The First Round of Advancing Artists from the Premiere Episode of THE VOICE

The "Blind Auditions" continue as superstar coaches Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton all vie to discover and coach the next singing phenomenon in the "Blind Auditions." The vocalists compete to be selected by one of the coaches and fight for a chance to be named "The Voice." Carson Daly ("TODAY Show") hosts. Adding another layer of excitement this season is the introduction of the "Comeback Stage," where six deserving artists who did not make a team during the Blind Auditions compete for a chance to re-enter the competition in the live shows.

Below are the performers who are advancing to the next round from the first night of blind auditions:

Kameron Marlowe, 21

Team Blake

Hometown: Kannapolis, North Carolina

Resident: Charlotte, North Carolina

Kameron grew up on country music. His grandpa would take him hunting and fishing and drive him around in his old pickup truck listening to country radio. He got his start singing in church when he was 10 and later joined a band in high school that played gigs around town. Last year his mom was diagnosed with a degenerative disc injury in her back and had to stop working. Kameron decided to quit college and get a job to help out. Kameron now works full time as an auto parts consultant. He performs as much as possible and is a worship leader at Elevation Worship.

Song: "One Number Away" by Luke Combs

Performance:

Kennedy Holmes, 13

Team Jennifer

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Resident: St. Louis, Missouri

Despite her age, KENNEDY is no stranger to the spotlight. KENNEDY is continuously showcasing her singing and dancing talent in various theater productions at the famous St. Louis venue, The Muny. Music came into Kennedy's life at two years old when she would sing to her mom. KENNEDY sang Jennifer Hudson's "I Am Changing" at her first public performance. As the youngest in the competition this season, KENNEDY is BEYOND excited about the opportunity to sing for the coaches.

Song: "Turning Tables" by Adele

Performance:

Mercedes Ferreira-Dias, 17

Team Blake

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Resident: Miami, Florida

Mercedes returns after auditioning for Season 14. Since the show, she has been performing as much as possible by singing at local events. She also teaches music to kids after school at the BB Hart Academy, but it's hard to balance music with her demanding school schedule. Her parents immigrated from Venezuela seeking a better life for their family and academics have always been very important to them. Mercedes is at the top of her class, and it's time to start applying to colleges, but she wants to see if music is a viable option for her.

Song: "She Used To Be Mine" by Sara Bareilles

Performance:

Mikele Buck, 38

Team Kelly

Hometown: Big Chimney, West Virginia

Resident: Bear Grass, North Carolina

Mikele grew up surrounded by music, but in his small town a career in the coal industry is the reality for most men. After working on coal barges, Mikele joined the Army and was quickly deployed to Iraq for combat. Music helped Mikele through the atrocities of war and missing his family. About a year later, Mikele returned home and faced the difficulties of readjusting, but his experiences inspired him to fully pursue his passion. He formed The Mikele Buck Band and has spent the last 12 years on the road making a name for himself.

Song: "She Used To Be Mine" by Brooks & Dunn

Performance:

Patrique Fortson, 38

Team Jennifer

Hometown: Terre Haute, Indiana

Resident: Atlanta, Georgia

Patrique grew up in the music industry- quite literally. By the time he was six years old, Patrique was signed to a record label and became the youngest gospel recording artist ever. He spent two years touring the United States until the label went abruptly under. Music went on a long pause for Patrique as he pursued a career in the insurance industry. The discovery of R&B BEYOND his gospel roots reignited Patrique's music passion. He is now ready to fully pursue his dream of being a singer.

Song: "Get Here" by Oleta Adams

Performance:

Radha, 19

Team Adam

Hometown: Jersey City, NJ

Resident: Jersey City, NJ

RADHA's full name, Radharani, means "graceful Indian queen". Her parents immigrated from the Philippines to provide a better life for their family, making her first generation American. Karaoke is big in Filipino culture and RADHA likes to say she, "learned how to read and sing at the same time." Her first big performance was in her 6th grade talent show, which sparked her life-long dream of music. RADHA is currently a full time student at Montclair State University, studying TV and Digital Media.

Song: "Mamma Knows Best" by Jessie J

Performance:

Sarah Grace, 15

Team Kelly

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Resident: Houston, Texas

Sarah Grace is a young, southern bell with an artistic side. Sarah had synesthesia when she was younger-a condition in which she would see colors in response to hearing music. While she later lost this sensory gift, it was what inspired Sarah to pursue music. Sarah plays a variety of instruments at her local high school and even started her own band with her family. THE VOICE is an excellent opportunity to jump start her career.

Song: "Ball and Chain" by Big Brother and the Holding Co.

Performance:

Tyke James, 17

Team Adam

Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

Resident: Laie, Hawaii

Tyke has moved around the U.S. his entire life, but now calls Hawaii home. He spends his days surfing, playing music, and performing all around Oahu in a band called The Moss. The band often performs at fundraisers and music events that give back to the arts and the community. Tyke comes to THE VOICE in hopes of bringing his music to a bigger stage.

Song: "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran

Performance:

Tyshawn Colquitt, 23

Team Jennifer

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Resident: Cincinnati, Ohio

Tyshawn is the eldest of 12 siblings and serves as the father figure to his family. Music has been a constant for Tyshawn through the many hardships his family has faced. After attending a performing arts high school, Tyshawn entered a Russian singing competition show in which he placed in the Top 10 and was broadcast all over Europe. Currently, Tyshawn lives with his family and runs his business Pound for Sound where he delivers pound cakes while singing.

Song: "Like I Can" by Sam Smith

Performance:

**COMEBACK ARTIST**

Ayanna Joni, 30

Hometown: Yonkers, New York

Resident: Yonkers, New York

At just 8 years old, Ayanna knew she was destined for the stage. She began acting and singing and quickly gained success in commercials and theater. Ayanna went on to sing in a band called Tiffany's Affair and the group was signed by Warner Bros. She was with the band for six years, but things changed for her after getting pregnant at 18. She decided to take a break from music and raise her kids. Now making a living as a wedding singer, "The Voice" is Ayanna's SECOND CHANCE at stardom.

Song: "Sorry Not Sorry" by Demi Lovato

Performance:

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