Maddi Jane reacts to her four-chair turn reception on The Voice Season 22. (NBC Photo)
Poor John Legend was having a tough time landing artists during The Voice Season 25 premiere.
But you knew that drought wouldn’t last long. And it ended with a flourish Tuesday night.
First, OK3 choose John for their coach, ending the cliff hanger on which the premiere ended.
The female trio from Oklahoma had turned four chairs with a fun version of “Made You Look,” but Monday’s show ended before viewers learned which coach they selected.
Then Team Legend landed two more artists who auditioned Tuesday, a second four-chair turn recipient in Gene Taylor and versatile cruise ship performer Nathan Chester.
The Voice introduced us to six more artists who landed spots on the show during Tuesday’s episode. Maddi Jane earned the night’s other four-chair turn, then opted to join Team Chance.
Here’s a recap. Following the links will take you to profiles of each artist, complete with information about music they’ve already released.
Best of the Night
Maddi Jane, 24, Chicago, Ill., “Escapism” by RAYE and 070 Shake: She performed a song that required rapping and singing and performed with confidence. It wasn’t until she let her vocals shine that coaches started turning, about a minute into the performance. But, eventually, all four chairs turned for the former child star. John called her a star, praising her stage presence and confidence. Chance loved the way she worked the crowd. Dan + Shay called the performance “incredible” and “so entertaining.” I’d agreed. Let’s see, Maddi rapped, showed off an ethereal tone when she sang softly and showed the ability to belt as well. As noted earlier, Maddi opted to join Team Chance.
Runner-up
Karen Waldrup, 36, Mandeville, La., “Bye Bye” by Jo Dee Messina: Hey, great country voice from the opening note. That prompted a quick chair turn from Dan + Shay. Reba turns soon after, only to find she’s been blocked by Dan + Shay. They were just getting even. Reba had used her block on them earlier in the show. Karen completed a confident, high-energy performance, but the other coaches stayed put. John called the performance superb and said the only reason he didn’t turn is he “didn’t think it was my cup of tea.” Dan applauded Karen on her vocals and her “charisma.”
Also made the show
Gene Taylor, 33, Brooklyn, N.Y., “Lights” by Journey: Gene immediately shows off an ability to nail high notes. And that earns quick chair turns from John, Dan + Shay and Reba. Gene’s got plenty of vocal firepower too. Chance turns as well, giving Gene a four-chair turn. John called the performance “expertly done.” He also notes he’s the only coach on The Voice this year who’s won the show. Dan calls Gene “a star.” Gene brings his mom onto the stage. Chance says Gene could go far on the show. Gene opts to join Team Legend.
Donny Van Slee, 30, Weeki Wachee, Fla., “Greatest Love Story” by LANCO: Donny’s only two lines into the performance when Reba turns her chair. About halfway through the performance, Dan + Shay turned as well. But they’ve been blocked by Reba. Nice ending by Donny, who’s clearly thrilled to land a spot on the show. John loved Donny’s raspy tone. Shay complimented his tone as well. Reba said she loves Donny’s voice and immediately thought she’d better block Dan + Shay to ensure she landed him for her team.
Gabriel Goes, 21, Honolulu, Hawaii, “What I Got” by Sublime: He has an interesting tone, and you can hear the Hawaiian reggae influence in his performance. But he’s nearing the end of the song before he entices a chair turn from Chance the Rapper. John says he loves Gabriel’s energy. Dan says he loves Gabriel’s spirit. Chance likes the fact that Gabriel has a different sound and calls the performance “awesome.”
Nathan Chester, Chicago, Ill., “Take Me to the River” by Al Green: Nathan launches into a fun energetic performance. He’s about 30 seconds in when he entices a chair turn from John Legend. Nathan shows off nice range and earns a chair turn from Dan + Shay as well. Reba says she’s sorry she didn’t turn. John said Nathan’s “got it.” Nathan says he wants to bring back James Brown style Motown music. Shay called Nathan “unbelievable.” Nathan opted to join Team Legend.
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