The coaches have one tough job ahead of them: finding the best singers to represent them in the Live Shows. (All photos property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar
48 artists have done the impossible…. please four of the biggest names in the music industry (Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, CeeLo Green and Christina Aguilera).
Now in order for them to advance to the Knockout Rounds, they must outperform one another.
Welcome to the Battle Rounds!
For the next few weeks, the Voice will enter this crucial stage of the competition. In order to prepare their artists, the coaches brought in superstar help in the forms of Ryan Tedder, Cher, Miguel and Ed Sheeran.
So…. which artists rose to the occasion? Read on to find out!
The biggest battle of the night belonged to Team Christina’s Timyra-Joi and Amber Nicole. Under the guidance of Christina and Ed Sheeran, they tackled Beyonce’s “Listen.” During their rehearsal, the singers blew Christina and Ed with their emotional ranges. I was blown away by both of these young women because they gave everyone goose bumps and brought the divalicious judge to tears. The ladies touched the “Your Body” singer and impressed the men. In tears, Christina stated that Amber Nicole won and eliminated Timyra-Joi.
Blake paired two of his strongest country singers Justin Chain and Shelbie Z against each other. The “God Gave Me You” singer assigned the duo to tackle Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson’s “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” Blake’s legendary advisor, Cher, encouraged both singers to dig deep and showcase their power notes. Unfortunately, during their final rehearsal…the mentors advised them to make sure that they harmonized because their voices were all over the map.
With so much on the line, the duo came out swinging! They showcased great vocal chemistry and actually harmonized together. I thought that Justin had the edge at the beginning, but once Shelbie hit those high notes…I was immediately sold. All of the coaches commented that both of them would be a great pairing. The returning coaches sided with Shelbie while Adam suggested Justin. Blake decided to keep Shelbie Z on the show.
CeeLo’s first battle of the season featured Anthony Paul and Caroline Pennell. Both of these young students were assigned Justin Bieber’s “As Long as You Love Me.” It was a very interesting song choice and I thought that it was a great idea to have both Anthony and Caroline to put them in a Battle Round setting for their final rehearsal. After watching and listening to both artists, they reminded me both Kris Thomas and Melanie Martinez respectively and they made CeeLo beam with pride. Adam stated that they both killed it and Christina honestly said that it was her favorite battle of the day. CeeLo stated that Caroline won the battle and just before he left the stage, Christina stole Anthony Paul and grabbed another powerhouse for her team.
Speaking of powerhouses, Adam had the bright idea of putting both Donna Allen and Tessanne Chin together. Adam’s two favorites duked it out to Emeli Sande’s “Next to Me.” This battle was equivalent to Judith and Karina’s cover of “It’s A Man’s World” last season. Both ladies gave me chills and stole night one of the Battle Rounds! Blake called the battle “Epic!” and gave it to Donna. However, the “Make the World Move” singers preferred Tessanne. Adam decided that the winner of the battle was…. Tessanne Chin. On a side note, I am very disappointed with the coaches’ decision to let Donna go…Good luck with the next chapter in your career, Ms. Allen…you deserve it!
The final battle of the night was Briana Cuoco and Jacquie Lee. They had the monstrous task of covering the Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun.” During the girls’ battle…it was very hard for me to focus on the girls’ because their vocal performances did not have the punch that Haley Reinhart had with her cover two years ago on the show’s top rival: American Idol. While Jacquie Lee won the battle and Briana was stolen, it still remains a crime that the show lost a true superstar in Donna Allen.
Tomorrow night, the Battle Rounds continue!
