The Voice SA debut wins viewers over

Johannesburg - It’s going to be a battle of note! In the very first episode of The Voice South Africa, coaches Karen Zoid, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Lira and Kahn Morbee were blown away by the exceptional talent – and willing to fight it out to get these great voices onto their teams. 

During this Blind Audition phase of the competition, which stretches over seven episodes, the four coaches sit with their backs to the stage in order to make decisions based on the performers’ vocal ability only. 

Knowing that there are only fourteen places in each of their teams, they then have to press a buzzer to swivel their chairs around if they want the talent in their team. The show’s iconic red chairs made a full circle for seven out of tonight’s ten singers and time and time again the talent faced a conundrum – which coach to choose? 

Each of these singers impressed more than one of the coaches, which meant that Kahn, Bobby, Lira and Karen had to outdo their fellow coaches with a pitch to prove that they would be the perfect coach. 

Lira managed to snatch up two of the singers who all four of the coaches had their eye one, El Clay, 25, from Vredendal in the Western Cape and Jeremy Oliver, 40, from Cape Town.

See Jeremy's audition here:

Another singer for whom all four the chairs turned, Prime Zulu, 27, from Durban, surprised the audience by picking Kahn.

See Prime's audition here: 

Two more singers from KZN, 18-year-old Jessica Martins and 24-year-old Mbijana Sibisi, are in Bobby’s team.

See Mbijana's audition here:

While Team Karen comprises Marcel de Almeida, 24, from Pretoria who was brave enough to perform one of Khan’s songs as well as Thembeka Mnguni, 32, from Durban for whom the legendary rock chick had to fight hard. 

See Thembeka's audition here:

Here's what viewers had to say about the talent so far:

step aside #IdolsSA #thevoiceSa is here nice coaches no childish giggling and comments to contestants , this will kill idols

— Mike (@mike_superb) February 1, 2016

#TheVoiceSA?????????? im so excited

— Unknown (@missTweety_1101) January 31, 2016

I'm a big #TheVoice fan. Loved the kick off. You made #TheVoiceSA your own. @karenzoid @VoiceSA @Miss_LIRA @bobbyvjaarsveld @KahnMorbee

— Johan Davel (@jdavel) January 31, 2016

Due to work only catching up now! #TheVoiceSA loving it! I'm in tears! Best of luck to all. Lots to improve but great start! Love it!

— NomathembaGay Molefi (@digagalaza) January 31, 2016

Just watched this #TheVoiceSA no cringe factor (yet ) what a fun production yay, congrats!

— Louise Bulley (@louatsynchro) January 31, 2016

@Miss_LIRA @bobbyvjaarsveld @KahnMorbee @karenzoid Great First show Coaches! Now just watch what you tweet ne ?? ???????? #TheVoiceSA

— Marc Lottering (@marclottering) January 31, 2016

The way that I'm so impressed by #TheVoiceSA ?? still can't get over it,wish we were having an explora decoder at my place

— Papi? (@Papirazzi_) January 31, 2016

Loved #TheVoiceSA such amazing talent... Can't decide #TeamBobby or #TeamKaren.

— Kathryn (@kathryng23) January 31, 2016

#TheVoiceSA I'm thinking this is a triumph tonight! Love these Judges! #hotorwhat

— Armagh Country Lodge (@ArmaghGuestHous) January 31, 2016

Finally found something great to watch on #Sunday. #TheVoiceSA

— Roselyn Kennedy (@kennedy_roselyn) January 31, 2016

Wasn't too sure if #TheVoiceSA would be as good as the US one but loving it. Congrats @karenzoid @bobbyvjaarsveld @KahnMorbee @Miss_LIRA

— Chantelle Botha (@I_Chanty) January 31, 2016