by Mark Long

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a press conference for the hit show The Voice at the home of executive producer, Mark Burnett. Having now spent 17 active years within the reality genre, this was a phenomenal assignment for me. So rather then report all of the technical stuff that will come out in a press release about the actual show, I'm taking a different route and giving you a play by play of what went down from my point of view start to finish.

As I pulled up to the beachfront home in Malibu, I knew I was in the right place thanks to a huge NBC peacock sign hanging from the mailbox. I showed my ID, got my name tag, and just like that, the lovely young lady at the gate turns to me and goes "Go ahead, just follow the driveway, walk through the front door, and make your way to the backyard". That seemed easy enough. Let's go!

After I said my hellos to some other entertainment reporters who were already there, I headed to the backyard where I found an amazing surprise! The press conference stage and chairs for the celebrity coaches were literally 50 yards from the ocean. There was a bar set up with waiter/waitresses walking around with gourmet little snacks. (My personal favorite were the squash blossoms!) There was a DJ posted up oceanfront that casually played all of the previous Voice contestants' singles from their time on the show. Very clever.

After about 30 minutes of wandering around the grounds and chit chatting, I could feel the mood change in the backyard. It was go time for the press conference. The DJ told all of the entertainment reporters to all be seated in the press area and of course, I hustled over to nab front row. In a matter of seconds, the stars of the night came walking out of the house to the backyard: Mark Burnett, Carson Daly, Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, and Christina Milian.

Carson and Mark began the conversation about how excited they were for Season 3 and promised a great season ahead. They touched on a format change that will occur this season called "THE STEAL". The Steal is exactly what it sounds like and here's how it will work: the singer that does not get picked to continue on in the competition by their coach during the battle round has the opportunity to be stolen and join the team of an opposing coach! I have always wondered to myself, "Why did they let that person go home? They were so good!" Now, the other coaches have a chance to save such singers and it will really add an exciting new element to the show for viewers.

Each coach expressed how passionate they are about their roles and love the fact that the show is not about putting people down, but about lifting up their spirits and trying to bring the best out of each contestant. I also got the vibe from them that they love being labeled coaches and not judges. They really are all about being positive and helping progress people's careers. Mark Burnett revealed that, due to some scheduling issues, you shouldn't be surprised if you see a fresh face or two in the revolving chairs. But he was quick to follow that up with "These coaches are the starting lineup forever, and will never be replaced. Can we see some temporary substitutions? Absolutely! But mind you, as soon as their schedules clear up, they will be asked back 100 percent the following season".

After some more chit chat, Mark stood up and yelled, "We have dinner ready for you guys, let's eat!" I made my way over to the buffet where i ate prawns, asparagus, and a nice rice medley! After dinner, I shook Mark's hand, thanked him for having me, and made my way to the valet. As I drove away from the house, still smelling the ocean air, I couldn't help but think, "Wow, what a great evening, with a really great group of people!" Thank you again Mark Burnett! As a reality veteran, it truly was an honor!

The Voice premieres September 10th at 8/7c on NBC.

(Image courtesy of NBC)

Follow Mark Long @TheMarkLong