The Voice Season 27’s Blind Auditions continue to roll out on Monday night as coaches Adam Levine, John Legend, Kelsea Ballerini and Michael Bublé compete to fill their teams with the best possible singers.
One of those vying for a chair turn is 31-year-old Jessica Manalo from Las Vegas, who successfully gets both Kelsea and Michael to swivel for her after hearing her soulful rendition of Sam Smith’s “Unholy.”
“That was a cool take on that song,” John, who did not turn, told her. “Your voice is amazing. Was that your idea?”
“Yeah. I put that together,” Jessica said.
“Amazing,” John continued. “Your vocal performance was strong. You really did make it your own and I’m so excited you get to choose from these two wonderful coaches.”
Then Adam, who also did not turn, explained why, saying, “In the beginning, you kind of had to find your bearings a little bit. But what I loved about your voice is it got really strong, especially in your high register. And you know what? I love being an audience member watching these two go at it, because it’s going to be like a pillow fight. They’re super sweet humans, but I want to see if some claws come out.”
Then, it was time for Kelsea, who did turn, to plead her case.
“I love that song,” she said. “It took me a minute to realize that you had reimagined it. And then I turned around and you were playing a guitar. I play guitar. You’re like, ‘I’m a musician. I’m a creative. I’m from Vegas, I’m feeling lucky.’ Women are killing it in music right now. Typically, women who have these very identifiable voices and styles and that’s what you have. I would love to champion you in whatever way we could work together.”
Next, Michael took his turn to woo Jessica.
“Sure, you could go to Team Kelsea,” he began. “You could go to this young, incredibly talented, smart, really fresh-brained woman. Or you could be with a much older…what was I saying? That’s how old I am. I forgot. My favorite part about you, when you’re playing and singing, it’s so percussive. And there are so many songs when you and I are doing our coaching thing…”
“Hey, back it up,” Kelsea warned him, not letting him get away with being too confident.
“Sorry, I just want you on my team so badly,” he said contritely.
“I don’t know how you’re going to decide, Jessica,” John said.
Then, Kelsea sneakily held up the boots that she’s gifting her team members, but Michael saw that and said, “I have this,” and showed her the Team Bublé Voice hockey jerseys he is handing out.