When season 18 of The Voice (Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on CTV2) aired its finale last spring, the long-running singing competition had managed to continue producing entertaining television even when COVID forced the coaches, contestants and crew members to get creative with their "studio" space. On Monday’s season 19 premiere, host Carson Daly and the four celebrity coaches—Blake Shelton, John Legend, Kelly Clarkson and returning coach Gwen Stefani—were back in studio, albeit one with much more personal space.At first glance, the new season of looks largely unchanged, but a closer look reveals that the show is taking several safety precautions. The live studio audience has been replaced by a virtual audience and contestants are no longer joined by their friends and family. As for the coaches, Gwen Stefani is delivering her "Team Gwen" swag with a COVID-friendly t-shirt cannon and the spinning red chairs are spaced further apart, adding a new level to the playful bantering between the foursome. Get ready for a lot of “Whats?” and “Huhs?” from Shelton this year.

TAMARA JADE

The first four-chair turn of the season when to 30-year-old Tamara Jade, who was a bright burst of energy thanks to her fiery performance of Lizzo’s “Cuz I Love You.” A favourite among the coaches for her big personality and even bigger voice, Tamara’s future spot in the finale was predicted by Kelly and Blake. “Everyone needs to be inspired right now,” said Kelly. “You need someone that moves everyone and that’s you.” Blake agreed, adding, “I, in my heart—I think you can win this thing.” The country singer acknowledged that, artist-to-artist, he wasn’t the obvious choice for her, but coach-to-artist? It could work. Uncle John was excited that Tamara has already shown she can sing any genre and Gwen touched on the women’s shared love of rap-singing, which takes much more air than straight singing. It’s b-a-n-a-n-a-s. Tamara may have picked John, but Kelly is already being a good loser by congratulating Tamara on winning Season 19. From her mouth to God’s ears.Team Legend

JOHN HOLIDAY

Professional opera singer John Holliday helped create the first gif-able moment of the season simply by being a man. The hugely talented artist shocked John and Gwen when they pushed their buttons for John Holiday, but no one was more surprised than Kelly. To be fair to Kelly’s face, he did sing Ella Fitzgerald. John Legend was so invested in scoring John Holiday for his team that he used his only block to eliminate Kelly from the decision process. Not surprisingly, the win went to Team Legend.Team Legend

 

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JIM RANGER

Earning one of the only three-chair turns on Monday was country folk singer Jim Ranger, who got a chair turn from Blake, John and Gwen. Blake won last season with Pastor Todd Tilghman and is hoping to go for a back-to-back win this season with Pastor Jim. Hallelujah. The 38-year-old singer grew up in the '90s down the road from California girl Gwen Stefani and her band No Doubt, so there was definitely a star-struck factor. John did his best to pull country singer Jim away from Blake by running a political attack ad. As Blake said, he may be full of crap, but he won’t be "de-turd." Put that on a lawn sign. Jim still went with Blake, but we would vote for John 4 Prez.Team Shelton

 

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PAYGE TURNER

Payge Turner, who either has very cool parents or a knack for picking stage/roller derby names, impressed the judges with her unique tone and originality. The self-described neo-soul-rock-funk singer put a searing and sexy spin on The Weeknd’s “Call Out My Name” and showed off some must-see stage moves. Mic stand kick? Yes, please. Payge almost split up America’s favourite couple when Gwen and Blake both turned, but if quarantine hasn’t caused the couple to call it quits, they should be fine.Team Stefani

 

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Watch new episodes of The Voice Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on CTV2.[video_embed id='-1']BEFORE YOU GO: Dog loves his sheep, can't stop kissing them [/video_embed]