The Voice Season 14 kicks off Monday night with a brand new judge and a bold new rule. NBC recently screened the fast-paced premiere and hosted a talkback with producer Audrey Morrissey and Season 13 winner Chloe Kohanski.
O.G. singing-competition winner Kelly Clarkson joins the coaching panel, and damn does she arrive with a bang. She’s bold and hilarious, greedy for a win in her first season on the megahit reality series.
“Kelly is a force of nature. She is unbelievable,” said Morrissey.
This season features a block button in the first round that lets one coach prevent another from competing for a contestant. It’s a fresh and playfully petty addition to a show still dominating well into its run.
Alicia Keys returns after winning Season 12 but shows no sign of resting on her laurels, fighting hard for singers she thinks can help her take the crown.
I’ve watched many seasons of this show, and can confidently say it’s better than ever. Season 13 was a pinnacle of diverse, talented contestants and judges with huge personalities.
Season 14 picks up in the same spot. The premiere is stacked with fresh-faced teens and 30-somethings from small towns and booming big cities looking to get in the game.
Kohanski pulled ahead of the pack during the live rounds last season, week after week delivering raw takes on classic rock and pop ballads. She stressed that no matter what happens with this new batch of singers, each of them already won something huge.
“The Voice didn’t give any of us the voice that we have. We already had the voice. The show just gives us exposure that we’d never have.”
The Voice, more than any reality competition, seems more like a supportive petri dish than a cutthroat competition for fame. Morrissey stressed that that loving environment is no accident.
“All anyone wants to do is help these people get down their path a little further.”
She also hinted that twists were in store for this season – there’s another dynamic rule tweak that’s sure to stir errthing up – and promised another round of powerful performances and twists.
The Voice premieres Monday, Feb 26th at 8/7c.
