This week kicks off the final round of battles on The Voice. Team Adam, Shakira, Usher and Blake are looking to finalize their teams before the second battle rounds start. The new rounds, which will start next week, will feature Chris Martin, from Coldplay, as a mentor for all four of the judges.
Starting off the night was, Austin Ellis was up first up against Josh Kaufman from Team Adam. The duo took on Pharrell Williams chart topping single, “Happy.” Shelton started off the coaches’ comments by saying that it was clear that both vocalists had fun on stage and that Ellis was solid performer but Kaufman won the battle. Usher added that Ellis has a very impressive upper range even though he agreed with Shelton that Kaufman should win. In the end, Levine decided to advance Kaufman to the next round of the competition.
Following the “Happy” battle was Team Blake who had paired up duo Alaska & Madi against Audra McLaughlin. “When Will I Be Loved” was the song that Shelton chose for the pairing to sing. Usher started off the comments by saying that the battle was phenomenal and that McLaughlin really held her own. In the end Usher couldn’t decide who won the battle, Shakira said that Alaska & Madi were terrific and she also did not chose a winner of the battle. Following much deliberation the artist that advanced to the next battle rounds representing Team Blake was McLaughlin.
Next up was Team Shakira with Deja Hall going up against Music Box. Shakira chose the song “Eternal Flame,” for the battle round. Levine said that he beloved that both vocalists had very special qualities. Shelton echoed the thoughts of Levine and said that Hall was a very powerful singer but he would give the battle to Box. Shakira decided to advance Hall to the next round of the battles. Usher stole Music Box, she became the next member of Team Usher.
Madilyn Paige was paired up against Tanner James on Team Usher for the next battle. The duo was given Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran’s duet “Everything Has Changed.” Starting off the coaches’ comment was Levine who said the performance was like watching puppies play in a field of wheat with a sunset behind them. Shakira said that she fought for Paige back in the blinds and that she was beautiful during this performance. In the end, Usher advanced Paige to the next round of the battles leaving James available to steal. None of the coaches decided to steal James.
The next battle was between on team Adam. Levine paired up duo Dawn and Hawkes up against Josh Murley. Levine chose “Stuck In The Middle With You” by Stealers Wheel for the duo to perform a spot in the next round of battles. Shelton started off the comments by saying that the battle was pitch perfect and very even. Usher said that he would give the battle to Murley. In the end, Levine advanced Dawn and Hawkes to the next round of the competition.
In the last possible moments Shakira hit her steal button for Murley.
The last battle of the night went to Team Usher, Usher paired up Bria Kelly against Tess Buyer in this final battle round. The song that closed out the night was “Piece of my Heart” which was originally performed by Janis Joplin. Shakira added that the battle was evenly matched. Levine said that he had a soft spot for Kelly and was sad to lose her in the blinds. In the end, Usher advanced Kelly to the next round of the competition.
With only a few moments left Buyer was stolen by Team Blake.
The battles will conclude tomorrow night on NBC.
image: NBC