23-year-old Paxton Ingram is the first artist to take the stage this season, and goes into the Blind Audition hoping to work with Pharrell. But after singing an incredible rendition of “Dancing on My Own” and getting Blake, Adam and his original choice, Pharrell, to turn around, Paxton makes a surprising decision…and goes with Blake! “There’s nobody more surprised that Paxton chose me, than me,” Blake admits. We can’t wait to see where this one goes!
Next up is Caity Peters, 21, who opts to sing Labrinth’s hit “Jealous.” Her soft and slightly raspy voice gets Christina and Pharrell to turn around almost immediately, with Blake and Adam following toward the end of the performance. Nothin’ like a four-chair turn! The coaches all fought hard, but Caity ends up choosing Pharrell.
Nick Hagelin, a former ballet dancer, is next to take the stage. The 28-year-old has us roped in from the moment he begins to share his emotional story about his disabled, two-year-old son. Nick decides to sing Adam’s song, “Lost Stars,” and with the Maroon 5 singer on the judging panel, it’s obviously a major risk. Interestingly, Adam is the only one not to push his button, but Christina does almost immediately, and Blake and Pharrell jump in at the very last second. Xtina doesn’t get rewarded for her quick instinct, though, because Nick goes with Pharrell.
The next contestant is 17-year-old Maddie Poppe, who doesn’t quite have what the judges are looking for when she sings “Dog Days Are Over.” But the A-listers are certain she’ll get there one day, and urge her to come back once she’s 18 for a second chance.
Mary Sarah, 20, performs “Where The Boys Are” next, and impresses all four coaches with her voice. Blake actually recognizes Mary from when she performed with the Oak Ridge Boys, and it turns out, she’s worked with some of the biggest names in country music, like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. With that country background, it’s no surprise when she picks Blake as her coach!
Up next is, Mike Schiavo, 21, who wants to work with Pharrell or Adam, who he says has shaped his music. Mike takes a pretty big risk by making the unique choice of singing ToveLo’s “Talking Body,” which intrigues Adam and Pharrell from the very first note. Eventually Blake joins in and pushes his button, too, but when Adam duets with Mike on Maroon 5’s hit “She Will Be Loved,” it’s no question he’s going to pick the band’s frontman. A perfect pairing!
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21-year-old Queen Sessi is next to give it a go, but unfortunately, her rendition of “Show Me Love” isn’t quite what the coaches are looking for, and no chairs turn around. Hoping to have better luck is Bryan Bautista, an usher at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, who tried out during Season 9, but didn’t get picked by any of the coaches when he sang “Locked Out Of Heaven.” Things are much different this time around, though — Bryan performs “The Hills” by The Weeknd, and Blake and Christina battle it out to get him on their team. Bryan pulls a HILARIOUS trick by pretending to pick Blake, but ultimately, he goes with Xtina, giving her her very first team member of Season 10.
Abby Celso, 20, is the next contestant to share her story, and she’s brought to tears while revealing that her mom passed away just last year. On the stage, though, she sings Tori Kelly’s “Shoulda Been Us” like a pro, and gets Adam and Pharrell to push their buttons. Despite Adam’s pleading, Abby chooses Pharrell, bringing his team total up to 3.
New Jersey native, John Gilman, 23, who literally lives in a log cabin, takes the stage next with a rendition of “Don’t Be Cruel.” His upbeat performance impresses Adam, and he automatically winds up on his team, as he’s the only coach to turn around.
Closing out the first night of Blind Auditions is Alisan Porter, a former child star who played the lead role in Curly Sue. She’s totally unrecognizable compared to her nine-year-old self, and absolutely blows all four judges away with her performance. Alisan admits to a past with drugs and alcohol, but is eight years sober, and clearly ready to give her career in show business another go. She ultimately picks Christina as her coach, and we can tell they’re going to be a girl-power force to be reckoned with this season!
So, at the end of Episode One, here’s where our teams stand: Pharrell 3, Blake: 2, Christina: 2, Adam: 2. Buckle up, it’s going to be a great season!
HollywoodLifers, whose Blind Audition did you like best?! Do you think this is Christina’s season to win?