The Los Angeles Times (May 10th 2011)

'The Voice' sings with a unique strain; The celeb coaches' interplay and the contestants' stories, with the unusual format, combine for an unexpected hit

[edited version]

But what makes "The Voice" worth watching, in addition to the clever conceit, is the chemistry among the judges, and the stories. Because there's no age limit on the contestants, their back stories are fascinating glimpses into the lives of musicians. Beverly McClellan worked the clubs around Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for a decade, but never got a break. Ditto Tim Mahoney, 15 years in the trenches of Minneapolis rock and blues clubs: "I can't count the deals that's been on the table and lost before it ever got to the lawyer. I feel like this is my last shot." Sister act Tori and Taylor Thompson are perky young country singers who could explode or end up on the never-was circuit.

The four coaches have their own histories: Aguilera has suffered a few prominent flops in the last year, but her voice and charisma remain; Green was nominated for a Grammy for the profane version of "Forget You," and wrote one of the great songs of the last decade in "Crazy." Levine is a charmer with a sweet voice and a quick wit; and Shelton is engaged to singer Miranda Lambert. He also is a bit of a wild card who got into trouble with gay and lesbian groups when he tweeted what was perceived as a homophobic rant.

He immediately issued an apology.

On stage, the four were a chuckle a minute, naturals who bounced banter off one another. When Green referenced his friend the singer Pink while discussing a performance, Levine faked reaching onto the floor and quipped, "Let me get that name for you. You dropped it."

And Green looks like King Henry VIII perched up there on his throne. In the first two episodes, he wore the same punk rock Misfits T-shirt, and smiled his broad smile as he tried to convince a singer to choose him as coach. What he said next captures the potential in front of "The Voice": "You're like myself: an exception to the rule."