After a phenomenal first season, the US adaptation of Dutch reality show “The Voice” returns on primetime screens this February with fresh meat for the musical grinder. Apart from having a more diverse group of contestants, producer Mark Burnett has added more rounds of blind auditions, and the coaches’ teams expanded to consist of 12 singers each. Singer-actress Christina Milian also joins the show as its social media correspondent.

Together with host Carson Daly, all four powerhouse “coaches” will be making a comeback: Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, and Blake Shelton, whose witty repartee is a big part of what makes the show highly entertaining and addictive. The season premiere hits American TV screens on Feb. 5 after the Super Bowl coverage, while Asian viewers get a primetime broadcast the next day, courtesy of AXN.

Second chances

It’s not an easy task, but “The Voice” has managed to set itself apart from the gazillion singing tilts on TV, leaving viewers clamoring for more. One of the great things about the show is that it offered struggling artists a chance at getting their music heard. For his part, season 1 winner Javier Colon is grateful for having been given a second shot at stardom; he’s released a new album that features collaborations with Natasha Bedingfield and his coach, Adam Levine, and has been touring and promoting his new music ever since.

But despite all this, he’s still as humble as the day he’d first broken out into the music scene years ago. In an e-mail interview with Super, the “acoustic soul” shared his thoughts about his newfound popularity, his musical direction, and his secret to staying grounded.

First of all, congratulations on the win! What have you been up to since being hailed as “The Voice”?

I have recorded my new record, “Come Through For You,” which has recently been released. I have also been performing for a lot of different events, such as the Orange Bowl, Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, NHL All-Star Game, and corporate engagements for companies like Synnex, Make-A-Wish, Boys and Girls Club, etc.

We heard your daughters had actually been rooting for Vicci [Martinez, fellow finalist] instead of you! Is that true?

Yes.  They love Vicci, as do my wife and I.  Vicci is super talented and a wonderful person.

When you were here in Manila a few years ago, you were basically known as the guy who sang the R&B hit “Crazy.” How will you reintroduce yourself and your music to the people who knew you as such?

My music is Acoustic Soul, as I like to refer to it. I want to move the hearts of folks and if I can do that through my R&B-infused material or my more Pop-leaning acoustic rock, I want to take my audience on a journey through emotions.  As I say, the best compliment to me is when I hear that someone cried after listening to one of my songs. This is the highest form of flattery.

How has the show influenced or changed your musical style?

I had one of the best coaches, Adam Levine. Adam was always supportive of my song choice during the show and I made sure I maintained my artistic vision when making the record.  This show has changed my life as well as my family’s life.  Obviously financially but more importantly, through the second chance I received through winning the show.  I never thought I would get the opportunity to have a major label record release and here we are.  Hopefully there will be many more to come!

We got to talk to Adam a few months ago and he said you had blown him away the moment he’d heard you sing. How did you manage to stay grounded amidst all that praise?

I never took for granted my god-given gift and talent.  There were plenty of talented folks who had the ability to take this competition at any time.  My friend and competitor Dia Frampton came very close to taking the victory.  I always believe “what’s meant to be is meant to be” and I maintained that belief all the way through until they announced my name. WOW!

What was the toughest thing you’d had to do during the competition?

This is easy to answer—Be away from my family for so long.  I missed them sooo much!

Most memorable moment in the show?

When all four chairs turned around.  That was the first of many but it was monumental in the fact that that was when I really knew I had a chance.

Just saw the video for your new single “As Long As We Got Love” with Natasha Bedingfield and it’s such a happy, hopeful song. Does it set the tone for your new album?

Absolutely.  However, there are a few tearjerkers and surprise records that I felt compelled to add in.  One of my favorite records is “OK Here’s The Truth” which takes you on a journey until the end of the song when the twist occurs.  I will leave it at that and you can take the chance to listen to learn the story.

What’s next for Javier in 2012?

Touring, touring, touring.  I need to support and promote my record release and firmly believe the best way to sell music is to present it live.  When I am not working, I try to spend every second with my wife and two beautiful daughters.  They are everything to me.

Season 2 is about to start. What’s your advice for the next batch of contestants?

Stay true to yourself and your art.  No one knows what you can do better than you.

“The Voice” season 2 premieres  Monday, Feb. 6 at 10:55 p.m., exclusively on AXN. Visit www.axn-asia.com or follow the network on Twitter (@axnasia) for the latest update on their broadcast schedules.