Who will win The Voice US Season 7?

MANILA, Philippines - The Emmy Award-winning The Voice (US) recently started its seventh season with two new coaches — Pharrell Williams and Gwen Stefani — joining veterans Blake Shelton and Adam Levine to complete the distinguishable revolving red chairs.

As most everyone knows, Pharrell who recorded Happy, the Oscar-nominated popular theme of the film, Despicable Me 2, replaced Usher in The Voice 7. Gwen, meanwhile, took over from Shakira who earlier also replaced Christina Aguilera. The latter is still on leave following the birth of her second baby, but she is confirmed to return in Season 8 next year.

The four coaches were all very aggressive in promoting The Voice 7. They guested in Jimmy Fallon’s late-night show, though not all together. Gwen and Blake appeared together, while Pharrell and Adam guested individually. Adam was even asked to gamely sing a la Frank Sinatra (Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes), Michael Jackson (Sesame Street) and Eddie Vedder (The Muffin Man).

The coaches also made a Western-themed trailer to promote The Voice 7, with host Carson Daly calling them “The good, the bad, the ugly and Gwen Stefani.”

It was only last May when soul singer Josh Kaufman won The Voice 6. The win marked the first for Team Usher. Yet, The Voice immediately started its Season 7, with the Blind Auditions held and taped first week of June, barely a month after Season 6 concluded.

Early on in the Blind Auditions were four-chair turners. The first artist was Luke Wade from Dublin, Texas who chose Pharrell. Other impressive artists who ended up with Team Pharrell are Taylor Phelan from Sheman, Texas; Maiya Sykes from Los Angeles, California; and Blessing Offor from New York City.

With Team Adam are four-chair turners Damien Lawson from Monroe, Louisiana; Joe Kirk from Nashville, Tennessee; Mia Pfirman from Temple City, California; Chris Jamison from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Jonathan Wyndham from Lexington, South Carolina; and Beth Spangler from Aiken, South Carolina.

Team Gwen has Anita Antoinette from Boston, Massachusetts, her only four-chair turner but all her recruits got their black shirts distinctly emblazoned with “Team Gwen.” Team Blake, meanwhile, has James David Carter from Jacksonville, Florida,

After the Blind Auditions, the Season 7 talents taken in by their respective coaches worked with invited artists as advisors. Team Adam worked with rock and roll Hall of Famer and erstwhile member of Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks. Team Blake teamed up with country music group Little Big Town. Team Gwen got assistance from her hubby, Bush front man Gavin Rossdale. Team Pharrell got help from Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys.

The coaches ended up getting 12 artists in each team after hitting the I Want You button. For the Knockout Round, Taylor Swift worked as advisor for all teams. The Voice grand winner will take home $100,000 and a recording contract.

The Voice is hosted by Carson and airs Tuesday and Wednesday nights on AXN. The show is also seen in its respective versions in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, United Kingdom and the Philippines.

Meanwhile, The Voice Philippines recently returned to ABS-CBN, hosted by Toni Gonzaga with Luis Manzano. Returning coaches are apl.de.ap, Lea Salonga, Bamboo and Sarah Geronimo.