The coaches finalized their teams in the last of the season 7 blind auditions, and we witnessed the nicest coaches battle in The Voice history.
The teams are all set now, and ready for next week’s battle rounds. But the coaches had a few more arguments to get out of their systems, and there were a few more talented contestants to take the stage before the battles.
Blind audition standouts
Matt McAndrew
Matt McAndrew works at a grocery store to pay the bills, but teaches music lessons to kids on the side. He likely has 100% more neck tattoos than every other person that has sung Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years,” but it was a surprisingly tender performance. The coaches were impressed, and Adam, Blake, and Pharrell all battled over their collaborative qualities. In the end, Matt chose to join Team Adam.
Brittany Butler
Jazz and R&B singer Brittany Butler learned all about the classics from her grandfather, and it has helped inspire her unique sound. Her performance of “The Girl from Ipanema” caught Gwen and Pharrell’s attention, and led to the first Battle of the Newbies we’ve seen this season. But as we’ve learned, Gwen and Pharrell are two of the nicest coaches The Voice has ever seen, so without Adam and Blake’s brattiness involved, it was the sweetest, nicest battle ever. Adam said it was “like watching a candy cane swordfight,” but Pharrell’s candy cane must have been a little bit sharper, because he won.
Beth Spangler
South Carolina girl Beth Spangler works as a pediatric radiologist by day, and a pop singer by night. Her bubbly personality is reminiscent of fellow Carolina girl Kellie Pickler. She made the bold choice of singing Beyonce’s “Best Thing I Never Had,” and the even bolder choice of wearing black leather overalls. She turned all four chairs, and while Gwen and Blake battled over who likes overalls more, and Pharrell walked the walk and talked the talk, Adam was the winner, as Beth chose to become the last member on Team Adam.
Justin Johnes
Fifteen-year-old Justin Johnes was the last contestant of the night, with only Blake left to win over. Young Justin comes from a musical family, and grew up watching a VHS tape of NSYNC Live from Madison Square Garden, so obviously he is the Voice champion we both need and deserve. Precious little Justin is still fighting that vicious beast named Puberty, and his performance of Passenger’s “Let Her Go” had a few squeaks here and there, but somehow it worked. Blake saw some promise in him, and turned his chair, awarding Justin with a spot on his team, and a t-shirt saying “Blake’s Boo.”
Season 7’s teams
Team Adam:
Alessandra Castronovo, Beth Spangler, Chris Jamison, Clara Hong, Damien, Ethan Butler, Joe Kirk, Jonathan Wyndham, Kelli Douglas, Matt McAndrew, Mia Pfirrman, Rebekah Samarin
Team Gwen:
Amanda Lee Peers, Anita Antoinette, Bryana Salaz, Gianna Salvato, Jean Kelley, Jessie Pitts, Mayra Alvarez, Menlik Zergabachew, Ryan Sill, Sugar Joans, Taylor John Williams, Troy Ritchie
Team Pharrell:
Brittany Butler, Blessing Offor, Danica Shirey, Elyjuh Rene, Griffin, Jordy Searcy, Katriz Trinidad, Luke Wade, Maiya Sykes, Ricky Manning, Taylor Phelan, Toia Jones
Team Blake:
Allison Bray, Bree Fondacaro, Craig Wayne Boyd, Fernanda Bosch, Grant Ganzer, James David Carter, John Martin, Justin Johns, Kensington Moore, Reagan James, Taylor Linford, Taylor Brashears
The Voice battle rounds will kick off next Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC, with a recap of season 7’s blind auditions airing tomorrow night at 8 p.m. on NBC.