Shakira and Usher had four of their best vocalists duel it out in two different battles. (Photo property of NBC, One Tree Media & Warner Horizon Television.)
By: Jacob Elyachar
The Battle Rounds continue as Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Usher and Shakira try to narrow their teams down to the best vocalists to represent them in the Live Rounds.
Who stole the Battle Rounds tonight? Did any of the coaches use their steals? Read on to find out!
Team Usher kicked off the night as he placed VEDO and Jessica Childress in the first battle of the night. Usher chose for them to perform Bruno Mars’s “Locked Out of Heaven.” Both of them gave tremendous vocal performances and made it difficult for the “U Got It Bad” singer to decide. Eventually, Usher decided to keep VEDO on his team.
Shakira was the next coach on deck. The “Hips Don’t Lie” singer pitted Monique Abbadie and Luke Edgemon against each other. The duo tackled Lady Gaga’s “You & I” and both of them showcased their unique vocals in rehearsal. However, it was a different story in the Battle Round Arena, as both singers gave it their all and showed off their upper registers. While Shakira decided to keep Monique on her team, both Blake and Usher had Luke in their sights and the pastor’s son decided to enlist with Team Blake.
The two-time winning mentor was the next coach to have their competitors battle it out. Before the battle, Jacqui Sandell was nervous about her growl and following Blake’s advice, she took it out during the rehearsal. However, that did not stop her from getting let go from Team Blake after Savannah Berry slayed Little Big Town’s “Little White Church.”
Shakira’s second battle of the evening was a battle between two R&B singers: C. Perkins and Kris Thomas. The “Whenever, Wherever” singer gave them Bruno Mars’s “It Will Rain.” During rehearsal, C seemed too preoccupied with the lyrics while Kris had a problem with one of the verses. Both singers overcame their obstacles to deliver an average battle. While Shakira decided to keep Kris Thomas, Usher successfully stole C. Perkins.
Adam’s only battle of the evening belonged to Midas Whale and Patrick Thomas! The Maroon 5 front man chose Elvis Presley’s “Burning Love.” They sounded very well together but the original arrangement did not go well with the competitors until Adam decided to add a Bluegrass-vibe to the cover. Adam’s suggestion paid off and the trio gave one of the best Battle Rounds of the season. However, Adam decided to keep Midas Whale and sadly sent Patrick home.
The final battle of the night belonged to Ryan Innes and Orlando Dixon. He chose soul classic Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” for them to sing. Orlando needed to not hide behind his voice and take the pain that he needed to channel it into his performance. Orlando took Usher’s advice and they delivered a vocal battle of heroic portions. While Ryan continued to be a part of Team Usher, Adam used his final steal to save Orlando from elimination.
Tomorrow night…the Battle Rounds conclude and with one steal left…who will step up and deliver!
