Shakira returned to NBC's The Voice last night with a new-found confidence, passion and a spunkier attitude, already proving that she is a stronger presence for the sixth season of the show -- and a Colombian force to be reckoned with against her fellow judges and musicians, Usher, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, who are known for their sarcasm and competitive edge.  

Maybe it was the latest turns of events during her successful career -- she was recently awarded the woman with the "Sexiest Curves" by Victoria Secret (if that doesn't boost your self-confidence, I am not sure what would!). Or maybe it was her latest, sexy video where she looked better than ever, pushing the envelope and frolicking alongside fellow sexy siren Rihanna. Not only did Shakira's video gain worldwide attention, but she unintentionally sparked controversy from a Colombian politician. It could also be her blossoming relationship with her professional soccer player boyfriend from Barcelona, Gerard Pique and their adorable 1-year-old son, Milan -- not to mention the couple has also made the list for Forbes Most Powerful Couples in 2013.

Whatever it may be, Shakira is on fire right now, and that can only provide more energy and fuel for the already successful reality singing competition.

So, what do her fellow judges think about her transition from being super nice to having a little more sass this season?

"We quickly saw when we shot the blinds for season 6 that these guys, it was their second time around," said The Voice host Carson Daly, after a screening of the season premiere at New York City's Bryant Park Hotel on Monday, who also said that her son, Milan, is often running around on set, Billboard reports.

"She's got this confidence about her now, she's hungry for a victory and she handles the boys really well," Daly adds. "Reminds me of season two with Christina in that way too -- first year is all pleasantries, we all know each other, second year was just, I want to win, and I'll fight you for it."

Accompanying Daly was The Voice judge/coach Usher as well as the show's executive producer Mark Burnett.

"There's good fiery energy," Usher added. "And she's sexy." According to Billboard, Shakira's fellow coach did admit that he's intimidated by her in a good way, and if he does find himself against her for a contestant, "I'm an advocate for her. The only time when I'm very cautious is when analyzing her team. She's very protective, as any woman would be, but she's just very passionate about what she's doing here."

Besides the competition from the show and its judges, Billboard reports that Daly also noted "the alliances that have formed during the blind auditions this season, as the coaches now endorse each other to contestants much more often. 'Notice in the four-chair turns, because Adam has the best track record of getting four-chair turns to come on his team ... it's funny to watch the three gang up to make sure they don't go with Adam.'"

The Hollywood Reporter points out that Shakira has returned with "witty zingers," including: "Adam's too busy thinking about his wedding, all he thinks about is flower arrangements!" she said of Adam Levine, a sharp focus (she said she "might have been hormonal and sleepless" in season four, after having a baby) and an outrageous social media following (over 24 million Twitter followers and 83 million Facebook fans).

With that said, fans will be able to get more tidbits from the show if they follow the Colombian superstar on social media and relish in the fact that she's giving The Voice's boys club a run for its money!