The Voice Season 12 February 28 Blind Auditions Night 2 Recap: Alicia Serenades With An Impromptu Ballad

Night 2 of the Blind Auditions didn’t disappoint. The energy of the judges remained high – there’s really good chemistry this season (and we’re not just talking about the romantic chemistry between Blake and Gwen). It might be too soon to call it, but it looks like Team Alicia might be the ones to beat this season. She’s collecting a lot of talented, powerful singers (much to Adam’s chagrin). Some highlights of this episode: Autumn’s four-turn performance, Adam’s sports commentary, and Alicia’s impromptu serenade.

Here’s the rundown of tonight’s blind auditions:

Autumn Turner – 25 years old – Montclair, New Jersey

Song: “Last Dance,” Donna Summer

Team: Alicia

Figure skating instructor Autumn Turner had all four judges smashing their buttons with an amazing rendition of Donna Summer’s “Last Dance.” Her clear, steady vocals and mastery over some ridiculously high notes had Adam calling her out of this world. Gwen, not to be outdone, praised Autumn’s vocals and offered her own experience to help Autumn achieve her dream. Alicia pushed their East Coast connection and offered Autumn a chance to live in the moment and freely explore her passion. Blake – who is apparently a figure skater now – called Autumn unbelievable, in the best way.

Ultimately, Autumn chose Team Alicia. “She said all the stuff that I say to my students: be free, be yourself,” the instructor explained.

Jesse Larson – 34 years old – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Song: “Jealous Guy,” John Lennon

Team: Adam

A one-chair turn for Jesse Larson, who can shred guitar like no one’s business. Jesse made his steel guitar with his own hands and over the years has played for hundreds of concerts. Prince even courted him to play backup for Judith Hill for four months. Jesse’s blind audition performance was enough to entice Adam in turning his chair. But for us, his vocal chops took a backseat to his guitar prowess.

Aliyah Moulden – 15 years old – La Habra, California

Song: “Hound Dog,” Big Mama Thornton

Team: Blake

Bubbly 15-year-old Aliyah Moulden turned three chairs with mature vocals that defied her true age. Her rhythmic take on Big Mama Thornton’s classic “Hound Dog” enraptured Blake, Alicia, and Gwen. “I wonder who you’re gonna pick! – I hope it’s not Blake,” Adam playfully jabbed. To which Blake rejoined: “I’ve had a lot of success with young people… To be that calm in this setting at 15 years old, that’s who I want on my team.” Alicia noted Aliyah’s potential and offered to help her blossom as a singer. Gwen put forth her own experience as a young star.

While initially leaning towards Alicia, Aliyah made a surprising choice – Blake. No one was more surprised than the country star himself: “You picked me? You picked me!” Aliyah’s reasoning? “Watching previous seasons influenced me a lot. Blake really cares for his contestants,” she explained.

Savannah Leighton – 16 years old – Spring Valley, North California

Song: “Unconditionally,” Katy Perry

Team: Gwen

It’s like Blake has a radar for southern accents – he and Gwen turned their chairs for Savannah Leighton’s rendition of “Unconditionally.” Savannah’s nervous obviously showed in the performance, lending to the occasional pitchiness and rough patches. But her ability to hold a note was enough to convince Gwen and Blake of her potential. Cue one of the night’s highlights: a fierce showdown between the lovebirds, made all the more hilarious with Adam’s running commentary. After a ferocious battle (that will probably lead to Blake sleeping on the couch), girl power won out and Savannah chose Team Gwen.

Nick Townsend – 23 years old – Tekamah, Nebraska

Song: “Writing’s on the Wall,” Sam Smith

Unfortunately, small town boy Nick Townsend’s audition couldn’t make it in the big leagues. He overextended his vocals trying to emulate Sam Smith’s daunting range and none of the coaches turned for him. While impressed with his technical skills, Alicia encouraged him to foster an emotional connection as well.

Lilli Passero – 26 years old – Studio City, California

Song: “A Love of My Own,” Carla Thomas

Team: Alicia

Who can say no to a ballad sung by Alicia Keys? Alicia. Keys. Certainly not Lilli Passero, an aspiring actress-singer currently working as a server at clubs. Lilli’s classic aesthetic and beautiful vocals turned Blake, Gwen and Alicia’s chairs – but it was no contest once Alicia had her say. Or rather – her song. That’s right, Alicia broke out into an impromptu serenade that left Lilli flustered and completely destroyed any of Blake or Gwen’s chances to get her on their teams. At this rate, the other coaches are going to have to think up new recruitment strategies if they’re going to compete with Alicia’s method of persuasion.