Adam Levine chose two artists and stole two of Team Pharrell’s artists! (Photo property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to another week of Battles!
Before we get to the recap, here is where our teams stand:
Team Adam: Chris Jamison, Alessandra Castronovo & Rebekah Samarin
Team Blake: James David Carter, Grant Ganzer, Tanner Linford & Griffin (stolen from Team Pharrell)
Team Gwen: Sugar Joans, Taylor John Williams, Troy Ritchie & Craig Wayne Boyd (stolen from Team Blake)
Team Pharrell: Elyjuh Rene, Luke Wade, Taylor Phelan, Jean Kelley & Menlik Zergabachew (both stolen from Team Gwen)
With Pharrell out of steals, will Adam, Blake or Gwen be able to gain the upper hand? Also, which artists will rise to the top, find themselves heading home or get one of the remaining steals?
Your Voice recap starts right now!
Our first battle of the night was Team Adam’s Damien and Kelli Douglas! While all four coaches turned their chairs around for Damien, however Adam, Blake and Gwen turned their chairs around for single mom Kelli. Adam challenged them to sing “Knock on Wood.” The Maroon 5 singer challenged them to showcase their chops and adversity with the track.
While they were both strong vocalists, Kelli had trouble mastering her timing. Team Adam advisor Stevie Nicks recommended to have Kelli listen to the great soul legends. She also told them to face each other during the performance. That piece of advice turned into a bombastic duet. However, Damien got fully immersed in the song and moved out to the next round.
Gwen chose Jessie Pitts and Ryan Sill to perform together! Both of them were two-chair-turns (Gwen and Blake) and want to be pop stars! The No Doubt front woman wanted them to perform Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding’s “I Need Your Love.” Both of them wanted to perform so well that Adam or Blake have no choice to steal one of the runner-up. Gwen wanted Ryan to bring some dance moves, while Team Gwen advisor Gavin Rossdale advised Jessie to pick someone out in the crowd to connect.
During the performance, I was able to connect more with Jessie’s soothing vocals and every time she sang the lyrics…. she stabbed my heart. I also thought Ryan was very cookie cutter with his performance. We already have enough with Bieber, Cody Simpson, the One Direction guys, David Archuleta and Scotty McCreery! We do not need another cookie cutter! Unfortunately, Gwen chose unwisely as she chose Ryan and Blake swooped in and stole Jessie!
For Pharrell’s first battle of the night, the “Happy” singer chose Blessing Offor and Katriz Trinidad to duel. Blessing was able to catch the attention of all four coaches! While the 15-year-old caught the attention of Blake, Gwen and Pharrell! Both of them were excited to see Alicia Keys with Pharrell. The “Get Lucky” singer chose them to perform Stevie Wonder’s “Do I Do.” While Blessing knew Stevie like the back of his head, this was totally out of her wheelhouse.
Blessing got me from the word go, but I loved that Katriz added me some Ella Fitzgerald-inspired scat singing to the track. During the Coaches’ Commentary, Gwen stated that Katriz was a Porcelain doll and Blessing had a rich tone with his vocals. Blake added that it was dead even! However, Pharrell chose Katriz to move on to the Knockout Rounds. But, Blessing was not out of the competition just yet as Adam and Gwen wanted to steal him! In the end, Blessing chose Adam!
The second battle of Team Adam was Ethan Butler and Matt McAndrew! Before the battle, both of these artists are not in my top artists of this season and these guys needed to step it up! Adam chose Coldplay’s “Yellow” for Ethan and Matt to perform. Adam advised Ethan to perform the song in full voice, while Matt need to emanate with his soul.
In all honesty, this was the worst battle of the season! One, there were several sour notes all over the place! Two, both of them sounded that they were in a karaoke bar and not at The Voice soundstage at Universal Studios Hollywood. We have seen excellent artists like Maiya Sykes, Amanda Lee Peers, Joe Kirk and Kelli Douglas leave the show and abysmal artists Matt McAndrew and Ryan Sill still in the competition! WTF?
Team Blake’s only battle of the night was Bree Fondacaro and Taylor Brashears! Blake paired them together because they were nothing alike. He challenged them to perform Linda Ronstadt’s timeless “You’re No Good.” But, during the final rehearsal…both of them were still playing nice! Little Big Town advised them to cut loose and perform the song.
While Bree caught me by surprise with her raspy Cyndi Lauper-like vocals, Taylor’s haunting vocals gave me chills and I loved that both of them showcased their personalities in this piece. Pharrell praised Taylor for her confidence, but Gwen was disappointed with both of them as they ignored the original melody completely! Blake decided that Taylor would move forward to the Knockout Rounds.
Pharrell’s final battle tonight belonged to two of this year’s most powerful singers: DaNica Shirey and Toia Jones. DaNica caught the attention of Adam, Gwen and Pharrell during the Blinds, while Toia caught the attention of both Adam and Pharrell! So, going into the battle…DaNica might have an edge.
Their coach asked them to conquer Beyonce’s “Halo.” Both of them dedicated their battle to their deceased fathers. During the final rehearsal, Pharrell told them: “Not to sound like background singers.” This comment and pressure overtook Toia! But, Pharrell advised her to seize the moment.
DaNica and Toia delivered one of the most beautiful interpretations of the Queen B hit. This performance not only made me cry, but it gave me chills! Gwen felt inspired, Adam commended them for slaying the dragon and Blake was stonewalled by Toia’s powerful voice. Pharrell was excited that both women went full voice and he chose DaNica to move on! This meant that both Toia was up for a steal and both Adam and Gwen wanted her! However, Toia chose Adam!
Tomorrow night, Gwen Stefani has one final steal to use! Who will she pick?
