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NBC's 'The Voice' season 3 a 'family affair,' despite new 'steal' and 'knockout' twists

By April MacIntyre Aug 13, 2012, 14:47 GMT

Carson Daly, Cee-Lo, Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton - "The Voice" © Andrew Evans / PR Photos

Despite rumors of massive ego run amok between the titans of pop and rock, it was clear at last night's press conference held at the stunning residence of producer Mark Burnett: Love and trust abound with mutual respect as a collaborative mindset of pride was on display with the cast of NBC's award nominated The Voice, which has redefined what a good reality competition should be.

Unlike American Idol, a show that plays up gawker b-roll showing mentally ill and delusional people at their worst for cheap laughs, this show's intentions, according to Burnett, is a "kind experience" that seeks to elevate people gifted with exceptional voices regardless of what they look like, or their age. The sentiment was echoed by Christina Aguilera and the rest; they genuinely care about their charges.

This season premieres Monday, Sept. 10, and season three is filled with lots of twists, including The Steal and The Knockout, in addition to the edge of the seat blind auditions we love as the emotions run high for all.

Burnett hosted a select group of reporters for an intimate press conference on Sunday evening at his sprawling beach side home, a Nantucket styled manse set on near 3 acres on the water. Executive producer Mark Burnett and coaches Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Cee-Lo Green and Christina Millian revealed the twist that revealed judges are now able to scoop up a battle round loser.

The battle round has two contestants face off in front of their coach, the loser normally must exit the show. This waste of some fine talent had the producers rethink the opportunities for the judges to add to their teams and save good people from dismissal.

The coaches now have the added option to buzz the losing contestant, and if more than one coach hits their buzzer, the contestant then makes the decision to select which superstar he or she wants to work with.

During a new two-week knockout round, the coaches whittle the team to five. These 20 singers then head to The Voice's live shows in October.

Burnett noted that the series had taken on a family affair, with the coaches in agreement that the nurture part of their jobs superseded any issues they may have. There was respect for the craft of singing and love for music from every genre represented.

Of the group, Shelton appears the most affable, a natural man not phased by Hollywood nonsense and quick to find humor, where Levine and Aguilera each have a crackling type A-type personality and Cheshire Cat Cee Lo has a regal, large than life confidence that anchors the unlikely group in a solid way. They all seemed genuinely fond of each other despite rumors to the contrary.

Aguilera dismissed any notion she had a rivalry issue with Britney Spears when asked, and said she welcomed her peer as "a pro" and had nothing but respect for her career.

There will likely be subbing coaches for the spring edition of the series, depending on tour schedules. Burnett reiterated the chairs for Aguilera, Levine, Shelton and Green "were theirs for life" yet ceded they may have to miss some seasons and be replaced with temporary stars.