NBC’s ‘The Voice’ review: Christian Cuevas, Riley Elmore, Sundance Head perform in first (full) blind audition show

While there was technically a mini-episode of “The Voice” that aired during the Olympics, you can go ahead and proclaim Monday night’s episode the proper start to the season. We’re back with the two-hour format, and in turn we’re back to spotlight a huge array of great talent.

For this article, we’re going to be adopting a familiar tradition: Updating this episode live with some updates on all of the artists over the course of the show … or at least we should say some of the more notable ones who advance to the next round.

Jason Warrior – We kick things off with a dude so interesting, he’s got “Warrior” in his name. What’s not to like there? The guy does have a fierce voice and a unique sense of style that we haven’t quite seen on the show before. With his selection, Alicia Keys is the first coach to two artists — and she did it before Adam Levine or Blake Shelton got a single person aboard their own. Team Alicia.

Dave Moisan – The guy does look a lot like Adam Levine! We feel like this one’s gotta hurt especially for him — but then again, did you really think the season’s first four-chair turn was going anywhere but to Alicia the moment that he got to sit at the piano with her? Team Alicia.

Courtnie Ramirez – At this point, we’re starting to sense a theme: The show really trying to prove to you that the female coaches are runnin’ things in the early going. Given how solid Courtnie’s audition was from start to finish, Miley should be happy to have her. Team Miley.

Sundance Head – Our first performer with significant reality TV history this season; the country singer performed on “American Idol” season 6, and he is the first artist this season to go the uber-predictable route of choosing Blake. Team Blake.

Ali Caldwell – We saw her get the preview treatment before the show, so we knew that she was going to be great. This was a big win for Miley’s team, given that she is one of the most polished singers right now on this season, and there’s really not too much time for them to grow and develop this season. Team Miley.

Riley Elmore – We love a good crooner! So long as he keeps honing his craft and stage presence, he could tour very easily after the show. He’s got a great coach, and someone who’s probably just excited at this point to have someone on his team. Team Adam.

Dana Harper – Team Blake’s latest addition is someone a little more unexpected than Sundance. After all, she gave us a soulful version of a Nick Jonas song in “Jealous.” Team Blake.

Gabe Broussard – Is Blake on a roll now? Well, it certainly helps that if you bring out guys with guitars, odds are they’re going with Blake. Team Blake.

Chris Cron – He’s the singer of a former band that went #1 in Japan and Holland — which is a really odd combination of places. He left the industry for some time, and now he’s back to give things another go. This is the one shocking no-turn of the night.

Christian Cuevas – Miley may be the coach at the top of this article, but Alicia is the real winner tonight when you think about some of the talent she had to bookend these two hours. While you can argue that Christian’s story almost overshadows his talent, there is still a lot to like here about some of the notes that he hit. Team Alicia.

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