Pentatonix and Dolly Parton visited “The Voice” to celebrate the holiday season. (Photo property of RCA Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Last night, The Voice: Season 11 Top 10 took the stage and sang for your votes.
Two dark horses emerged in the form of Team Adam’s Brendan Fletcher and Team Alicia’s Christian Cuevas, as they had breakout moments with their covers of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” and Lady Gaga’s “Million Reasons.” Meanwhile, both Team Alicia’s We McDonald and Team Miley’s Ali Caldwell put themselves back into the running with their spectacular performances.
Tonight, two artists were eliminated! Were your favorites saved by America’s votes?
The Top 10 kicked off the night by teaming up with Dolly Parton and Jennifer Nettles to sing “Circle of Love” from their upcoming biopic Christmas of Many Colors. I loved seeing Dolly and Jennifer front and center, but I would have liked to hear the Top 10 sing a solo or two and not banished to the background.
After Dolly and Jennifer had left the stage and the final round of Voice Coach Game Night, it was time to reveal some results. Show host Carson Daly revealed that both Brendan Fletcher and Sundance Head were the first two artists to advance to the Top Eight.
Once Carson finished checking in with the coaches, he revealed that Christian Cuevas, Ali Caldwell, Billy Gilman, We McDonald, and Josh Gallagher were also moving on to next week’s semi-finals.
One of the highlights of the night was Pentatonix, Miley Cyrus, and Dolly Parton performing a giant collaboration of “Jolene.” I got chills from the performance, and I wish that it did not have to end. This was one of my favorite non-contestant performance of the season.
As the septet left the stage, it was time to reveal for Carson to reveal the Bottom Three: Team Blake’s Courtney Harrell and Austin Allsup (WTH) and Team Miley’s Aaron Gibson.
Austin Allsup kicked off the round with “Tennessee Whiskey.” I was shocked to learn that Austin had to sing for the save. He has been consistent week in and week out. He blew me away tonight with his cover that would make Chris Stapleton proud. B+
Courtney Harrell sang “Bless the Broken Road” for her Save-Me performance. In all honesty, it was way too shrill to me. She has a bright future, but bad song choices put Courtney in this position. If you want to watch an excellent performance of “Bless the Broken Road,” watch Season One alum Jeff Jenkins’ Blind Audition and AGT alums Edgar Family Band’s stupendous performances. C
Poor Aaron Gibson! For the third week in a row, the Team Miley artist had to sing for his life. He sang Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.” To be honest with you, if I had one of AGT’s buzzers, I would have buzzed him. It was a dull performance that lacked emotion. F
Unfortunately, yet again, America wanted another Phillip Phillips and voted Aaron through once again! What the heck is wrong with you, America? Good luck to Austin and Courtney!
Next week, “The Voice: Season 11” Semi-finals begin!
