Yeah, yeah, two weeks later...
After enjoying the first two seasons of The Voice Australia, I struggled to get into it last year. Not sure whether it was the contestants, the new coaches, the fact that I was gestating a tiny human, or some magic combination of all of the above, but I just didn't enjoy it as much. Maybe the shine has worn off, I thought?
And so it was that I approached the fourth season premiere with mild trepidation. Do I really want to have to abandon another series after losing interest? (This is where it would be helpful for you to know that I really hate not finishing what I start...hence why I continue to post recaps LONG after they've aired...) What convinced me to give it a go was the inclusion of new judges Benji Madden & Jessie J and the return of Australia's favourite white-girl-groover, Delta Goodrem.
Anyway, without further ado, let the blind auditions begin!
SPINNERS AND GRINNERS
Paris Cassar, 16 :: I'm guessing producers spotted Paris and thought, "YES, we've got our own little Lorde! Cha-CHING!" Paris performs Out Here On My Own from the Fame soundtrack, prompting the Maddens and Jessie J to turn their chairs. Jessie admits that she wasn't going to turn, as she didn't think Paris was ready, but felt she had to once the Mad Bros spun, as Paris needs "vocal and emotional coaching" that evidently, she feels the brothers are unable to provide. They look offended. I had to laugh, because...well, she kinda has a point boys. Paris picks Jessie, no surprises there.
Comparison courtesy of the official @TheVoiceAU twitter account...what did I tell you?
Nicolas Duquemin, 17 :: We experienced Nicolas' audition just like the judges did, with his face not being revealed until Delta decided to spin. He performed Beyonce's XO, leading the Mad Bros to believe that it was a woman performing. This obviously leads to a "hilarious" moment when they decide to hit their button and realise that it is, in fact, a man - as Jessie was adamant it was. It's not so much funny as it was...well, a bit...mean. I felt bad for Nicolas that Joel was making such a big deal about how he was SO SURE that he was a girl. The kid's only 17. Anyway, unsurprisingly, he picks Delta.
Chris Hoskin, 25 :: Arborist Chris performs a BEAUTIFUL rendition of one of my all-time favourite songs, Fall At Your Feet by Crowded House. He's the first artist of the season to turn every chair, leading to a BATTLE TO THE DEATH FOR CHRIS' SOUL. Or, just a bit of back & forth between Jessie & the Maddens, who are clearly desperate to have Chris on their team. Unfortch for them, Chris decides to join Team Jessie so casually that she doesn't actually realise he's picked her and continues pitching.
Rik-E-Ragga, 31 :: Rik-E takes us to Jamaica with the Bob Marley classic, Get Up, Stand Up. Delta turns, coz she's all about the reggae, mon. Jessie turns at the last minute, Ricky is too busy gyrating in his chair. No complaints here though, amirite ladies? Rik picks Delta, in what will surely be one of the more interesting artist-coach matchups of the season.
Gail Page, 51 :: Gail makes a triumpant return to the Voice stage, performing (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, after failing to turn any chairs in Season One. This time around, Delta and Ricky spin almost instantly, followed soon after by Mad Bros. After a bit of a spat between Ricky & Jessie (in summary: Jessie doesn't think her performance was as good as everyone is saying it was; Ricky is offended at the insinuation he's lying) Gail decides to join Team Ricky. Wouldn't we all, Gail. Wouldn't we all.
BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME, KID
Annaleese Fuda, 18 :: This gal has legs for days, but unfortch, that doesn't mean much in a blind audition. Annaleese performs Clarity by Zedd, getting a great reaction from the audience, but unfortunately no chairs turn. The coaches tell her she's not ready yet, she takes it on the chin like a champ and promises to return next year. Ricky also offers her an opportunity to come and check out his tour and meet his team, and you've gotta be happy with that!
Tanya George, 21 :: Jessie J mega-fan Tanya performs a pitchy rendition of the White Stripes' Seven Nation Army. She pulls out an ear-piercer of a high note at the end, but alas, it's not enough. BUT! She at least scores a hug from her idol...oh, and some concert tickets, after she has to admit to being too poor to afford them.
And we're done for Ep.1! I have to say, I think this is my favourite configuration of coaches so far. Ricky is the charmer, Delta is the sweetheart, the Maddens are the jokesters and Jessie is the hardarse. Seriously, she's tough. I'm impressed. Bring on Season Four!
Final words from Miss J.
The Voice Australia airs Sunday to Tuesday nights from 7:30pm on the Nine Network
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