Team Shakira wins night two of the second night of Live Playoffs

Team Blake and Team Shakira singers pose with “Voice” host Carson Daly before they performed their solos. (Photo property of NBC, One Three Media & Warner Horizon Television)

Last night, Team Adam and Team Usher’s finalists had the chance to present themselves to America.   Now, it was Team Shakira and Team Blake’s turn to take to the stage.

Who rocked? Who flopped? Read on to find out!

Garrett Gardner opened the solo rounds with a rousing cover of John Lennon’s classic song: “Imagine.”  I was worried that Garrett was going to deliver the song in the same way David Archuleta did.  However, Garrett had one thing that Archuleta did not have: a Dylan/Springsteen-like growl.   This distinct growl was sprinkled throughout the song and made it a perfect opening performance in the Voice’s Live Playoffs history.  A

Baylor University student Holly Tucker faced confidence issues while she was in rehearsal.  However, with some assurance from her mentor, Holly took to the stage to tackle Trisha Yearwood’s “How Do I Live.”   Holly’s cover washed away the painful memories of the Carly Rose Sonenclar-LeAnn Rimes disaster last December on X Factor USA and soared to new heights. A-

Kris Thomas sang Bruno Mars’s “When I Was Your Man.” While it was great to watch Shakira and Kris, the R&B superstar did not deliver to the party.  His vocals were warbly and the nerves took over.  If you want to see an astonishing cover of “When I Was Your Man,” check out Candice Glover’s performance from Idol last week.  C

The Swon Brothers are the only duo to make it to the Live Playoffs this year.  Both of them had great harmonies when they performed a cover of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishin’ in the Dark.” However, the only problem I have is Blake’s song selection.   The two-time Voice champion should have picked a Rascal Flatts or Lady Antebellum song to sing because NOBODY knew that song.  B

When fans heard that Blake and Shakira were going to perform together, everyone went “What the Heck?”  These two are different stylistic vocalists and it could have all went south.   However, the two Grammy winners delivered a stunning cover of Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” that blew everyone away.  A

Latina rocker Karina Iglesias paid tribute to Tina Turner as she covered “Let’s Stay Together.”  She delivered a soulful cover that showed off her sensitive side and stunned the crowd.   This was one of her best vocals that she performed on the side and this author hopes that America votes her through to the next round.  A-

Since the start of the season, it has been hard for viewers to connect with Justin.  This was the South Alabama native’s one chance to prove to America that he is able to handle the live rounds of the competition.  Did he do it? Yes, he did! Justin did a great vocal and he connected with the crowd when he performed in a mosh pit.  B+

Before Team Shakira took the stage, the “Hips Don’t Lies” singer had her quartet rehearse with her choreographer, Hi-Hat.  Hi-Hat and Shakira advised the singers to perform as a unit and they took their lessons and delivered a terrific cover of Queen’s “We Are The Champions.”  A

The youngest contestant left in the competition, Danielle Bradbery stole the night when she tackled Pam Tills’ “Maybe It Was Memphis.”  It was an intriguing vocal that reminded viewers of a pint-size Carrie Underwood.   Blake mentioned that she was an important part of this show and it seems that she could be a dark horse to win this show. B+

Sasha Allen closed the night with a cover of the Beatles’ “Oh! Darling!” While many Voice fans were worried that Sasha would copy Juliet Simms’ astonishing cover from Season Two, Sasha exploded onto the stage with fiery octave leaps and astonishing vocal licks that received a standing ovation from her coach.    This was the performance of the Live Playoffs! A+

Tomorrow night, Rod Stewart & former coach Cee Lo Green will provide the entertainment while all four coaches must make a painful cut in order to get to this season’s Top 12!