Bloglander

Cierra Mickens, 23, a graduate of Washington State University, became a part of Team Shakira last night on Season 6 of the Voice. After a powerhouse cover of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy,” all of the judges, save Adam Levine, turned their chairs to vie for Mickens. But it was Shakira, with her line, “I just want to tell you how much I believe in you," that tipped the scales in her favor.

Next up for Mickens, who grew up in Alaska and performed frequently around Pullman and Moscow,  is the dreaded battle round, where contestants go head to head in a knock-out format before the Final 12 is decided.

In the past, Team Blake and his posse of country divas have won the public’s heart. Levine’s team of rockers has also won two seasons, including last year. On Team Shakira, it could start as an uphill battle to be named champion.

We’ll see if this year can be a different story.