The Voice coaches Nick Jonas, Blake Shelton, John Legend, and mega mentor for the knockout rounds Snoop Dogg discussed the last 10 years and the present season of the hit show.
After 10 years, “the Voice” arrives at its’ most anticipated season yet. Season 20 marks a new wave of talented contestants hungry for the $100,000 prize and the record deal with Universal Music Group. Judges Nick Jonas, Blake Shelton, John Legend, and Kelly Clarkson are hungry as well to create the perfect team. This became apparent Monday night during the first knockout rounds. Before the knockout rounds, NBC held a virtual panel with the judges except Clarkson and mentor Snoop Dogg to get a closer look at the knockouts and celebrate the accomplishments of the show.
As a musical icon, Snoop Dogg provided insight to how contestants can shape themselves to be artists. Everyone present could agree that having the rapper and mogul as a mentor felt like a dream, even the celebrity coaches. For Snoop Dogg, it was more than that. Even before becoming a mentor, he enjoyed the show stating
“the show is a blessing because it gives the opportunity for real singers to shine and in this industry that we’re in now alot of effects are put on vocals. On this show, you’re not afforded to use any effects, you have to use your vocals, you have to work with a band, you have to work with coaches, you have to learn how to make your vocals move and grove, and you have to learn how to perform. This is like a school that is teaching great lessons to even professionals in the industry, not just the artists that are trying to make this show. I learned a few things from watching the show over the years as far as how to perform and jump into different genres of music. I think the seasons of The Voice have been helpful to the artists as well as artists outside of the show that watch the show. They can give some information as well.”
Snoop brings not only great advice, but charisma. When asked if he was the best dressed on the show, he replied “I’m the best at everything I do, baby. Yeah, check my resume. I’m the freshest on the flies.”
The knockout rounds bring out the best in the contestants. Possibly due to the level of competitiveness in securing a spot on a team for the live shows. Everyone wants to wow their coach and of course Snoop Dogg. The coaches want to stun each other too. This season may be a milestone, but according to coach John Legend there is no extra layer of competitiveness.“I don’t think we’re more competitive. I think we’re always going to be competitive with each other. We always have a lot of fun with each other as well. Part of the charm of this show is that the coaches compete with each other, but we’re all friends. We love spending time with each other as well and honestly, we do this more for these artists. It’s about them getting a chance to shine. We already get to shine in our own careers. We want to see these artists do the most that they can with this opportunity.”
Legend, who’s been a coach for several seasons now, admitted that it’s been refreshing to see the lives of so many musicians change, and also assist in crafting his music choices along the way.
“It really helps us think anew about our own career. It’s inspiring. It helps us think about the kind of advice that we give to these artists. I think it helps me turn the lens back on myself like “well, what would I say to myself to make myself a better artist?” I analyze these choices I’m making when it comes to picking songs that I’m picking for my team members. It’s like how I make decisions about what goes on my album, what’s my next single, what song I’m going to perform on this or that show. I think being on this show helps me think about all those decisions that I make.”
As the only judge there since beginning of the show in 2011, Blake Shelton looked on at how the show itself has changed. Shelton admitted at first he thought the premise of the show was ridiculous especially the iconic red chair. But, over time he made the show a second home and hasn’t left since.
“I think the show is just constantly evolving and with each new personality, you bring into the mix it kind of turns into a different thing. Whether it’s a new coach or having Snoop Dogg here. When this show ends someday or they fire me or whatever happens, I’ll look back at that and always go “my God, I sat in the chair next to Snoop Dogg.” Who would’ve thought that I would get to do something like that. Those are cool moments for me, and I’ve got a long list of them. I’ve been here for 20 seasons. I don’t know how the show’s evolved. I just know it’s been awesome to be a part of it,” said Shelton.
The Voice tends to bring on new coaches each season. Next season, pop superstar Ariana Grande will take Nick Jonas’ chair. The men agreed that Grande’s star power and talent will bring a new element of competitiveness. Shelton was overly excited about the chance at winning over Grande. “I look for a challenge. I think Ariana could be a challenge. I’m looking forward to beating her though,” said Shelton.
Jonas didn’t have many major words of advice for Grande. He remarked, “Ariana clearly doesn’t need my advice. She’s an incredible artist. I think one of our generation’s best vocalists. She’s got such an incredible career to pull from to help inspire these artists. Also, I’m so excited for her to beat Blake. It’s gonna be great.”
Not only did Jonas have advice for Grande, but for the contestants as well. To end the panel, Jonas talked about lessons he’s learned throughout his career.
“I think some of the advice that I was given early on was just to know the stakes and to be aware of them, but don’t let them overtake your ability to perform. When you get too in your head and you step out there worrying about this being the biggest performance and we used to say that a lot when we were coming out [The Jonas Brothers.] This is our big moment. This is the biggest performance, and if you approach any performance with that in mind, then it’s going to be really tough to do your best because it’s a high-pressure situation. So try to relax and I tell my team that and to go out there and have fun. I think that’s most important before you go do something like “The Voice” where you’ve got millions of people watching you. Think of it like you’re sitting alone in your bedroom and enjoying music.”
The knockout rounds continue next Monday at 8 PM EST on NBC.
