The Voice kicks off tonight, Feb. 23, ringing in the show's eighth season. Original coach Christina Aguilera will rejoin O.G. cast members Adam Levine and Blake Shelton as well as the newest addition, Pharrell Williams. Aguilera took a break from the series in order to give birth, which allowed Shakira (Season 6) and Gwen Stefani (Season 7) to sit in her chair. The pop star spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about her return to the show and why she likes the show's new changes.
Aguilera was not completely absent from last season: She served as a mentor for Team Gwen. The gig involved much less pressure than coaching, she explained. While mentoring, Aguilera was at least able to stay up to date on some new rule changes to the show, like the wild card competition.
"Since I have been with the show [since] Day 1, I can say that each time I come back I feel like there are more additions that just work," she said. "By Season 8, we are a well-oiled machine. Taking time away, I don't really watch the show and study it [to see what changes]. But what [the time away] does do is let me step away and come back with a fresh perspective on things. I am excited to see what talent awaits this season."
Aguilera added that she does not just listen to a singer's voice during the blind auditions -- she also tries to feel the passion in the vocals. Singing from the heart and soul is what makes the coach turn her chair.
The "Beautiful" singer has yet to win the competition, though. Team Usher was victorious Season 6 with Josh Kaufman, Team Adam has two wins with Javier Colon (Season 1) and Tessanne Chin (Season 5) and Blake Shelton won four times, including last year's competition with Craig Wayne Boyd.
Season 8 will mark the first time Aguilera and Williams compete against each other.
"I am really happy he has joined The Voice family, and we are even working on a song together now," she added.
© 2024 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
