By Gerrick D. Kennedy
Los Angeles Times via McClatchy-Tribune
LOS ANGELES — “The Voice” is getting yet another dose of pop star power.
NBC’s hit singing competition show has recruited Coldplay’s Chris Martin to serve as a mentor.
Martin isn’t jumping into one of the plush, red spinning-chairs occupied by Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Usher or Shakira (who are subbing for Christina Aguilera and the recently departed Cee Lo Green).
But he will serve as a key adviser, mentoring the artists on the superstar coaches’ teams.
Martin’s new role will be seen during the series’ latest format switch.
In the newly created “The Battles: Round Two,” the remaining acts on each team will be paired to perform the same song, sudden death-style.
The format change replaces the knockout round (artists picked their own song during that round).
To prep for the battle round, the artists leaned on Martin, who guided them on such things as vocal techniques and stage presence. In the new round, each coach has the opportunity to steal one more artist.
The new round premieres March 31, with live shows kicking off April 21.
