Did Alicia or Blake use their last steal tonight during night two of “The Voice: Season 12” Knockout Rounds? (Photo property of NBC & MGM TV)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Last night reminded me why I abhor The Voice Knockout Rounds.
Several of the coaches (particularly Blake and Gwen) made stupid decisions such as eliminating potential winners such as Johnny Gates and Felicia Temple and keeping third-rate karaoke rejects such as Hunter Plake, who have no future in the music industry.
Because of tonight’s short timeframe, there were only three battles, which means that there were only four opportunities for the remaining artists to advance to the Season 12 Live Playoffs.
Who were the three artists that immediately advanced to the Live Playoffs? Did Blake or Alicia use their steal tonight? Read on to find out…
As Blake and Alicia delivered trash talk to Adam, Alicia paired up Anatalia Villaranda and Dawson Coyle together. The “If I Ain’t Got You” singer-songwriter chose both of them because of their youth. Anatalia chose Carrie Underwood’s “Two Black Cadillacs,” which has been done before twice on the show by Team Xtina’s Olivia Henken in Season Five and Team Shakira’s Kristen Merlin in Season Six. Meanwhile, the Team Alicia newbie chose Imagine Dragons’ “Demons,” a song that Team Adam’s Will Champlin executed beautifully back in Season Five. Ever since her Blind Audition, Anatalia rose to the occasion and delivered spectacular performances. I got chills from the first note, and she might be The Voice’s Jessica Sanchez, who delivers high octane vocal performances every time she performs. As for Dawson, he had the daunting task of following Anatalia, and I thought the nerves got the best of him. I am glad that Anatalia is moving on to the Live Playoffs, but I think Dawson has time to develop as a vocalist and should audition for America’s Got Talent.
Blake pitted Enid Ortiz and TSoul against each other for the second Voice Knockout Rounds battle of the night. Enid returned to her Adele roots and chose “When We Were Young.” Soul singer TSoul stuck with retro R&B/Soul with Otis Redding’s “These Arms of Mine.” I could listen to Enid all day because her lovely vocal tone is equivalent to a beautiful piece of red velvet cheesecake. TSoul countered with a superb cover of the legendary soul song. I am glad that he shook off his emotional nerves from his rehearsal with Blake to deliver a great cover worthy of the Live Playoffs.
Team Gwen’s two youngest (Aaliyah Rose and Brennley Brown) were the final two artists to participate in Voice’s Knockout Rounds. Aaliyah chose to sing her hero, Meghan Trainor’s duet with John Legend: “Like I’m Going to Lose You.” Meanwhile, Brennley chose “Up to the Mountain” for her Knockout Round performance. I loved Aaliyah’s vocal performance and her vocal runs are like edible pieces of ear candy. I loved the conviction in her voice and I think she could have a chance to succeed in the pop music world. Meanwhile, I had a hard time listening to Brennley’s performance. The reason why is because I am still married to Crystal Bowersox’s incomparable cover during the American Idol: Season Nine finale. Crystal sang with conviction, heart, and soul. I did not think Brennley did her homework and that is why I thought that she did an average vocal on the track. Yet again, Gwen made her second stupid decision of the Knockout Rounds and kept Brennley. However, Blake pulled an Usher, snuck in a steal and stole Aaliyah Rose.
Next week, The Voice Knockout Rounds conclude as all eyes are on Alicia!
