“The Voice: Season Nine” Blind Auditions conclude!

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

This is it, Voice fans!

Tonight was the final Blind Auditions for Season Nine.

Before we digest tonight’s episode, here is a brief recap of where our teams stand:

Adam Levine: Keith Simple, Jordan Smith, Regina Love, James Dupre, Amanda Ayala, Manny Cabo, Cassandra Robertson, Chance Pena, Viktor Kiraly & Andi & Alex

Blake Shelton: Krista Hughes, Cole Criske, Tyler Dickerson, Chris Crump, Morgan Frazier, Nadjah Nicole, Barrett Baber, Blind Joe, Zach Seabaugh & Emily Ann Roberts

Pharrell Williams: Mark Hood, Siahna Im, Ivonne Acero, Evan McKeel, Jubal & Amanda, Daria Jazmin, Riley Biederer, Madi Davis, Darius Scott & Celeste Betton

Gwen Stefani: Alex Kandel, Korin Bukowski, Jeffrey Austin, Lyndsey Elm, Hanna Ashbrook, Tim Atlas, Noah Jackson, Ellie Lawrence, Braiden Sunshine & Kota Wade

So, which artists got the final spots? Read on to find out!

As Adam, Pharrell and Gwen prepared to gain up on the four-time winner, 35-year-old Dustin Christensen prepared to take the stage. When I first heard his voice, Dustin reminded me of a hybrid between Garth Brooks and Billy Joel. I loved Dustin’s interpretation of “Downtown Train” and I am glad that all four coaches turned around for him. Despite going for Team Adam before he audition, Blake’s superb impression of Neil Diamond and the countless face fans made him enlist with the four-time champion!

Florida native Dustin Monk escaped the trailer park and survived being in a band to make it to The Voice stage. As Dustin sang Gary Clark Jr.’s “Bright Lights,” I thought: “DUSTIN HAS SOME SOUL!” I loved his tone and vibe. He also caught the ears of Shevine and despite Blake being a fan of his work, Dustin chose the first coach to push their button: Adam Levine!

I wish The Voice created a rule that banned artists from covering songs that have been performed on the show. Tonight, there were two candidates who committed this crime. Up first, Chase Kerby! The Oklahoma City-based artist performed “The Scientist,” a song that many Voice fans still affiliate with Season Five alum (and former Team Blake member) Holly Henry. What Holly did with the Coldplay hit was brilliant as she superbly weaved a tale that gave me chills. While it did not reach the powerful moment that Holly had two years ago on the show, Chase’s performance was honest and showcased (to coach Gwen) why he never gave up on his dreams of becoming a full-time musician.

The other perpetrator was 16-year-old Shelby Brown. She tackled Grace Potter’s “Stars,” a song beautifully covered by Amanda Brown during Season Three. In all honesty, Shelby has a strong voice…but I would not by an album from her! Despite getting all four coaches to turn their chairs around, Shelby chose Adam and was the last member of Team Adam.

26-year-old Amy Vachal shared her passion of music from her father, who sang in a Grateful Dead cover band. The New York transplant is also an impeccable artist who loves color and creates superb artwork. Her delightful cover of “Dream A Little Dream of Me” (that gave me chills) caught the attention of Gwen, Pharrell and Blake. Before the three coaches got into it, Adam made a bold prediction that Amy could possibly win this show. Despite Gwen called her a princess, Amy chose Team Pharrell!

Texan Blaine Mitchell tackled Train’s “Drops of Jupiter.” He has big shoes to fill as he is tackled a track brilliantly done by Train’s Pat Monahan and one of my all-time favorite AGT acts: Sons of Serendip. In all honesty, Micah’s vocals were stronger than Blaine’s, but I wish him the best of luck on Team Blake!

21-year-old Summer Schappell had the opportunity to open up for LeAnn Rimes and Little Big Town when she began her musical journey. Tonight, she hoped that a chair would turn around for her cover of Deanna Carter’s “Strawberry Wine.” Summer’s lovely tone and powerful presentation caught the attention of the besties: Gwen & Pharrell. Summer decided to choose the No Doubt front woman declared her voice to be soothing and she became the final artist to fill Team Gwen.

The final artist that made it onto a team was Sydney Rhame! The 16-year-old Georgia native teaches kids guitar and balances that with performing at open nights. It was refreshing to hear an amazing cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” and to see the coaches (Adam, Blake and Gwen) watch the performance from their chairs. I am glad that Pharrell was able to find the right artist to fill his team!

Next week, guest advisers Brad Paisley, John Fogerty, Selena Gomez & Missy Elliott arrive just in time for the start of the Season Nine Battle Rounds!

The videos of Holly & Amanda belong to NBC & United Artists Media Group, Meanwhile, Sons of Serendip’s performance with Train belongs to NBC, SYCO Entertainment & FremantleMedia North America.