In April 2011, a radical television show premiered on NBC that turned the American musical competition format on its head: The Voice. Its central question was simple: What if there was a singing competition show that judged its Contestants solely on their voices? The Voice first premiered in Holland in 2010 to major success — so it made sense to bring it to America, which, by 2011, was already completely sold on the idea of talent competition shows. They were everywhere, but The Voice stuck out immediately upon its U.S. debut on April 26, 2011 for its dedication to being all about the pipes — and nurturing the Contestants. That’s why the Contestants on The Voice are actually called Artists, and the “Judges” are called Coaches.
But how did The Voice accomplish its main goal of assessing Artists on raw talent? Through a little something now iconically known as the Blind Audition. The four Coaches all sat in big red chairs turned away from the stage. A potential Artist would then come out and sing, and if a Coach liked what they heard, they’d press a big button on their chair that swiveled them around to see the Artist’s face. This format instantly become addictive and beloved and has remained on The Voice today — all the way through to the most recent 29th season.
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The Voice’s first-season Coach lineup included Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, CeeLo Green, and Blake Shelton (who became a breakout star after appearing on the show). They all represent superb vocal prowess across genres – from pop to country to rock. The Coaches who have followed over the years represent this, too. Everyone from Jennifer Hudson to Ariana Grande to Chance the Rapper has appeared as a Coach on The Voice. Season 29’s lineup was particularly star-studded, featuring Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Season 1-alum Levine.
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The Voice is showing no signs of slowing down, with a historic 30th season already in the works. But before we look ahead, let’s go all the way back to Season 1, when no one knew the phenomenon The Voice would become. These photos, below, are all from the Season 1 set and will make you feel so nostalgic. Don’t worry: If you need an emotional support hug, longtime Voice Host Carson Daly (who’s been with the show from Season 1 to now) is here.
These photos from The Voice Season 1 will take you back!
Blake Shelton in The Voice Season 1
All four Coaches in The Voice Season 1
Carson Daly in The Voice Season 1
Christina Aguilera in The Voice Season 1
A Blind Audition from The Voice Season 1
Adam Levine in The Voice Season 1
All four Coaches performing together in The Voice Season 1
CeeLo Green in The Voice Season 1
