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The Voice season 26 premiered exclusively on NBC on September 23, 2024, at 8 pm PT/ET. The Emmy award-winning competition began with the return of judges Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire alongside two new faces, Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé.
The reality TV show continued with a similar format while incorporating some minor changes. The five rounds include: Blind Auditions, Battle Rounds, Knockouts, Playoffs, and Live Performance Shows.
The episode 1 began with the blind auditions as per the show format. In this phase of the competition, the judges pressed a button and turned their chairs towards the performance they liked. If more than one chair turned, the contestant was given the choice to select a mentor themselves. Goring forward, each judge would make a team of 14 artists and guide them through every round.
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The synopsis for premiere episode read:
"The competition is fierce as Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé each claim their red chairs; alongside returning coaches Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani, they all vie to discover and coach the next singing phenomenon."
The Voice season 26 episode 1: Jake Tankersley performs first in the show premiere
One of the main highlights of The Voice season 26 episode 1 was the first performance by Jake Tankersley from Oklahoma. The singer talked about his responsibility of being a father and how he wants to be a role model for his four kids. On the stage, Jake sang Something in the Orange which led to Snoop and Gwen, both turning their chairs towards him.
Initially, Jake received four chair turns but Gwen had blocked Reba. Jake ended up choosing Snoop as his mentor. Snoop tried to convince the first The Voice season 26 contestant to become a part of his time as he was well aware of the “show business" where Jake's voice could “shake up the world.”
Next up was Sofronio Vasquez, who also received a four-chair turn similar to Jake's. The Philippine native sang a rendition of I’m Goin’ Down.
After Vasquez ended, judge Michael talked about his connection to the Philippines and encouraged the contestant to join him to evolve as an artist throughout his time on the competition. Vasquez was drawn towards Michael's guidance and promise to help him practice finding his style; he became the first remember to join Team Bublé.
On The Voice season 26, an artist named Ravs took to the stage and performed a Doja Cat's song titled Say So to impress the judges. Unfortunately, none of the mentors turned their chairs around, however, they did have a few suggestions for her.
Reba said Ravs should have chosen another song to showcase her singing abilities and vocal range. Meanwhile, Gwen emphasized on practicing more to avoid bumps while singing. Ravs gave Snoop Dogg the painted jacket she brought and in exchange, Snoop lent her his Death Row Records necklace.
The episode ended with 15-year-old Sydney Sterlace's performance of Olivia Rodrigo's Driver’s License. Sterlace's audition received a standing ovation from all four judges. She chose Gwen as her mentor who encouraged her to find her own voice.
Stream The Voice season 26 exclusively on NBC.
