The Voice is down to the top twelve vocalists and each performed for a chance to advance to the next round in the competition. This week was all about the performances and a special guest who came to help out every team, country music legend, Reba McEntire. McEntire said she was honored to be a mentor and was a fan that watched The Voice at home.
Everything is up to America now; the coaches have no more steal or saves.
Starting out the night was Team Blake’s Hannah Kirby who was saved by her coach last week. Kirby performed “Edge of Seventeen.” Kirby’s mother was also able to meet McEntire and screamed when she realized who the celebrity mentor was. It was a special moment. After the performance the coaches were on their feet and Williams started out the comments by saying now the audience really understands what Kirby is about and that we all were able to see the artist who she will be. Levine added that Kirby is really an amazing singer not just a performer. Shelton said that she really set the bar high and that everyone else will have to live up to that performance.
Following Kirby was Brian Johnson from Team Adam. Levine saved Johnson from elimination last week. Johnson sang “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” by Sting. Shelton commented on the performance by saying that Johnson’s voice is loud and powerful, it is really impressive. Aguilera added that Johnson really overcame any struggles that he had in rehearsals. Levine said that it is hard to sing Sting and that Johnson did an amazing job facing this challenging song.
Team Christina’s India Carney was up next with a unique cover of “Take Me To Church.” Williams started off the comments by saying that this performance was like coming to Carney’s concert already and that it felt incredibly professional. Levine said that Carney already has fans and that you can tell that people are fans of what Carney does. Shelton said that she was ready to give Carney a ride to church after that performance. Coach Christina added that she really saw a presence and conviction in the performance and that she loved everything she brought to the song.
Next up was Team Pharrell’s Mia Z who covered The Rolling Stones’ “Miss You.” Shelton added to the comments regarding the song by saying that he loves how Mia really makes the melody her own and that only a handful of vocalists in the world can do that. Aguilera said that it was a really nice job and she is always curious to see what Mia does with her songs. Coach Pharrell said that he was very happy and super proud of Mia. She not only set goals but she went above and beyond those goals.
Following Z was Team Adam’s Deanna Johnson who sang the Christian song, “Oceans.” Shelton kicked off the coaches’ remarks by saying that it was hard to hear the early lines of the songs because of an audio problem but the performance had confidence. Aguilera said that it was a beautiful performance. Williams said that Johnson has done it again because of how amazing that song was. Coach Adam added that there were ups and downs because of the audio issues but there was a moment when Johnson really embraced the performance and was confident.
Next up was Sawyer Fredericks from Team Pharrrell who did his own cover of “Imagine.” The performance had coach Pharrell on his feet when it ended. Levine started off by saying that his vocal range is unbelievable and he can really fill a room with his vocals. Shelton said that he makes everything he does seem right and that he was fully invested in the performance. Coach Pharrell said that he was so proud of Fredericks and that when things don’t go his way, he really sings his way out of any situation and the performance was brilliant.
Rob Taylor from Team Christina took the stage next. He sang “I Put A Spell On You.” At the end of the performance, all four coaches were giving standing ovations. Levine said that with this song, Taylor really pulled ahead in the competition. Aguilera said that this kind of a performance is why she does the Voice.
Corey Kent White from Team Blake was up next. White covered “Why” which was originally performed by Jason Aldean. Levine said that White is almost at that place and that when he gets to that place, he will be dangerous and as the show goes on, he keeps getting better and better. Coach Blake said that he didn’t sing this song perfectly tonight but he is always invested in what he is singing and his lyrical delivery is powerful.
Following White was Team Pharrell’s Koryn Hawthorne. Hawthorne put her own unique spin on “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson. McEntire reminded Hawthorne that Clarkson is her daughter-in-law now. Shelton said that Hawthorne slayed the performance and made the most out getting a second chance. Shelton predicted that she would be advancing. Aguilera, who was her former coach, said that she gained more confidence with this song. Williams said that she really projected and that everyone was with you during this performance.
Team Adam’s Joshua Davis followed Hawthorne. Davis sang “America.” Williams said that he thought this was Davis’ best performance to date and that it really embodied the lyric and that it was clear that he connected to the song. Coach Adam added that he put the strategy aside and really let Davis do what he loved.
Following Davis was Team Blake’s Meghan Linsey took on “Girl Crush.” The song has been extremely controversial because of the lyrics but Shelton and Reba said that this was their favorite song currently on country radio. Shelton was on his feet at the end of the performance. Williams said that it is clear that Linsey is really living the dream and nailed this performance. Levine added that he loved Linsey forever and that she is always amazing. Coach Blake said that every artist who auditions for this show, you hope for a breakout moment and that this was Linsey’s moment and it was incredible.
Closing out the night was Kimberly Nicole from Team Christina. Nicole sang, “The House of The Rising Sun.” Coach Aguilera added that she had never heard this song performed this way and that this hasn’t been done yet and that she is going to go buy it iTunes right when the show was over.
Tonight the top ten will be announced live on NBC.
Image courtesy of INFphoto.com
Image courtesy of INFphoto.com