesting.

Gwen, we're doing this thing.

Yes, we are.

I know that I can help you on this show.

We're gonna have a lot of fun. We'll find really good music.

Cool. I feel very confident about this.

Great.

[ Laughter ] So happy for you.

Well, Ryan, I just thought you had a really rad voice.

I loved your tone. I think that your vibe is so cool.

I think it's actually rad that you're on her team

and he got blocked.

Ha!

So rad! Because he blocked me.

He blocked me, Ryan, so this is the second, John.

John: Mm.

Blake: Is it my turn? Yeah.

I was waiting for you to do your pitch,

but then I realized... Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[ Laughs ] ...you got blocked.

Yeah, yeah.

I really like your style

that you got going on there. Thank you.

That is literally straight out of a Dallas Cavender's ‐‐

I'm a proud East Dallas boy, for sure.

Hell yeah.

Man, I'm just pumped for you.

You are gonna be working

with my favorite coach on the planet,

so congratulations to you, man.

Thank you, Blake.

Ryan, I can tell you love Ray Charles.

I can hear that gravel in your voice.

It's really soulful and beautiful.

I wish I could fight Gwen for you,

but I've been taken out of the fight.

Phew! It's rough around these parts.

But if anything happens, you know,

we can steal sometimes.

You never know what's gonna happen next.

Who knows what's gonna happen, but I'm happy for you.

Welcome to the show. Thank you so much.

Gwen: I got a little gift for you. Thank you, Gwen.

You got to catch it, okay? I'll try.

It's a T‐shirt. Are you ready?

I think so. Here it comes.

John: Ohhhh. Oh, what do we do now?

Sometimes, that happens.

[ Chuckles ] Redo!

Okay. Hold your breath.

I can't reach.

I got it. I got it. [ Laughter ]

I'm not gonna help her, 'cause it's too funny.

How did you fold it before ‐‐

Just so you know, everything's great, Ryan?

[ Laughter ]

Are you ready? Let's try this again.

Here goes.

Oh! Oh, it's not loaded. Okay.

Welcome to the show!

Blake: Wait a minute. I have an idea.

Oh, wow.

Kelly: They're stealing your thing, John.

That is so cool.

There you go.

I appreciate you.

I'm really excited. Thank you.

Thank you so much.

♪♪♪

Ryan's got, like, a total point of view

with the way he sings

and a really original‐sounding voice.

Thank you, Gwen. Thanks for blocking me.

And I was being very strategic,

waiting for the right moment for block John.

[ Laughs ]

Okay. Everybody got their blocks out.

Everybody happy.

Is everyone happy?!

It was one of the most gratifying moments

of being on this show.

Team Gwen. Congratulations. I'm so pumped.

Want to say hi to your family here?

Oh, my gosh!

That was the most exciting and fun thing ever.

Daly: Congratulations, guys,

We're gonna keep Ryan around here a little bit longer,

to the battle rounds.

Sorry about that, but we need him.

It's okay. We can live with that.

Good to see, y'all. Love you, Ryan.

Love y'all, too.

That was so awesome.

I can't believe I got that done!

I was bummed that I got blocked for Ryan.

I thought we would have worked really well together.

But of course, Gwen, she'd been saving that block

for so long, and she used it on me.

I'm so proud of myself.

Well done. Well done. Well done.

Blake: [ Laughs ] "I can't believe I got that done."

♪♪♪

Daly: Who would you pick for your team?

Get the "Voice" official app now and play along with our coaches.

♪ This is "The Voice" ♪

Daly: Welcome back to the blind auditions

at Universal Studios Hollywood.

I got this.

Ohh!

With Ryan, my launcher failed me,

so I couldn't throw the shirt.

I can barely lift my arm in this outfit.

Oh! Oh, dang it.

I just got to get some more inspiration.

I think I'm getting better at my launcher.

Oh, yeah, that's better.

I know how to aim now. It's going well.

Oh! [ Laughs ]

Daly: Let's meet the next artist.

My name's Becca Kotte.

I'm 33 years old,

and I'm from Fargo, North Dakota.

Music has always been a huge part of my life.

We were a very musical family, always playing music at home.

I was in every church play and musical

and got my degree for musical theater.

And then I was lucky enough to join the cast

of the Broadway musical "Rock of Ages" in Las Vegas.

That show was loud and fun

and the perfect opportunity for me to do my thing.

After "Rock of Ages," I was approached

with the opportunity to audition as a backup singer

for Sir Rod Stewart.

I was this nerdy theater kid, and then, all of a sudden,

I get approached to tour with a rock legend.

Coming from a theater background and playing a role

and, on the other hand, being in the music industry

but backing someone up and supporting them,

this is really the first time that I'm stepping out

on my own as an artist.

So being able to participate in "The Voice"

is one of the greatest opportunities,

and I feel incredibly lucky to be here.

Now I'm faced with "Who am I as an artist,

and what do I actually bring to the table

that isn't just a supporting act?"

It's no secret that this is a really tough business.

I've had a lot of successes, but I've been told "No"

a hundred times more than I've been told "Yes."

And so the fact that this could be the opportunity

to take me to the next level is pretty cool,

and I'm very grateful for the opportunity.

Blake: Standing by. Standing by.

Sound speeding. Speeding.

I don't even know what that means.

[ Laughter ] That means they pressed "record."

I know. I finally figured out what marker ‐‐

Marker.

Ooh! There she is. Can you see her?

♪♪♪

♪ American woman ♪

♪ Stay away from me ♪

♪ American woman ♪

♪ Mama, let me be ♪

♪♪♪

Whoo!

♪ Don't come hangin' 'round my door ♪

♪ I don't wanna see your face no more ♪

♪ Got more important things to do ♪

♪ Than spend my time growin' old with you ♪

♪ Now, woman ♪

♪ Stay away ♪

♪ American woman ♪

♪ Listen what I say ♪

♪ Don't come hangin' 'round my door ♪

♪ I don't wanna see your face no more ♪

♪ I don't need your war machines ♪

♪ I don't need your ghetto scenes ♪

♪ Colored lights can't hypnotize ♪

♪ Sparkle someone else's eyes ♪

♪ Now, woman ♪

♪ Stay away, yeah ♪

♪ American woman ♪

♪ Listen what I say ♪

♪ I gotta go ♪

♪ I gotta get away ♪

♪ Babe, I gotta g‐g‐g‐g‐go ♪

♪ I wanna fly away, yeah ♪

♪ I'm gonna leave you, woman ♪

♪ I gotta go ♪

♪ I'm gonna l‐e‐eave you, woman ♪

♪ American woman ♪

[ Cheers and applause ]

♪♪♪

Wow! That was you?!

Oh, my gosh. What is your name?

My name's Becca Kotte. I'm from Fargo, North Dakota.

You're an incredible singer.

It was exciting. It was different.

Do you sing professionally?

I do. I tour with Rod Stewart as one of his backup singers.

Oh, amazing. Oh, wow! Oh, my gosh.

So, you get to rock out all the time.

Who? I don't know him. Rod Stewart.

Oh. Never heard of him.

I was like, "What?!"

My thing why I didn't turn around ‐‐

I love the song. I love the feel of it.

And then it would just be, like, hesitant

and kind of, like, wobbly in certain places.

And I didn't know if it was a nerves thing.

I want to tell you, though, that was a really cool choice

to come out in a blind audition and do.

Thank you. Thank you for auditioning.

Yeah. Thanks for having me. So cool!

Hi, Becca. Hi.

Did you say you're from Fargo? I did.

Have you ever done any polka?

Isn't polka big up in North Dakota? Oh, yeah!

Mollie B.? The Mollie B. polka show up in North Dakota.

Um, I'm not super familiar in the polka world.

That's shocking to me. It's taken the world by storm.

Me and Blake watch that. Oh, yeah.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

To speak to what Kelly's talking about ‐‐

because I heard it, too, and it's frustrating,

because I was close to hitting my button for you.

Gwen and I really were looking at each other going,

"What are we gonna do here?"

And they weren't a big deal,

but you were bending a lot of those notes,

and it felt like you gave up on them

before they quite got up to the pitch.

So I'm sorry, Becca. That's alright.

Well, Becca, if I heard what you sounded like

near the end closer to the beginning,

I probably would have turned for you, but by that point,

I'd kind of already made up my mind.

But you're incredible, and if you want to come back

and do this again, we'd love to have you.

Thank you for coming. Thank you, Becca.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Blake: Becca sang "American Woman,"

and she mentioned that she sings backup for Rod Stewart,

so I know she's got to be a skilled vocalist,

but I just don't feel like today was her day.

I'm always looking for something a little bit different

because most of the time,

the times that I have won this show,

it's not been with a country singer,

so I'm always on the prowl for what else could be out there

that might give me a chance.

Wow. This is gnarly.

When you're that good and you don't make it,

oh, my gosh. Yeah, it's tough.

This show makes me just always wonder,

how did I ever get... [ Chuckles ]

It's about more than what we're judging them on.

I know.

♪ This is "The Voice" ♪

Daly: Welcome back to the blind auditions.

♪♪♪

My name is Jus Jon. I'm 30 years old.

I was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia.

My family is deeply rooted in the church.

My uncle is the pastor

of St. John's Church of God in Christ.

[ Choir singing ]

I started singing when I was 6.

My first performance was right here, on this altar.

They just sprung this song on me,

and I'm like, "I've never sung that song

in front of all these people before."

My mom gives me a pep talk.

"I know you're nervous, but you got to fight the nerves,

and you can't worry about what people think."

[ Cymbal crashes ] Whoo!

I was stone‐faced, but I got through it.

[ Chuckles ]

My mom is definitely my biggest fan.

She will make me sing in a grocery store.

"Say, hey, baby, come over here and sing for these people.

You already know you got it. He gonna be famous one day."

You know what I'm saying? Like, she's just telling people about me.

I'm just like, "Ma, I don't feel like singing

to these random people."

[ Chuckles ]

But I did it anyway.

In 1998, my mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Dealing with her being sick as a kid,

it's a weight like no other.

Taking care of her is a big responsibility,

but I make it my business to make sure

that she gets to her medical appointments,

make sure she is properly taken care of.

You know what I'm saying? I'm really still tight with my mom.

Like, I love her to death.

During COVID, I have not been able

to spend much time with my mother at all,

but I video‐call her often.

I love y'all!

We love you, too.

John would be a great coach for me

because we are the same genre, we are the same name.

He grew up in a church. I grew up in the church.

But Blake could help me because he's a completely different genre.

I feel like he would strengthen me

in that aspect of crossing over to that country style,

of that rugged, you know ‐‐

Like, I have that chestal ‐‐ it runs deep.

So I feel like he could help me with that.

How you feeling today?

I miss my family, but I'mma go out and execute

and just leave it all out there on the floor.

I love it. I brought something for you.

Let's take a look here.

Son...

I am so proud of you,

and you go and sing from your heart with excellence.

Grandson, sing to inspire, to encourage,

and to bring joy to the world.

And the whole entire family sends their love.

[ Voice breaking ] That's just too much, bro, like, right now,

I'm trying not to do it.

[ Sighs ] Yeah.

You know, you got so much love and support.

That's just motivation, man.

That's just so much ‐‐ Like, I'm really ready now, man.

John, God bless you, man. Good luck.

Thank you. Appreciate you. You ready to go?

Yes, I'm ready to go.

Let's do it, guys.

My mom started me on the path with music.

She's just been a big part of my life,

my main supporter, my angel.

I desperately want a chair to turn for my mom.

♪♪♪

♪ Hmmm, yeah ♪

♪ Can we just talk? ♪

Hey!

♪ Can we just talk ♪

♪ Talk about where we're going ♪

♪ Before we get lost ♪

♪ Lend me your thoughts ♪

♪ Can't get what we want without knowin' ♪

♪ Never felt like this before ♪

♪ I apologize if I'm movin' too far ♪

♪ Can we just ta‐a‐alk? ♪

♪ Ta‐a‐alk ♪ ♪ Can we just talk ♪

♪ And figure out where we're goin'? ♪

♪ Started off right, I can see it in your eyes ♪

♪ I can tell that you're wanting more ♪

♪ What's been on your mind? ♪

♪ There's no reason we should hide ♪

♪ Tell me somethin' I ain't heard before ♪

♪ You've been dreamin' 'bout it ♪

♪ And it's you I want ♪

♪ So stop dreamin' 'bout it ♪

♪ Can we just talk? ♪

Hey!

♪ Can we just talk? ♪

♪ Talk about where we're going ♪

♪ Can we just dreeeeeeeam, yeah? ♪

♪ I never felt like this before ♪

♪ I apologize if I'm movin' too far ♪

♪ Can we just, oooh ♪

♪ Can we just talk ♪

♪ And figure out where we're goin'? ♪

[ Cheers and applause ]

Yes!

[ Laughing ] Yes!

Whoo! [ Gwen laughs ]

He's so funny.

Last second.

How did that happen?

Hi. What's your name, and where are you from?

I'm Jus Jon.

I'm from Newport News, Virginia, and I'm 30 years old.

Oh, my gosh. I loved your voice.

I think you have a very powerful voice.

The thing I was waiting to hear personally was dynamics.

Maybe even on that note that you went ♪ Ooh ♪

It would have been nice as more, like, a [Softly] ♪ Ooh ♪

Like, something soft every once in a while.

And I don't know if you're just excited.

Yes. Super.

"Yes, I am." Anyway, I thought you did a really good job.

Welcome to the show, man. Thank you so much, Kelly.

I really appreciate it. Hi. I'm Gwen.

Hey, you look amazing.

Thank you! Wow, Thanks so much.

Easy. Easy, Jus Jon. [ Laughs ]

I think it's just kind of all

in one kind of place the whole time.

But it was really, really strong

and actually just really looking forward

to seeing what else your voice can do.

Thank you so much. Congratulations.

You got the greatest coach ever.

Of all time. My favorite.

Of all time. Record breaker.

Well, Jus Jon, it's funny,

because I really love that song, and I love Khalid.

He actually was one of my guest mentors.

And I think you really do have a great voice.

You do have creativity and musicality.

Once you guys figure out together

what the best next song is for you,

I think you'll even be better.

Thank you, John. I appreciate it.

Jus Jon... Yeah, we're here.

Let's go, baby. You're on "The Voice," man.

I'm pumped. I'm pumped.

There is nobody like you on my team.

Probably won't be, and that makes me very happy

because normally, a singer like you comes up here,

and I'm competing with everybody else,

and I never get them to come on my team.

Thank God I am the only person that turned around,

because now you're stuck with me.

Yeah. I'm with it. I'm with it.

And, dude, you're an incredible singer.

Thank you. Many of my many victories

have been with non‐country artists,

so I think we can do it again, Jus Jon.

We can. And we will. And I would give you

a huge hug and a kiss right now

if there wasn't a pandemic going around the world.

So I love you.

Saved by the pandemic.

[ Laughs ] Right.

Thank God for this pandemic.

Thank you. Congratulations!

Thank you! John: Congratulations.

So, it's Jus John and just Blake.

Even though I end up with a lot of country artists

on my team every year,

it's not that I just pick country artists.

In this case, nobody else turned around.

I can't imagine

what was going through these other coaches' minds,

'cause I got somebody that I think is gonna slay people.

Kelly: I love that Jus Jon is on Blake's team.

I'm looking forward to that combination.

♪ This is "The Voice" ♪

Daly: Welcome back to Night 3 of the blind auditions.

My name is Ben Allen. I'm 42 years old.

I currently live in Estero, Florida,

but I grew up in East Tennessee, out in the country.

It was either you were into hunting and fishing

or you were into bikes and four‐wheelers.

That was me. [ Chuckles ]

About the time I was a senior in high school,

my brother, David, he had a couple mountain bikes.

I immediately loved it.

I was a state champion

in mountain bike racing at one point.

I spent the next 10 years

eating, sleeping, and breathing bicycles.

♪♪♪

It wasn't till I was 30 years old,

I pulled an old guitar out of the closet

that I had since I was a teenager.

I knew three chords from my teenage years

that my brother had taught me.

That led to an open mic

at a bowling alley, of all places.

It scared me to death.

And I loved it.

Before you know it, I was gigging every Thursday night.

I sing country music.

I can sing any other song that you want,

but it's gonna come out with a twang on it.

[ Chuckles ]

My brother started me down a path.

Going back to music, he always had this way of looking at me

that showed me how proud he was of his little brother.

And...

And I lost him.

♪♪♪

Just under a month before my wedding,

I got the call one night that I had lost my brother

in a motorcycle accident.

He never saw me play live, you know?

It's a shame he didn't get to see.

♪♪♪

Since then, I have had the opportunity

to play in front of a lot of people.

You know, he started me on that path without knowing it,

but it was still a priceless gift that he gave me.

I'm on "The Voice" this season.

When I go through those doors for the blind audition

for myself, for my family,

my wife, my brother,

I'm gonna give it everything I got.

Once they start singing, I get excited.

Yeah, me too.

♪♪♪

♪ It's where I drank my first beer ♪

[ Cheers and applause ]

♪ It's where I found Jesus ♪

[ Screams ]

♪ It's where I wrecked my first car ♪

♪ I tore it all to pieces ♪

[ Cheers and applause ]

♪ I was raised off of Rural Route 3 ♪

[ Screams ]

♪ Out past where the blacktop ends ♪

♪ We'd walk to church on Sunday morning ♪

♪ Race barefoot back to Johnson's fence ♪

♪ That's where I first saw Mary ♪

♪ On that roadside, pickin' blackberries ♪

♪ That summer, I turned a corner in my soul ♪

♪ Down that red dirt road ♪

♪ It's where I drank my first beer ♪

♪ It's where I found Jesus ♪

♪ It's where I wrecked my first car ♪

♪ I tore it all to pieces ♪

♪ And I've learned, oh, I've come to know ♪

♪ There's life at both ends ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Oh, I've learned, I've come to know ♪

♪ There's life at both ends ♪

♪ Of that red dirt road ♪

♪ Oh, that red dirt road ♪

[ Cheers and applause ]

Yeah!

♪♪♪

[ Screams ]

Whoo!

John: Yeah!

Whoo! Congratulations!

Yes! Now we're talkin'!

Thank you.

What's your name? Ben Allen.

I'm 42 years old. I'm from Estero, Florida.

You're from Sterile, Florida?

Estero. Estero.

I was gonna say, man, nobody could be born in Sterile, Florida.

No, that's that drawl.

They at least couldn't be conceived there.

Yeah. [ Laughs ]

He looked at me when he pressed like [Scoffs] "No‐brainer."

It is a no‐brainer.

I'm kind of country now.

This lady had a big hit on country music radio.

What?! Exactly.

It's not a done deal yet, as far as I'm concerned.

Whoa! Hey! I like Ben!

I like Ben!

Ben is my favorite today.

Your voice, when you first started singing that song,

sounded like a record ‐‐

so clear and strong and confident.

I think you have a lot of potential,

and I would love to work with you.

Thank you very much.

Your talking voice is awesome, too.

[ Laughing ] I know. Wow.

He's a star. [ As Elvis ] Thank you very much.

You could be, like, a preacher.

I was ready to come to the altar.

[ Laughter ]

Ronnie Dunn is my favorite singer in country music ‐‐

Wait a minute. Hello!

Oh, gosh. [ Laughs ]

I didn't grow up listening to you.

You're my favorite, Blake. You're my clear favorite.

[ Laughs ] My only reason why I didn't turn,

down on the end, hillbilly bonga‐bone whatever ‐‐

Hillbilly Deluxe down here.

You're gonna kill it and probably go to the finale.

Congratulations. Thanks.

You have three amazing people to choose,

although we probably know where you're going.

It is obvious.

I'm right here.

[ Laughter ]

Now, Ben, you have tone for days.

It just enters and walks into the room, and it's like,

"Okay. Everybody's got to pay attention."

Blake, he's been dominating on this show

with country artists for a long time,

but I know what a great voice is, so I turned for you.

Thank you so much. That's amazing.

Okay, Ben, let me just ‐‐

John: He's so arrogant, though.

You don't want to reward this arrogance.

He comes in here thinking he's got it in the bag.

I think you need to switch it up, man.

Just switch it up, Ben. Switch it up!

You changed that song up a little bit from the original.

I did. You opened with the chorus.

That's what I was saying, too. Yeah.

[ Laughter ] I knew that.

I miss a good old‐fashioned nasally sounding country singer.

You got that. [ Laughs ]

Honestly, I hear a lot of Ronnie in what you do.

Country music is my life,

and I don't plan on ever doing another television show

or being on TV or anything else.

Country music is all I want to do,

and that's the reason I'm a coach on "The Voice,"

is because I get to pass along things

that I've learned along the way,

and I'd like to have a chance

to pass some of that along to you.

That was such a nice, tender... I know!

Thank you. I felt that in my heart.

I wasn't even saying it to you.

I don't mean any of that to you.

I'm talking to him. I felt it, though.

Alright, well, who do you pick as your coach?

Oh, man.

[ Indistinct shouting ]

Come on, Ben.

[ Chuckles ]

It's obvious.

Oh, my goodness. Um...

It's obvious!

[ Shouting continues ] I'm so thankful to be here.

I would be proud to be on anybody's team.

♪♪♪

Blake Shelton. Yeah!

♪ ...hillbilly bone down deep inside ♪

♪ No matter where you go ♪ Ben!

Oh, he's good. That was a really good choice.

Oh, I want to hug you so bad!

I'm really excited right now that I got Ben on my team

because he's the kind of country artist

that we've seen time and time again

do really well on the show.

I love you, Ben. Ben: Thank you so much.

He's edgy, but he's traditional,

and he's everything that the core of country music fans love.

You can hug my cardboard cutout.

Maybe a kiss on the cheek.

I'm taking this with me. Yeah, take it.

[ Laughter ]

When I saw that chair turn, you know, it's like...

"Whooo! I did it!" [ Chuckles ]

Kelly, you didn't put me in your list.

I didn't grow up listening to y'all. [ Laughs ]

With Blake, sometimes the artist just knows what they want,

and you can try all your pitching

and convincing and cajoling, but it doesn't work.

Some people just love the guy.

They can't resist him.

♪ This is "The Voice" ♪

Daly: Welcome back to the blind auditions.

Kelsie, how you feeling?

I feel so good. I'm so excited.

It's, like, right about to happen.

Hope to God Kelly likes the song, so...

Right. So, you're singing her song.

Are you gonna just be staring at her chair,

or are you gonna, like, look away?

I feel like a little both.

If she turns around, I'm gonna be like "Aah! Geh!"

[ Laughs ] I may black out.

♪♪♪

Kelsie: When I was a kid, I always said

I wanted to be a pirate when I grew up.

I think I chose a singer over a pirate

because I actually get paid to sing

instead of having to steal things off of other boats.

This is, like, next‐best thing.

[ Laughs ]

My name is Kelsie Watts. I'm 29 years old.

I'm originally from Lubbock, Texas,

but I currently live in Nashville, Tennessee.

I work on a showboat. We do two to three shows a day.

It's about an hour‐and‐a‐half‐long show.

We have top deck music,

and we get to sing really whatever we want

and then go back down, and then we do the actual show.

About 10 minutes before the show ends,

the boat gets back to dock,

and then we say, "See you later," and they leave,

and then we get about 30, 45 minutes,

then we do it again. [ Laughs ]

It's a really exhausting process.

And the dancing ‐‐ oh, my gosh.

I mean, it's just constant and nonstop.

So it's definitely a workout.

But it's a lot of fun, though.

You become a family with your cast.

Really, they're some of my best friends.

This opportunity would radically change my entire life.

Do I love that I get to sing and dance for a living? Yeah.

But to have the opportunity to be able

to artistically pursue what I want to pursue ‐‐

Oh, my gosh. I mean, it's a dream come true.

For the blind audition, I'll be singing

"I Dare You" by Kelly Clarkson,

and I've totally made it into more of, like, an intimate song.

It could be a risk, but I would rather take a risk

and, like, give it all I got

than be safe and them not turn around.

I've been preparing, really, since I was 2,

working really hard.

I've been on the showboat for three years,

doing 13 shows a week sometimes and up to 400 shows a year.

To be able to get coaching, it would just change the course

of what I get to do for a living.

This is absolutely my time.

I'm gonna kill it.

♪♪♪

♪ There's a wolf that preys on a world that strays ♪

♪ So far from the garden ♪

♪ And just like your own, every heart you know ♪

♪ Seems cold and hardened ♪

♪ You may not have the stage ♪

♪ But you still have a voice ♪

♪ You may not have the strength ♪

♪ But if you have a choice ♪

♪ I dare you to love ♪

♪ I dare you to looooove ♪

♪ Even if you're hurt and you can only see the worst ♪

♪ Even if you think it's not enough ♪

♪ Oh, oh, I ♪

♪ I dare you to lo‐o‐ove ♪

It's my song!

[ High‐pitched ] ♪ Aaa‐a‐a‐a‐aaaaaaaaah ♪

♪ Even if you're hurt ♪ Yeah!

♪ And you can only see the worst ♪

♪ Even if you think it's not enough ♪

♪ I dare you ♪

♪ To love ♪

You better sing that song!

♪ Ye‐eah ♪

She said, [ High‐pitched ] ♪ Aaaah ♪

I'm just like, "Oh, my God!"

Yeah!

Thank you. Thank you.

♪♪♪

Oh, my gosh!

You just one‐upped me on my own song!

Nah! Nah, nah, nah.

You say [ High‐pitched ] ♪ Yeaaaah ♪

It was, like, crazy notes. Like...

Wow. Tell everybody your name and where you're from.

My name is Kelsie Watts. I'm 29 years old.

I live in Nashville, Tennessee, but I'm from Lubbock, Texas.

Oh, my gosh! You just sang the crap out of my song.

I'm so glad you liked it. I was like, "Oh, man."

I feel like you hardly ever push when someone sings your songs.

I don't. I'm very hard on it.

I'm like that, too. I'm very tough.

But I was like, "You cannot come out here

and sing my song like that and not have me turn around."

Your range is incredible.

Whistle notes, you don't have to do it all the time,

but the fact that you're just that powerful

and bold enough to do it in a moment that really matters...

And I know what that's like,

'cause I did it on a singing competition,

and I was terrified 'cause I was like,

"If I mess this moment up, it's over... Right.

...and I will be the laughingstock of America."

I mean, if you don't pick me, I'm gonna be so sad.

The guilt trip.

But I'm just saying, there's nothing cooler

than somebody to like your song, first of all,

enough that they cover it,

but secondly, to make it even better than it was,

which is what you just did.

Like, America, you will not see me

doing that version on tour ‐‐ ever.

We could totally do it together.

Cool. You can come out... I'm so down.

...and you can sing it.

That was ‐‐ It was beautiful.

And you would look so cute in this. Like, right?

Oh, that jacket?

You like bedazzling? I'm just saying.

You are screwed on this one. I know. I know.

Anyways, you know what's so amazing about this show,

is people like you

that come out here and are so talented,

and you get to have this special moment,

sing a Kelly Clarkson song.

We get to all just be in awe of you.

You are incredible. I can't wait to see what you do next.

Thank you.

John: It's time to make a decision, Kelsie.

Who do you pick as your coach?

[ Indistinct shouting ]

♪♪♪

I pick Kelly as my coach.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Thank you so much. It was such a ‐‐

[ Laughter ] What?

We're watching your gif over there.

Oh, I'm crazy, yeah. [ Laughter ]

Yeah! You're a Texan.

You get it. I get it. I get it.

Kelly and Kelsie ‐‐ it's meant to be.

Kelly and Kelsie! Appreciate it.

Kelsie is one of those singers you could throw anything at,

and she's excited by the challenge.

I would be shocked if she wasn't in the finale.

♪ Going home ♪

♪ This is "The Voice" ♪

Daly: Welcome back.

♪♪♪

Alright. Let's see what everybody's up to.

This is a future Season 19 winner.

Copy? John.

I believe I'm the Season 19 winner,

but hello.

I'd say "negatron."

Copy.

Uh...Decepticon?

[ Laughs ]

I miss when we could all hang out together.

Hey, Blake, are you there? Over.

♪♪♪

Hey, Blake. You there?

Over.

Yes, I'm here. Can you hear me?

♪♪♪

It's Gwen. He's literally using a can, like, on his ear.

I can hear you.

John, I can hear you!

John: Of all people, he should know how to use these things.

Daly: Let's meet the next artist.

James: Whoa.

My singing sister right here.

The Kelly Clarkson.

Vocals for days.

I love Kelly. She could literally sing the phone book.

I bet she opens it up, and she's like,

♪ Oh, it's John Smith ♪

♪ It's 9‐0‐1‐2‐8‐2 ♪

[ Laughs ]

I'm James Mays.

I'm 27 years old, and I'm from Memphis, Tennessee.

I had to be stylish coming down here for "The Voice."

Look, I like animal print.

I'm talking jaguars, I'm talking cheetahs,

I'm talking leopard print.

[ Laughs ]

My mother was the director

of the children's choir in my home church.

My mom really taught me how to sing.

And so in college,

I was really inspired to pursue music professionally.

Around Memphis, I performed in clubs, churches,

but to have this level ‐‐ I've never even flown before.

This pandemic, it hit our family pretty hard.

♪♪♪

April the 21st, my mom's dad passed away from COVID‐19,

and on April the 22nd, my dad's dad passed away

from complications with diabetes.

They didn't allow visitors at the time,

so it was so hard for me

to wrap my mind around the fact that it happened.

I have moments where I'm still grieving,

but what keeps me going is

the fact that I'm just so excited to be here.

And so I promised myself that I'm gonna be

the greatest that I can be from here on out,

because I know that this is what

both of my granddads would want for me to do.

[ Sighs ]

♪♪♪

♪ Empty spaces ♪

♪ What are we living for? ♪

♪ Abandoned places ♪

♪ I guess we know the score ♪

♪ On and on ♪

♪ Does anybody want to take it anymore? ♪

♪ The show must go on ♪

Whoa! ♪ Oh, whoa ♪

Wow.

♪ Whoa ♪

♪ Ohhh ♪

♪ I'll face it with a grin ♪

♪ I'm never giving in ♪

♪ On with the ♪

♪ Shoooooooow ♪

♪ Show must go oooooooon ♪

[ Cheers and applause ]

He still did good.

[ Laughing ] Wow!

What is your name, and where are you from?

My name is James Mays, and I'm from Memphis, Tennessee.

We're sorry we don't have better news for you.

You really have quite a powerful voice.

I just felt like there were a couple control issues that I was worried about.

What is that song from?

It's Queen. Oh, okay.

Hearing it was a Queen song explains the drama,

'cause that felt like a really dramatic performance,

and that makes sense to me.

Take a note and consider and at least think about

if you would be interested in theater,

because you sure have a gift for that.

Well, I love musical theater, and I grew up doing it.

It's a different style than maybe I would do on this show.

That's the reason why I didn't turn.

I was like, "Well, this guy needs to be on Broadway."

I love Broadway, as well,

so I'm not saying you're just that one thing.

What lane are you in, as far as, like,

if you made a record, what would it be?

It would pretty much be R&B and pop.

Yeah. It would be really cool to hear you sing some, like,

Sam Smith or something that kind of had more space

and showed range, but also showed that kind of vibe

that you want to make with a record.

Okay. So come back and see us.

I really appreciate it so much. Thank you so much, James!

Thank you for coming! Thank y'all.

♪♪♪

Blake: I feel bad for James because I think he's got the talent.

We were all a little bit taken back.

I don't think I would have been a great coach for him.

♪ The show must go on ♪

I never heard that Queen song. I never did, either.

Blake: I think it's from "The Greatest Showman." I liked that guy.

"I think it's from 'The Greatest Showman.'" He just was, like, so operatic.

You know what I mean? Yeah, his vibrato was cool.

That guy would kill on Broadway.

Yeah, he would.

Like, people would kill

to hear that voice in that setting.

Absolutely. He should try.

♪ This is "The Voice" ♪

Daly: Welcome back to Night 3 of the blind auditions.

Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, our next artist is entering now.

Okay. Pshh.

Yep.

Pushing.

♪♪♪

♪ I fell by the wayside ♪

♪ Like everyone else ♪

♪ I hate you, I hate you, I hate you ♪

♪ But I was just kidding myself ♪

♪ When you hurt under the surface ♪

♪ Like troubled water running cold ♪

♪ Well, time can heal, but this won't ♪

♪ So ♪

♪ Before you go ♪

♪ Was there something I could've said ♪

♪ To make your heart beat better? ♪

♪ If only I'd have known you had a storm to weather ♪

♪ So ♪

♪ Before you go ♪

♪ Would we be better off by now ♪

♪ If I'd have let my walls come down? ♪

♪ Maybe, I guess we'll never know ♪

♪ You know, you knoooooow ♪

♪ Aaaaah, ohhh ♪

Yes! Oh, my God!

♪ Before you go ♪

♪ Was there something I could've said ♪

♪ To make it all stop hurting? ♪

♪ It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless ♪

♪ So ♪

♪ Before you gooooooooo ♪

[ Cheers and applause ]

♪♪♪

Alright!

Yes, yes, yes! Whoa!

You do not look like your voice, okay?

Just so you know. [ Both laugh ]

Where is the person who was singing?

[ Laughter ]

Look at the dimples!

Oh, my gosh! I love your dimples.

Alright, tell us who you are.

My name is Carter Rubin.

I'm 14 years old,

and I'm from Long Island, New York.

Strong Island! [ Chuckles ]

And you said...14?

14. Carter!

I cannot believe what I'm hearing and seeing right now.

This is a shock.

Yeah. Wow.

So, are your parents musical, too?

No. "No."

[ Laughter ] My grandpa is, though,

but it kind of skipped a generation.

I'm sorry, Mom. Okay. That happens sometimes.

I'm so happy for you. And your mom.

It's a little bit sad that you dissed her singing ability,

but it's okay.

[ Laughter ]

Really, I couldn't do this without my family, though.

♪♪♪

Both: Whooooooa!

Carter: Me and my brother love

to go on our golf cart that we have in our backyard,

What animals do we see in the pool?

Hippos!

We pretend we're on a safari

and we see some animals.

Ooh! Rhinos! Rhinos.

Carter: Jack was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2.

Even though he's four years older than me,

often, I'm the big brother in the relationship.

[ Jack laughs ]

We have the closest sibling relationship

you could ever imagine.

♪ This magic moment ♪

Knock, knock. Who's there?

Orange. Orange who?

Orange you glad that we're gonna be on TV?

[ Laughs ]

Carter: My grandpa was part of a band in the '60s

called Jay and The Americans.

One of their biggest hits was "This Magic Moment."

♪ This magic moment ♪

I think I got the singing gene from him.

♪ Magic ♪

[ Laughs ]

I hope that you're flying right now inside.

[ Laughing ] I am. This is crazy.

You have the most incredible smile

I think I've possibly ever seen on any human.

[ Laughs ]

I know you keep looking at me, and I'm like ‐‐

He's like, "Why is the weirdo smiling at me?"

I cannot stop smiling, 'cause it's so beautiful.

You have a really great voice,

especially finding out that you're 14.

That's insane.

So congratulations. Thank you.

You're an incredible singer, and I heard a few things in there

that made me think that you were younger,

but I didn't know you were that young, you know?

You've got one great coach

that did turn around in this situation.

John: Thank you, Blake! So...

And I'm very happy for you. I don't know who he's talking about.

Thank you, Blake. I appreciate it.

I'm just gonna leave it up to your imagination, Carter.

I never thought you would say that about me, but it's very kind.

Carter, I turned for you very early on.

You sounded polished. You sounded strong.

Your voice has control,

which a lot of people your age wouldn't have,

and your tone is just piercing and brilliant,

and it just shimmers out there.

Thank you so much. My pleasure.

Hi, Carter. Hi, Gwen.

My son, he's 14 years old,

so I could be like a mom figure for you because I am a mom,

so you could feel very comfortable around me.

I loved your voice.

When you got into your real, full, full voice,

the tone was so beautiful.

It was shocking to me. Thank you.

The one thing I think I could help you with

that you probably don't have tons of experience with

is being on TV and being able to have that stage presence,

because you're gonna be picking songs

that need to be age‐appropriate.

The song might, maybe, be something

that you didn't experience yet.

I can help you to wrap your head

around that emotion and your style

and how you're gonna dress and present yourself.

I would love to be, you know, doing that for you.

Thank you so much.

You know what's interesting, Carter,

is you're the youngest person

I've ever turned for on this show.

Stop it right now. I'm usually, like, the one

who's, like, a little too snobbish to turn.

That's actually true. He doesn't turn for young people.

'Cause most of the young people that come here,

they're talented, but they don't have the control.

I'd love for you to be the youngest person

I've ever coached on "The Voice."

I've had, actually, several very young people,

and because of that,

I think it's always important to meet their family.

What do we have here? Look here.

[ Laughing ] Oh, my gosh!

Hey. How you doing?

Hi, guys. Great job, Carter.

Great job, Carter! Good job, Carter!

We love you, babe. So proud!

So, that's my grandpa, the musician.

He was singing since forever.

That's the most supportive dad in the world.

And that's my brother, who was diagnosed

with autism at the age of 2.

We have, like, the best bond I could ever ask for.

Amazing. You both have the same smile. Look at that.

This smile just keeps getting passed down. Yeah!

Well, both Gwen and I would love to work with you.

You ready for this? Have you thought about it before you got here?

You been thinking about this, your brain swirling,

steam's coming out of your ears? Such a hard decision.

Carter, who do you pick as your coach?

[ Sighs ] [ Chuckles ]

Come on home, Carter.

My gosh. Come on home.

[ Indistinct shouting ]

Both of you are so amazing.

I think gonna go with my gut.

Um...

[ Sighs ]

Sorry. This is so hard.

Um...

♪♪♪

♪ This is "The Voice" ♪

Daly: Welcome back.

[ Sighs ]

Carter, who do you pick as your coach?

I think I'm gonna go with my gut.

I think I'm gonna go with Gwen.

Oh!

What?! Wow!

I didn't expect that!

♪ Hey, look, Ma, I made it ♪

I got him! What?!

I will take good care of him. I promise.

Thank you!

My heart is broken.

Carter! Carter!

Carter ‐‐ I thought I was gonna get him.

We had good vibes. We had good chemistry.

I was convincing him.

And he went to Gwen.

You would've been the youngest on my team of all time.

She blocked me, then she beat me.

I'm gonna have to regroup.

And...

Oh! See, this is why I'm not an athlete.

Gwen: John has a lot of strategy. He's very smart.

And when I beat him, it's extra special.

I'll never fill my team if I keep having to go against Gwen.

Yay! Thank you!

It felt so good. [ Laughs ]

Thank you guys so much.

You broke my heart, Carter.

I'm sorry. He can take it.

Gwen: That is gonna keep my confidence high.

So take that, John Legend.

Why did you pick Gwen over John?

Because she talked about, like, being that motherly figure.

You got your "Voice" mom and your mom mom.

I know!

Oh, my God. I can't even believe it.

I'm so proud of you, champ.

Jackie, did you see that, buddy? Unbelievable.

Did you see what your brother did?

Jack, I miss you so much.

Oh, my goodness.

I'm so excited. Let's do this! Whoo!

Daly: Let's meet the next artist.

Let me see how her face looking. Oh, okay. She off to the side.

I'm so honored and blessed to be here.

There is no stage like "The Voice" stage, baby.

This is...exciting!

That's my word for this whole experience ‐‐

exciting, exciting, exciting.

I've been praying for this moment, and it's here.

♪ It's who you are ♪

My name is Casmè.

I'm 39 years old,

and I'm from New Orleans, Louisiana.

I was born right next door to the St. Thomas projects.

I'm the oldest of eight children.

A lot of laughter, a lot of singing.

I was taught early on to go after my dreams

and to also help people along the way.

Even as a student in high school,

I started being a big sister to little girls around me,

which led to me starting my own mentoring program,

helping young girls to grow into young ladies.

I created "Daughter of the King 101,"

a handbook to just kind of give them

some guidelines throughout life.

There is 101 rules in the book.

One of the most important rules is to not gossip.

Another one is to be kind, polite, well spoken,

and think before you speak.

Another one is "Be yourself, no one can do it better."

I've met a lot of really dope women

working with neighborhood girls, so when I got married,

I had 34 bridesmaids in my wedding party.

It was a dream come true. That's all I could say.

It was beautiful.

I've been on this journey since about 19.

I started doing corporate bands to help me get through college,

to help pay for my bills, my rent.

But it didn't allow much time to focus on my own music.

This is your time. Okay? Take it.

You've been doing this for many years.

You're ready now. Time for you light to shine.

Now's my chance, guys. Now's my chance.

Of course, people are saying, you know, I'm too old.

I should stop. I should quit.

Why am I still chasing a dream?

And I just pray that this opportunity

gets me to the next level.

Here she go! Casmè!

Shh, shh, shh!

I'm hoping that it's gonna be worth it.

Somebody better turn that chair around.

[ Laughs ]

[ Exhales sharply ]

♪♪♪

♪ Whooo, yeah ♪

♪ If you want my lovin' ♪

♪ If you really do ♪

♪ Ah, don't be afraid, baby, just ask ♪

♪ You know I'm gonna give it to you ♪

♪ 'Cause I love you, baby, ah ♪

♪ Ah, there ain't no doubt about it ♪

♪ Baby, I love you ♪

♪ I love you, I love you ♪

♪ I love you ♪

♪ I love you, baby ♪

♪ I love you ♪

[ Cheers and applause ] Shh! Shh! Shh!

♪ Someday ♪

♪ Ya may wanna run away ♪

♪ And leave me sittin' here to cry ♪

♪ But if it's all the same to ya, baby ♪

♪ I'm gonna stop you ♪

♪ From sayin' goodbye ♪

♪ Baby, I love you ♪

♪ Baby, I need ya ♪

♪ Baby, I want you ♪ Hey!

♪ I gotta have ya, baby ♪

♪ I love you, I love you ♪

♪ I looooooooooove ♪

♪ You ♪

♪ Whoo! ♪ ♪ You ♪

♪ You, you, you, you, you ♪

♪ Aah! ♪

[ Cheers and applause ]

Yes!

♪♪♪

[ All cheering ]

What's your name, and where are you from?

My name is Casmè.

I'm 39,

and I'm from New Orleans, Louisiana!

Ohhhhh! Nola in the house!

Whoo‐whoo!

Are you born and raised in New Orleans?

Yes ‐‐ the oldest of eight children.

Whoa! Wow!

They must be all so excited for you right now.

They are!

Well, I am so happy

that I get the chance to have you all to myself.

Thank you for choosing me.

[ Laughs ]

What a beautiful rendition of that song.

It's soulful, full of energy and spunk. Thank you.

And then I turned around pretty early,

so I got to watch you perform.

Eyyyyy!

She said, "Eyyyyy!"

I'm telling y'all ‐‐ y'all missed it.

I can tell that she's gonna be really good to watch,

'cause look at that outfit.

[ Squeals ] Look at the shoulders. That's like a Gwen shoulder.

You would rock that shoulder. That's like a Gwen everything.

Yes! Like, I'm all over that.

Thank you. Yes, but I'm so lucky

that I get to be your coach.

Ohhh! Thank you. I love your energy. I love your spirit.

I love the way you perform. I love your vibe. Thank you.

He loves you. He loves you. He loves you.

You're great! And I love you!

I love ya, I love ya.

♪ Casmè, I love ya ♪

Did you catch that little part in the song when I said

"I want you" and I did like that? I saw it.

You saw it? I saw it. I saw it.

[ Squeals ] I saw it.

I was blushing.

[ All cheering ]

You know, I can tell something about you

just based on your performance,

'cause there was so much energy,

I guarantee you she's gonna be one of these artists

that comes to the battle rounds and the knockouts

and you start to become more comfortable and more relaxed.

You're gonna be a beast in this thing.

I mean, you really have a powerful voice.

So I'm excited for you. It's gonna be fun to watch you.

Yes, yes, yes. Thank you so much. I appreciate that.

I feel like you're just very open, you know?

Your whole heart's coming through,

and I think that that's gonna go a long way on the show.

It already has with me,

and I'm excited to see what you're gonna do next.

So congratulations. Thank you!

He is a very good coach,

so I'm excited for you.

He's a legend! John invented music.

[ Laughing ] I did.

I'm a sponge, okay?

I'm ready to soak it all up. Yes!

I'm just curious ‐‐ what kind of record do you want to make?

I really love soul. I love rock.

'Cause I heard some feistiness, so the rock thing makes sense.

Yeah, the rasp and things like that.

I like to work the stage. I like to perform.

Yeah. So, mix it all up.

Can we mix it all up, John? Let's mix it up!

Can we mix it up like the gumbo in New Orleans, baby?

Mix it up, John. Make a pot of gumbo.

Oh, my God. I love you!

Alright. Welcome to Team Legend.

I love you! Thank you! You got a fun girl!

John: Ooh, Casmè from New Orleans.

I love her.

She's charismatic, she's beautiful,

she's got cool style, and she has a wonderful voice.

Wait! Casmè, wait!

There's a really creepy part coming. Just go ahead. Just go ahead.

[ Laughs ]

Okay. Wait for it. Wait for it.

Are you doing it? Nope. I give up.

Mwah!

Thank you so much.

Thank you!

I had a little losing streak. It was tough.

I'm so happy she's on my team.

We're gonna have a lot of fun picking songs together.

Nice job!

You got a whole crew here trying to talk to you.

We're very proud of you. Now I can rest.

Mwah! I love y'all! Congratulations.

Thank you. Bye!

[ Laughs ] With that glove.

I just couldn't do it again. She was too cool.

I was like, nah. I don't want to show this to her.

Daly: Coming up...

♪ In my mind, I'm going to Carolina ♪

♪ Un‐break my heart ♪

♪ Say you love me... ♪

Daly: ...a four‐chair turn to end the night...

Four chairs. Whoo!

...and two of our coaches team up.

You know, Kelly, your pitch ‐‐

it goes a lot of different places.

It's just hard to follow sometimes.

I think I've had a birthday since she started talking.

[ Laughing ] Oh, my God, Blake.

[ Laughs ]

[ Snorts ]

[ Laughter ]

♪ This is "The Voice" ♪

Daly: Welcome back to the blind auditions.

My name is Michelle Moonshine.

I'm 28 years old,

and I'm from alt Lake City, Utah.

I've always felt like I've had an older soul.

In elementary school,

my friends would be the lunch ladies

and my friends' parents.

We'd make jokes

and listen to old '60s stations on the radio.

My style of music is a little bit country,

a little bit bluegrass, a little bit rockabilly.

Starting to play music live when I was 18.

After three years of playing, I was on my first tour,

and I had the opportunity to audition for "The Voice."

Right before I was set to fly out,

I found out I was pregnant.

I had this really great opportunity,

and I couldn't do it.

Michelle: Can you color it for me?

How cute is that?

That time was very, very difficult for me,

but there are a few things that made it worth it.

I was able to spend all day with Liam,

and when he would go to bed at night, I would go play music.

So I got to have the best of both worlds that way.

Liam's dad left the picture when Liam was 2 1/2.

My life did change.

But my favorite thing about being a mom

is probably knowing that

there is somebody that will love me no matter what.

The first few years, I couldn't just take any gig.

I couldn't play for free.

I did quite often think that I would have to give music up.

But then I met my partner, Andrew.

♪♪♪

We met at a speakeasy here in Salt Lake.

If Andrew weren't here, there's no way

I would be able to have this experience.

It's a wonderful bonus for me to meet the woman of my dreams,

but also to have another son of my dreams.

So it's incredible.

She may be the hardest‐working person I've ever met.

I'm very proud of her, and I feel like...

the luckiest man alive.

♪♪♪

Michelle: Being a single mom was very difficult.

I've never had the kind of support that I do right now.

Having cousins and brothers for Liam to play with is huge.

Going from six years ago

and having to turn down this opportunity

to have Liam and raise him till now,

it's like coming full circle.

♪♪♪

♪ In my mind, I'm going to Carolina ♪

♪ Can't you see the sunshine? ♪

♪ Can't you just feel the moonshine? ♪

♪ Ain't it just like a friend of mine ♪

♪ To hit me from behind? ♪

♪ Yes, I'm going to Carolina in my mind ♪

Pretty.

♪ In my mind, I'm going to Carolina ♪

♪ Can't you see the sunshine? ♪

♪ Can't you just feel the moonshine? ♪

♪ Ain't it just like a friend of mine ♪

♪ To hit me from behind? ♪

♪ Yes, I'm going ♪

♪ I'm going to Carolina in my mind ♪

♪♪♪

♪ I'm going to Carolina ♪

♪ In my mind ♪

[ Cheers and applause ]

It is pretty. Kelly: Yeah.

♪♪♪

What is your name, and where are you from?

Michelle Moonshine.

I'm 28. Moonshine?

And from Salt Lake City.

Easily the coolest name I've heard this season.

But this isn't cool that nobody turned around,

and I hate that.

I love that song,

and I love your voice on that song.

I felt like you might have been a little bit timid,

so I didn't hit my button, and I'm sorry.

Thank you.

Hi, Michelle. Hi!

I love what you do,

but you were kind of throwing away some of the words

at the end of sentences, you know,

which if you're on a record,

it would work a lot better than in a setting like this.

I think what you're doing is really heartfelt.

I thought there was a lot of good things about it.

Thank you. I kept waiting the whole time for you

to just go up a little bit,

just to show me what your range was.

♪ Going to Carolina ♪

Not even like a run or anything. That's what I would do.

I just mean like something else

rather than it just being lackadaisical.

Lacksadaisical? What is that word? Lackadaisical?

But your tone is really peaceful

and, like, feels like home, and it's really sweet.

Thanks. Thank you so much for coming.

Thank you so much.

John: Thank you, Michelle.

Kelly: With Michelle Moonshine, I just wanted to hear

a little bit more of what she had to offer,

and she kind of just stayed in this really safe zone.

I'm really listening for that artist

that forces me to hit the button.

Like, there's no other option.

John? Lackadaisical. Yeah, that's right.

I know, and I said, lacsid‐‐ Why didn't you ask me that question?

'Cause he's a wordsmith. That's why.

[ Laughing ] I'm just joking.

♪ This is "The Voice" ♪

Daly: Welcome back to the blind auditions.

Let's meet the last artist of the night.

Alright, Blake.

You know, I'm a little bit country. I got you.

My name is Desz, and I'm from Houston, Texas,

and I'm 30 years old.

It feels really good to be here.

My mother discovered that I could sing

'cause I was extremely shy as a child.

I remember being in the car with her.

There was a song playing,

and she heard me singing it with her.

She said, "Baby, when Mommy goes to glory,

I want you to sing this song for me."

You know, I'm 11.

I'm just like, "You're gonna die when you're 100."

But I wouldn't even say it was a month later,

she had a heart attack and an aneurysm simultaneously,

and she passed.

♪♪♪

[ Voice breaking ] My first time publicly singing out...

was at her funeral.

Every time I sing, I sing for her.

[ Sniffles ] Because I know that's what she wanted for me.

♪♪♪

That moment was the hardest moment of my life.

It was a brave, beautiful thing she did.

Wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Singing for her helped heal me.

A fire was ignited inside of me.

I joined the school choir.

I ended up getting a scholarship.

I majored in opera and classical music.

I was able to sing with the Houston Symphony

and the Houston Opera.

I spent 10 years gigging,

but I felt like I ended up in a routine.

[ Vocalizing ]

I said, "Hey, Mom, I know you're looking after me.

We're gonna make this work."

I ended up auditioning for this guy on Instagram.

Two weeks went by, and then I got a text.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Washington.

You made the Kanye West Coachella Choir."

And I was just, like, screaming on the top of my lungs.

I was running around the house ‐‐ ♪ Ahhh ♪

♪ Who can I turn to? ♪

I was just singing, screaming, singing, screaming.

♪♪♪

So, after Coachella, we traveled the world ‐‐

New York, my hometown, Houston, Texas,

Jamaica.

We performed at the Hollywood Bowl.

We went to Paris Fashion Week.

That was a whole new type of fire.

I was just like, "I need to become my own artist."

I need some more of this."

What's up, Desz? Hi?

How you doing? I'm good.

What do you hope the coaches hear in your voice?

I hope they hear my life story.

Let's go. Yeah.

Go get them, Desz. Have fun.

Thank you. Alright, we're pulling for you.

Today, I will be singing

"Un‐Break My Heart" by Toni Braxton,

and I can relate to it.

I've been heartbroken before.

When I take that stage,

I'm gonna be thinking about, my mom wanted this dream for me,

and I'm dedicating this performance to her.

I know that my mom is standing with me, cheering me on.

I know it. I feel it. I feel it.

I feel it. I feel it in my bones.

Announcer: Our next artist is entering now.

Last one.

[ All cheering ]

[ Sighs ]

♪♪♪

Ooh! That's my jam.

♪ Don't leave me in all this pain ♪

Whoo!

♪ Don't leave me out in the rain ♪

♪ Come back and bring back the smile ♪

♪ Come and take these tears away ♪

♪ I need your arms to hold me now ♪

♪ Nights are so unkind ♪

[ All cheering ]

♪ Bring back those nights when I held you beside me ♪

♪ Un‐break my heart ♪

♪ Say you love me again ♪

♪ Un‐do this hurt you caused ♪

♪ When you walked out the door and walked out of my life ♪

♪ Un‐cry these tears ♪

♪ I cried so many, many nights ♪

♪ Un‐break my ♪

♪ Un‐break my heart ♪

♪ Oh, baby ♪

♪ Come back and say you love me ♪

♪ Un‐break my heart, sweet darlin' ♪

♪ Without you, I just can't go oooooooooon ♪

♪ Go on ♪

♪ Can't go on ♪

Oh, my gosh! John: Yeah!

Oh, my gosh!

Four chairs! Whoo! Un‐break my heart!

Whoo!

[ Cheers and applause ]

[ All cheering ]

You just sang "Un‐break My Heart"

on "The Voice" and nailed it.

I don't know what's happening.

Please tell us your name and where you're from.

My name is Desz, and I am 30 years old,

and I'm from Houston, Texas!

Yes!

H‐Town! Yes!

So many cool things come out of Texas. Yes.

Let me tell you, Desz why we all were

so enthralled with your performance.

That is not an easy song to sing. [ Scoffs ] No!

It isn't. [ Laughs, snorts ]

You just snorted! That's so awesome!

[ Laughter ]

What you did that was so special

was because we've all heard the song so many times.

I literally just heard it on the radio the other day ‐‐

Me and Chrissy are singing it in the car.

It is not an easy thing to do,

to sing those low alto notes that she does

and then deliver those high notes, too.

[ Vocalizing ] You did a lot of things

that personalized the song for you.

Like, some of those runs you did ‐‐

inventive and interesting.

And for a song that's been done a lot,

it's very special when you can make it your own.

So, I'm gonna put my bid in

because I would love to have you on Team Legend.

You also were able to replicate

some of those ad‐libs that we all know so well

that you don't think you're gonna do,

because how could anyone do them

under the pressure that you're under right now?

And you did them, and it was stunning.

It's not only just about the vocal talent.

Even though it is "The Voice," there's so much more

to performing and being individual,

you know, making that shine.

It's something that I know I could help you with

because I feel like I've been around forever.

[ Laughs ] So I have all this history

and this whole journey I've been on, and it's, like,

my favorite thing I've ever done is be on this show and coach,

because it's just so exciting to go back

and remember all that and share it.

Thank you. I think we could work really well together.

I'd love to have you on my team.

I don't know if you know this, but I turned around, like,

light‐years before everyone else.

[ John laughs ] First of all,

the fact that you chose that song

means that you just set the bar, and it's pretty high,

'cause you're insane.

I love the big notes you did and how you sustained them.

And that control is so crazy cool

in this kind of setting, like, and in life.

Like, I can navigate a vocal competition,

and I know so many different songs

'cause I love so much music.

So it's gonna be a thing of strategy for you.

And I would love the chance.

I think you would look real cute in this jacket.

[ Laughs ]

I would feel very honored if you were on my team,

Blake fell asleep.

[ Laughter ]

Is that it?

I might say a lot of words,

but it still takes him the same amount of time

just to get five words out. John: Oh, Lord.

I think I've had a birthday since she started talking.

[ Laughing ] Oh, my God, Blake.

[ Laughter ]

You know, Kelly, I love you.

[ Laughter ]

You know what's interesting about your pitch?

It goes a lot of different places.

It's just hard to follow sometimes.

I can't even remember what you sang now,

but I know it was really good.

I tried to hold back.

Then you got to about the last 10 seconds of that song,

and you hit some notes that,

even the dumbest person on the planet...

couldn't keep himself from hitting his button.

I love you, Desz,

and I would be so proud to have you on my team.

[ Laughing ] I love you, Blake. John: We're so lucky to have you.

We all turned for you for a reason.

So, it's up to you, Desz. Mm‐hmm.

Together: Yeah!

Who do you pick as your coach?

[ Indistinct shouting ]

Come on, Desz. Come home.

I got to pick right now?

Come on! You got to do it now! You got to decide now.

Who's she gonna pick?

I pick...

♪♪♪