'The Voice': Blind Joe nails auditions with classic country sound

NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- The Voice kicked off its second day of blind auditions Tuesday night with a country-infused line-up of singers, including a blind crooner and a out-of-the-box teenage vocalist.

The first contestant to take the stage was Blind Joe, a 32-year-old country singer from North Dakota, who's been unable to see since birth.

"This truly is a blind audition," he said jokingly. Joe performed "If It Hadn't Been for Love" by the Steeldivers as all four coaches, Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Gwen Stefani and Pharrell to turned their chairs in admiration (all judges face away from the contestant in the hopes to just focus on their voice.) With his roots in classic country, Joe went with Shelton.

Another country hopeful Zack Seabaugh, made an impact with his unique sound. The 16-year-old performed Sam Hunt's "Take Your Time" which impressed Shelton, Levine and Pharrell but left Stefani confused. "What is this? This is so different and weird," the pop star said initially. Shelton continued to rack up country singers as Seabaugh also joined Team Blake.

Contestant Evan McKeel left an impression earning the second four-chair turn of the night. The self-proclaimed struggling musician sang his rendition on Mutemath's "Typical" that made Pharrell --in a rare turn of events-- ask McKeel to perform a second song, "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder. The singer joined Team Pharrell .

Stefani acquired her first contestant choosing alt-rocker Elli Lawrence, who sang "We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off" by Ella Eyre. Lawrence got the attention of both Levine and Pharrell but it was a lost cause as Lawrence could visibly be seen smiling once Stefani's chair turned.

James Dupré took the stage last and kept the country theme going when he performed Hootie and Blowfish's "Let Her Cry." Dupré has tried to enter the music industry mentioning how he was discovered by Ellen DeGeneres and signed by a record label but eventually was let go. Even though Shelton was on a role with acquiring country singers, Dupré chose to go with Team Adam instead.

The popular show debuted season 9 just two days after winning an Emmy for most Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. Producer Mark Burnett and crew were on hand to accept the award.