The Voice’s Top Nine prepare to face the Guillotine

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

By 8:00 p.m. CST (9:00 p.m. EST/PST), The Voice: Season Nine’s finalists will be revealed.

For the four remaining artists, each of them will receive a one-in-four chance of inheriting Sawyer Fredericks’ stash and crown and a recording contract with Universal Music Group.

Unfortunately for five eliminated artists, they will face the guillotine and be cruelly cut from the next week’s finale.

Which artists proved that they were worthy in joining Dia Frampton, Chris Mann, Juliet Simms, Cassadee Pope, Michelle Chamuel, the Swon Brothers, Jacquie Lee, Will Champlin, Josh Kauffman, Craig Wayne Boyd, Matt McAndrew, Sawyer Fredericks and Meghan Linsey in the lucrative Voice finalists club?  Who might be facing the guillotine tomorrow night?

Read on to find out…

Barrett Baber chose to perform Ella Henderson’s “Ghost.” This is hard for me to listen because I was remembering Paul Akister’s impeccable cover over from his time on X Factor UK. While I was impressed with the concept, I did not think that Barrett executed this song well. If his fans don’t rally, he will be one of the singers singing for the final spot tomorrow night. C-

Team Adam’s Shelby Brown chose one of all-time favorite songs to perform for a spot in the finale. That song: Jo Dee Messina’s “Even God Must Get the Blues.” I have to say if I want someone to sing for a spot in the finale, I want one of the singers to be Shelby. Throughout her time on the show, she has blossomed faster than any artist I have seen thus far. She gave me chills tonight and I really hope that she is not eliminated tomorrow night. B+/A- 

Cher’s “Believe” has played an important part in several Reality TV alumnus’ careers.  Adam Lambert, Ella Henderson and Cami Bradley all made impacts with their covers of the music icon’s signature song. Tonight, Jeffrey Austin hoped to join them in this exclusive club. I am very happy to say that he did! He instantly opened up to me and I thought it was a vocal master class! I really hope that viewers vote him into the finale, because it would be hard to imagine a finale without him! A 

Braiden Sunshine and “Amazing Grace” did not mix! End of story! F

Zach Seabaugh has not impressed me all season! His cover of “The Climb” was abysmal and I wished that someone buzzed him during his performance. F

Team Pharrell’s last singer standing, Madi Davis, chose Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” Another singer that I wanted to see in tomorrow night’s sing-off is Madi. Throughout her Voice journey, Madi’s sultry voice has impressed me time and time again. She delivered a superb and soothing performance that I believe will help her get to tomorrow night’s sing-off! B+

Emily Ann Roberts chose to tackle Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” I am so happy that Emily finally tackled an up-tempo tune. I am glad that Emily Ann had some fun on the stage and I think that Dolly would be proud of the performance. If we are going to have someone from Team Blake in the finale, I would like to see Emily Ann as one of the four singers. A-

If either Emily Ann or Madi do not make it to the Top Four, it might because of Amy Vachal. Her tender cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” gave me the strongest case of the goosies this season. I can say this to Amy…”See you at the finale!” A+

Jordan Smith closed out the night by a monstrous song: Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” He h had a difficult task ahead of him, because the last time someone did this song justice was Rachel Potter during her X Factor USA audition three years ago. I also had the opportunity of watching James Wolpert performing it live two years ago at the Universal Studios Hollywood soundstage. While it was 1,000 times better than James Wolpert’s version and at times surpassed Rachel, I believe that Jordan won the battle and will glide to next week’s finale. A+

My dream final four: Jordan, Amy, Jeffrey & Madi

Tomorrow night, the Final Four will be revealed!

The following clips belong are properties of:

-Adam Lambert’s “Believe” (FOX, 19 Entertainment & FremantleMedia North America)

-Cami Bradley’s “Believe” (NBC & SYCO Entertainment)

-Ella Henderson’s “Believe” & Paul Akister’s “Ghost” (iTV & SYCO Entertainment)  

-Rachel Potter’s “Somebody to Love” (FOX, SYCO Entertainment & FremantleMedia North America)