The Voice is BACK!

BBC 1’s hit show The Voice is back after the success of its first series. The judges; Sir Tom Jones, Will.i.am, Jessie J and Danny O’Donoghue all returned to their seats behind the buzzers two weekends ago for this series first episode.

Every contestant that gets through to the auditions show is talented so unlike the X-Factor there are no awkward moments with painful pitchy voices. Quite the opposite in fact, for those who don’t know each contestant approaches the stage with all the judges sitting in the opposite direction so they cannot see who is singing. If they like what they hear they push their buzzers and their seat turn to face the stage.  Each judge builds up a team who then fight it out in live finals in a few weeks’ time.

Being a fan of the show, I’ve come to notice that not only is the talent better than last year but the boys are on top form! I’m not usually one to side with the male population but they really seem to be the better side in the competition so far. So I’ve selected a few who I feel are going to be the ones to watch.

Ashley Morgan opened up the first episode with his version of Paloma Faith’s hit “Tear us apart”.  The 27 year old came from South Wales much to Sir Tom’s delight. Ashley works with children with special needs and runs art workshops.  All four judges pushed their buzzers; Jessie J even sat at his feet as he sang. Will.i.am praised Ashley for singing with passion and emotion and said that he was “double blessed”. Jessie said she genuinely believed she can coach him well and his performance was mind blowing, in the end it was Jessie that Ashley chose, she said it was an honour.

Danny County, 22 from London had just come back from travelling the world and his first stop was on the stage in front of the judges to pursue his dream. He wowed the judges with his own rendition of the Sugababes single; About you now.

The judges all looked amazed as they learnt Danny had only sang in public twice before. Danny and Jessie both pushed their buzzers for the young lad and pleaded their cases. Danny began by saying there were slight pitching problems but over all he had a great tone quality.

Jessie said he’s a challenge for her and she’s never worked with anyone like him, she explained her excitement to teach him about himself and how to become a star. Will.i.am backed his fellow judge Danny; however Jessie came out on top. Backstage Danny explained his choice and said Jessie was being real she will really push him.

Personal trainer Trevor Francis opened up last Saturdays show and truly blew the judges away. Trevor had been a backing singer for A-list performers such as P Diddy, Tinnie Tempah and Florence and The Machine, and now felt it was his time to take front stage. Coming from East London and performing; A change is gonna come by Sam Cooke, Trevor had all the judges going for their buzzers.

Danny agreed with Trevor and told him; “it’s your time to stand in the light”. Tom Jones thought he was great and natural, he said his own individuality came across in a well-known song.  Jessie filled with goose bumps claimed she was the coach for Trevor and she won him over.

23 year old Alex Buchanan from Warrington won me over before he began singing due to his close relationship with his sister and dad. Working in West End at the moment, his dream is to look after his family through his passion for singing.  All of the judges wanted a piece of Alex, although Danny did signal him to calm down a little during his performance. Jessie said he was delicious, Tom waited to see if he did anything wrong but he didn’t and Danny said vocally he’s; very gifted, fresh and new and needed him on his team. Yet again another dashing young man chose team Jessie.

Last but by no means last is my favourite; 27 year old Liam Tamne from Coventry. His story was an emotional one and sang; This woman’s work by Maxwell in memory of his nan who passed away last year. He currently plays a lead role in Les Miserables and came on The Voice to complete his nan’s wish.

Liam ended his performance only to find a standing ovation of judges. Jessie said he sounded like so many singers she listens to, she spoke about how she wants to make him what he deserves to be and that he has loads of potential. She also explained how it was very rare that she hears someone she wants to work with, oh and not forgetting that she said he was really cute.

Danny complemented his amazing falsetto and Tom thought he was a girl when he began to sing and once he entered the lower register he thought it was a different person all together. Will called him spectacular, and said he didn’t have to hear much of his voice; one note was enough to know how talented he is. Will claimed he knows exactly how to coach him and with this won Liam over. Unlucky team Jessie!

Don’t get me wrong there are some talented girls that have gone through, but none of them have quite given me goose bumps like the boys have. The show is on BBC 1 at 7pm, tune in and be amazed. You can also check out the finalist’s auditions on BBC iplayer, it’s truly worth it.

By Amrit Pnaiser