The Voice kicked off season 3 blind auditions with an exciting coaches performance of the Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up,” the usual emotional backstories and Cee Lo’s new pink cockatoo, but the contestants vying for the 16 spots on each team were pretty great, too.

Christina Aguilera showed her nurturing side encouraging, hugging and wiping tears away from rejected contestants’ faces. Adam Levine and Blake Shelton duked it out trying to convince singers to choose them, while Cee Lo Green played it cool. But for the many hilarious quips from the judges (and some entertaining ads like the one of Blake, Adam and Cee Lo singing the Friends theme song, “I’ll Be There For You,” to Matthew Perry promoting Go On), several artists stood out from the pack. Here are the 11 featured auditions from the Blind Auditions Part 1, in preferential order.

1. Trevin Hunte

The 18-year-old from Queens, N.Y. went last for a good reason. His rendition of Beyonce’s “Listen” blew everyone (except for Adam) away. He joined Team Cee Lo, who seemed convinced Hunte would be “that dude” who would take the title this season.

2. Bryan Keith

The son of Grammy-winning salsa singer Ray De La Paz, Bryan Keith strayed from the Latin sound when he auditioned with Bruno Mars’ “It Will Rain.” Xtina said this crooner had a “signature” voice, but Keith chose Adam after getting all four judges to turn around – the first and only time it happened in the season premiere episode.

3. Terry McDermott

The Scotland rocker (bad hair and all) brought his adorable mini-me son along to the auditions. He got the “not bad” face from Christina but it was Adam, Cee Lo and Blake who turned their chairs for Terry at the last second of his simple and yet effective performance of “Baba O’Reily.”

4. Joe Kirkland

The lead singer for pop punk band Artist Vs. Poet had some breath control issues, but what made him stand apart was his ability to effectively use the falsetto and the growl without overdoing it, during his performance of The All-American Rejects’ “Gives You Hell.” He chose to go with Adam despite convincing Blake Shelton to turn his chair, too.

5. Daniel Rosa

The 21-year-old California native originally auditioned for the show in season 2, but failed to make it through the blind auditions. He caught the attention of Cee Lo and Blake this time around, choosing Team Cee Lo after singing his unique take on Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know,” but it was Adam who gave him a big hug.

6. De’Borah

She’s gay, wore blinged-out glasses, donned a bright coral and blue outfit and had the best personality (and dance moves) of the auditions. She made Train’s “Hey Soul Sister” her own and joined Team Xtina after seemingly connecting with Cee Lo. Aguilera’s song “The Voice Within” resonated with De’Borah, however, and ultimately led her to pick Christina as her coach. Although she doesn’t have the best voice of the bunch, her personality may take her far.

7. Gracia Harrison

Illinois country singer Gracia Harrison gained the attention of the judges by singing and yodeling to “I Want To Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.” Adam and Blake called her the best country singer to ever audition for the show, but their compliments weren’t enough to sway her away from going with Team Blake.

8. Devyn Deloera

Shy Texas native Devyn Deloera had the guts to perform Christina’s “Ain’t No Other Man” and it paid off. Despite some shakiness and wannabe-Xtina growls and runs, Devyn’s idol loved the performance and she became the second contestant to join Team Xtina.

Honorable Mention

Anita Antoinette

The 22-year-old Jamaica native paid homage to her roots with Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry.” No judges turned around for her, but they asked her to come back next year after her much more emotional a cappella rendition of the song.

Garret Gardner

16-year-old soul singer Garret Gardner auditioned to carry out his father’s legacy. His dad had been a jazz musician before getting diagnosed with brain, lung and lymph node cancer. Garret didn’t make it through to the next rounds after his take on “Have You Ever Seen The Rain,” but was encouraged to return, with Aguilera saying he’s “80 percent there” and Adam telling him “You’re so much better than I was when I was 16.”

Jessica Sharpe

Part of a cover band, Greensboro, N.C. native Jessica Sharpe sang a decent rendition of “Son of a Preacher Man” but was missing the magic to get any of the judges to turn their chairs.

Tune in for more blind auditions Sept. 11 and Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.