Naturally, every new contestant comes with a back

Naturally, every new contestant comes with a back story, like a redemption-seeking alcoholic, a gifted Chinese teen who was adopted by U.S. parents, and a soulful man who lost his twins at birth. If only Executive Producer Mark Burnett would rely those sad tales sparingly; the girl who was bullied for having crooked teeth in grade school seemed painfully out-of-place next to a dude whose dying mother may not live to see the finale in May. But dang, could those two sing! GET MORE EW: Subscribe to the magazine for only 33￠ an issue! Just a few other nitpicky lowlights: Starbucks gets a pesky cameo backstage as the pre-performance drink for the families. (We know, we know — product placement makes the world go ’round!). And the continued use of Christina Milian as the “social media correspondent” feels unnecessary, especially when all the best stuff is happening on stage – right after the chairs turn and before the contestant picks their teams. You’ll want to hear what the new players have to say. B+