THE VOICE to Feature Coaches 'Steal' Option in Season 3

Digitalspy.com reports that NBC's THE VOICE will introduce a 'steal' option for the coaches when the competiton returns for its third season. The news was confirmed by executive producer Mark Burnett at a news conference featuring coaches Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine. 

Teased Burnett, "We know we go from blind auditions to the finals, which is where these coaches will narrow down their teams. This year, there's much more at stake." He went on to explain, "When they have their battles and select one person to stay with them, another coach can buzz in and steal that person the other coach has sent home."

Coaches will be able to exercise their 'steal' option twice during the battle rounds of the competition. If more than one coach wants to steal the same contestant, they will get to decide which coach's team they want to join.

In addition, the upcoming series will feature an extra knockout round to take place between the battle rounds and the live shows, in which contestants will have the opportunity to perform a song of their own chosing. The coaches will then take half of their competitors on to the live shows.

Added the show's host and producer Carson Dalyy, "We thought [the 'steal'] was fun, [it] brings the chair back into play, the functionality of 'I want you,' and brings the power shift back into play that works well in the blind auditions."

The Voice returns on Monday, September 10 on NBC.

Photo courtesy of NBC