'The Voice' Season 27, Episode 2: Kelsea Ballerini Steals The Spotlight As New Talent Intensifies The Competition

Season 27 of 'The Voice' sees Kelsea Ballerini shine as a standout coach, using her approachable charm to become a strong contender on a mostly male panel.

by Trevor Justin - Feb 12 2025
Share

Season 27 of The Voice features a predominantly male coaching panel, but Kelsea Ballerini quickly becomes the standout. As the only female coach, she has established herself as the approachable and spirited coach of the season. By offering freshly baked cookies as a charming incentive, she's making it easy for contestants to join her team. Her infectious energy and warm smile position her as a mentor and a formidable contender against her fellow coaches.

The premiere of Season 27 of The Voice on February 3rd showcased a vibrant start to the new season. Eleven hopefuls stepped into the spotlight for the blind auditions. Coaches Adam Levine, John Legend, Michael Bublé, and newcomer Kelsea Ballerini were all on the hunt to bolster their teams with fresh talent, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.

Ballerini made a big splash with her debut, using the "Coach Replay" feature in a way we’ve never seen before, showing she’s ready to shake things up. The night had its ups and downs for the contestants: while two didn’t get any chairs to turn, marking the end of their journey, two others snagged the rare four-chair turn – proving they’ve got serious potential.

It’s shaping up to be a season full of fierce competition! Let's break down this week's episode of The Voice.

Team Kelsea: A Force to Reckon With

Night Two of the Blind Auditions introduces Tatum Scott, who moved from High Point, North Carolina, to Nashville. Bringing a blend of country and musical theater to her performance, she pays tribute to her late chorus teacher by singing Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire,” adding a country twang to the pop track. Both Ballerini and Legend turn their chairs, but Ballerini’s charm wins Scott over. Her genre-crossing ability marks her as a contestant to watch this season.

Jaelen Johnston, a 21-year-old country singer raised by his mom, grandma, and grandpa, brings his roots to the stage with Luke Combs' “Where the Wild Things Are.” His heartfelt performance turns all chairs except Legend’s. Ballerini secures Johnston for her team, recognizing his potential to represent a more diverse image in country music. Johnston's authentic style and youthful adaptability make him a strong contender for the season finale.

The Lettermen Club: John Legend’s Newest Team Members

In a striking opening, Bryson Battle captivates the audience and the judges from the outset, performing Leon Russell's "A Song for You" under dimmed lights. His soulful voice quickly prompts chair turns from Legend and Bublé, and soon all four coaches are facing him. Battle carries an old-soul vibe in his performance, and his voice resonates with a deep, emotive quality.

Bublé is so moved that he claims Battle might have the greatest voice he's ever heard, a high praise that underscores the young singer's potential. Yet, it seems John Legend is the more fitting mentor for Battle, and wisely, he becomes Legend's first team addition of the night.

Jordan Allen from Kentucky, with his Southern-fried voice and a lineage of coal miners, brings a nostalgic vibe to his Blind Audition by singing Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll." Despite his performance being more suited to a lively wedding, his genuine spirit earns him a spot on Team Legend.

Meanwhile, Ari Camille, a recent USC theater graduate, channels '90s R&B with her rendition of Brandy’s "I Wanna Be Down," capturing Legend's attention with her vocal precision and engaging presence. Both choose Team Legend, Allen for the insightful musical feedback, and Camille was influenced by Brandy’s past mentorship under Legend, highlighting their unique artistic identities as promising contenders on The Voice.

Is This the Season Adam Levine Reclaims His Spot?

After a commercial break, the show introduces Hayden Grove, initially mistaken for a field reporter, as he navigates the green room interviewing other contestants. In reality, Grove, a sports reporter with a notably deep voice, reveals his musical side, snapping his fingers in preparation for his Blind Audition. He surprises the audience by sharing his experience of recording TikTok duets with Bublé, who had even promoted him at a concert. During his performance of "Mack the Knife," despite last season’s affinity for similar artists, Bublé does not turn his chair, leaving Levine to scoop him up, although Bublé hints at a possible steal later in the season.

Meanwhile, Britton Moore, a former Little League World Series player turned singer, delivers a heartfelt rendition of ">Coldplay's "Yellow," showcasing a tantalizing tenor and perfect falsetto that could have fit well in a boy band. His performance draws interest from all coaches, but after a spirited pitch by Ballerini, including her singing her own lyrics as part of her button push, Moore ultimately chooses the seasoned Levine, aligning with his rockier vocal style in what appears to be a perfect match.

Ricardo Moreno Ignites The Voice with a Latin-Infused Classic

The atmosphere on The Voice heats up the moment Ricardo Moreno takes the stage. With a father who is a singer, mariachi music runs through his veins. Yet, Moreno chooses to step away from his Latin music heritage by performing "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" by ">Paul Anka, adding a unique Spanish twist to the classic. Initially, the performance seems a tad kitschy, and the coaches sense that something isn't quite clicking. However, as Moreno belts out the Spanish lyrics, he truly shines, though, regrettably, none of the coaches turn their chairs.

Levine and Legend jokingly fault Bublé for not turning, citing him as a pivotal influencer. But, with the option of a Coaches' Replay, Bublé seizes the opportunity to give Moreno a second chance, eager to explore different genres with him. Moreno possesses a unique talent that, with the right guidance on song selection, could flourish under Bublé's mentorship.

Breaking Down the Teams of 'The Voice' This Season

Team Adam

Team Legend

Team Kelsea

Team Bublé

The Voice broadcasts on NBC every Monday at 8 p.m. EST. You can also stream episodes on Peacock the following day. 

Photo Credit: @nbcthevoice on Instagram. 

Share

Related Post