NBC’s ‘The Voice’ notes: Usher joins Blake Shelton event; Midas Whale debut video

Before we get to the new episode of “The Voice” airing on NBC tonight, we do have a few assorted updates coming in when it comes to some stars of the show.

Let’s start things off here with the news that one of Blake Shelton’s fellow coaches on the show in Usher has joined the “Healing in the Heartland” charity special airing on Wednesday night. Usher was born not far from Oklahoma in Dallas, Texas, and grew up living in Tennessee, a place that has much of the same vibe. He joins a roster that is mostly country artists, with Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic being an exception. Rascal Flatts, Luke Bryan, Reba McEntire, and Shelton’s wife Miranda Lambert are just some of the people scheduled to appear. The event will be held at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, which is home to the NBA team the Thunder.

Music news – Remember Midas Whale? We hope you do. We almost wish that the duo had lost in the Battle Rounds, that way another coach other than Adam Levine could have them, and they would be still on the show. Then again, they appear to be using this time away from the show rather well, which means to us that things definitely happened in the way that they were meant to.

Check out the group’s new song “Howling at the Moon” below. It has a very Fleet Foxes sort of vibe, which is great for us as big-time Fleet Foxes fans. It may also be one of the few non-corny songs to ever feature the lead singers literally howling during the song.

If you want to read our full review of Tuesday night’s new episode of “The Voice,” all you have to do is head on over to the link here.

Photo: NBC