MANILA, Philippines – Christina Aguilera is back to her red swivel chair after a one-season absence as coach of The Voice (Season 10). Returning for her sixth season to the reality singing competition, Christina joins veteran coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, with Pharrell Williams, who is back for his fourth season.
The Voice remains a widely-followed reality singing contest, which does not limit the age of its contestants. From as young as 15 years old to over 60, singers, who are aspiring to make a name for themselves in the music industry or live their dream, try their luck onstage.
Season 9 concluded with the big win of Team Adam’s talent, Jordan Smith from Harlan, Kentucky, who edged out Team Blake’s Emily Ann Roberts and Barrett Baber, second and third placers, respectively. Jeffrey Austin from Team Gwen Stefani was in fourth place.
Season 10 started recently with the Blind Auditions and the coaches were apparently all too eager to enlist the talents and complete their respective pools of 12. Blake was the first to get a talent in his stable, with 23-year-old Paxton Ingram from Miami, Florida. Blake also strongly added a four-chair turner, 20-year-old Mary Sarah from Richmond, Texas, who sang Connie Francis’ Where the Boys Are.
Meanwhile, it was Pharrell who secured the first four-chair turner for the season, 21-year-old Caity Peters from Longbeach, California. The latter impressed the judges with her version of Labrinth’s heart-breaking love paean, Jealous. Another four-chair turner in Pharrell’s stable was 16-year-old Emily Keener from Wakeman, Ohio, who rendered Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Christina, for her part, got her first four-chair turner with 34-year-old Alisan Porter, a former child actress. Alisan is perhaps best remembered for playing the title role in the Hollywood comedy flick, Curly Sue, which teamed her with Jim Belushi and directed by John Hughes.
A recovering alcoholic and a mother of two, Alisan’s rendition of Linda Ronstadt’s hauntingly sentimental signature song, Blue Bayou, got all four coaches to their feet and applauded her.
Based on the original concept from Holland, The Voice airs on AXN Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Carson Daly hosts. Other celebrities who joined The Voice as coaches in the past include Shakira, Ceelo Green, Usher and Gwen Stefani. Interestingly, Gwen is said to be presently romantically involved with Blake and she will sit in as advisor this season for Team Blake.
Other advisors for the contestants in Season 10 are Tori Kelly for Team Adam; P Diddy for Team Pharrell; and Patti LaBelle for Team Christina. During the Knockout Rounds, Miley Cyrus will serve as advisor for all teams.