The knockout rounds kicked off tonight on The Voice. The knockout rounds is the last road block that stands in the way of the live shows. The knockout rounds put two members of the same team against each other. Each vocalist can sing a song of his or her choice. The coaches decide who will face off against each other.
Tonight Team Adam and Team Shakira start off the knockout rounds. Levine was up first. He chose to have Amber Carrington against Midas Whale. Carrington chose to sing Avril Lavigne’s “I’m With You.” Midas Whale chose to take a risk by putting a twist on the classic song by Stevie Wonder, “Higher Ground.” Shelton said that it was the first time he saw Midas Whale be serious and he liked that but Shelton chose Carrington to win the round. Usher said that every time Midas Whale performance they give it a Midas touch. Shakira added that Carrington was terrific. In the end, Levine chose to advance Carrington to the live shows.
Shakira was up next and paired Garrett Gardner up against Tawnya Reynolds. Gardner chose to put a unique twist on the Alex Clare single, “Too Close.” Reynolds showcased her country attitude and chose to perform, Pistol Annies, “Hell on Heels.” Levine said that Gardner had improved since his first audition and the progress that he has made is staggering. Shelton added that Reynolds made an excellent song choice. Usher said that Reynolds impressed him. With mix reviews from the other coaches, Shakira was left with a hard decision. After much deliberation, Shakira advanced Gardner to the live shows.
Following Gardner advancing was, Amy Whitcomb facing off against Caroline Glaser. Whitcomb chose to sing, “House of the Rising Sun.” Glaser was original on Team Blake but was then stolen by Levine. Glaser put her own twist on, “Little Talks,” by Of Monsters and Men. Shelton started off the comments by saying that he respected Whitcomb for taking chances but would chose Glaser to win. Usher said that he would give that round to Whitcomb. Left with an impossible decision Levine chose to advance Glaser to the live shows.
Team Shakira followed that performance by pairing Kris Thomas against Mary Miranda. Thomas chose to perform, “What a Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong.
Miranda sang, “Every Breath You Take,” by The Police. Levine said that Thomas has a crazy range and a unique tone to his voice, he also liked that Miranda did something different than anticipated, giving the round to Miranda. Shelton added that Miranda is awesome and really changed up the song. Shakira picked Thomas to move forward and perform for America in the live shows.
Levine chose to pair Judith Hill against Orlando Dixon. Hill chose to sing, “Always on My Mind,” by Willie Nelson. Dixon put his own twist on the K-CI and JoJo song, “All My Life.” Shelton said that Dixon had a strong performance but he couldn’t find anything wrong with Hill’s performance. Usher said that he has high expectations for Dixon but that Hill had an incredible performance. Shakira mentioned that Dixon had improved. Levine after some deliberation chose to keep Hill on his team and advance her to the live shows.
Karina Iglesias and Monique Abbadie from Team Shakira entered into the knockout rounds next. Iglesias chose to take on “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” by Lenny Kravitz for her performance. Abbadie took on a Celine Dion classic “The Power of Love.” Levine said that Abbadie had a few pitch problems and that he wished Iglesias picked a larger sound but would give the round to Iglesias. Shelton chose to give that round to Abbadie. Shakira was left with a hard choice and picked Iglesias to represent Team Shakira in the live shows.
The final performance of the night for Team Adam, Warren Stone went up against Sarah Simmons. Warren took on a classic rock song originally by, Cutting Crew, “(I Just) Died In Your Arms Tonight.” Simmons also took on a rock classic by singing “Wild Horses,” by The Rolling Stones. Shelton said that this performance tonight was the best that he had heard Stone sing but he would give the round to Simmons. Usher also gave the round to Simmons. Shakira added that Stone really came through on this song but she would also give the round to Simmons. Levine agreed with his fellow coaches and chose Simmons to move on to the live shows.
The final performance of the night for Team Shakira was between Shawna P and Sasha Allen. Allen chose to perform a classic song, “At Last,” by Etta James. Sasha performed, “Maybe I’m Amazed,” original sung by Paul McCartney. Levine said that Allen had a truly incredible performance and that he loves the tone in her voice. Shelton said that it is fun to listen to Shawna’s voice but Allen is one of the front-runners in this competition. Usher said that Shawna should have not put so many runs into the song and that he was happy to see Allen improve. Shakira picked Allen to move forward and represent Team Shakira in the live shows.
The knockout rounds continue on NBC tomorrow night with Team Usher and Team Blake entering into the knockout rounds.