Shakira, Usher Make Judging Debut On ‘The Voice’

Shakira and Usher officially replaced Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green to round out the judges’ table on NBC’s The Voice, joining Maroon 5’s Adam Levine and country star Blake Shelton, on Monday

Taking advantage of the judges’ considerable musical talents, The Voice kicked off its two-hour season four premiere with a group performance of the Beatles’ “Come Together.” Shakira played the harmonica while fellow newbie Usher played the guitar alongside Shelton, and Levine jammed on the drums.

Kris Thomas’ performance will perhaps go down as one of the more memorable of the night. Although only Shakira turned around to recruit him for her team, he stunned the judges, who thought the voice hitting the high notes on Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love for You” was that of a young woman, not a man.

Judith Hill had all of the judges vying for her during The Voice’s first round of blind auditions. Performing Aguilera’s “What a Girl Wants,” she proved she was capable of matching the vocal standards of the former judge. Although newcomers Usher and Shakira tried valiantly to get her on their respective sides, she ultimately chose veteran Levine.

Hill was the only performer who ended up on Levine’s team. Shelton ended the night with The Morgan Twins, 16-year-old Danielle Bradbury and Christian Porter, who sang LMFAO’s “Sexy And I Know It.” Keeping pace with the seasoned judges, in addition to Thomas, Shakira snagged Mark Andrew, who sang “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” Meanwhile, Usher successfully charmed R&B vocalist Vedo, and indie pop singer Jess Kellner.

The Voice will continue its blind auditions on Tuesday on NBC at 8/7c.

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