L-R: Coach Miley Cyrus, guest coaches Faith Hill & Tim McGraw; Trae Patton/NBC(LOS ANGELES) — It was the first night of the knockout rounds on Monday’s edition of The Voice, a night that saw coaches Blake Shelton and Adam Levine each snatching an artist from the other.
Artists from coaches Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys’ teams also duked it out to see which ones would make it to the live rounds.
The coaches got some help from country music power couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
First up, it was Team Blake’s Josh Gallagher performing Brooks & Dunn’s version of B.W. Stevenson’s “My Maria,” challenged by Sundance Head, who made a risky song choice with Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb.” Blake warned Gallagher about staying on pitch during the falsetto parts of his song. Faith Hill’s advice for Sundance was to perform the song with only his acoustic guitar as an accompaniment.
Sundance’s won Miley’s seal of approval, and Blake’s as well, as he named Sundance the winner of the contest. However Adam stole Josh, assuring him he was in good hands with him because “no one for the last six years has wanted to take a country singer…and beat [Blake] over the head.”
Team Alicia’s first knockout battle of the night was between Kylie Rothfield, singing Big Mama Thornton’s version of Elvis’ classic “Hound Dog,” and sister duo Whitney & Shannon tackling Jason Mraz’s “I Won’t Give Up.” Tim advised Kylie her to keep it “thick and swampy” and “keep the smoke in it.” Whitney & Shannon, on the other hand, needed to stand out individually, instead of relying on their harmonies.
Miley, Adam and Blake called the match a toss-up, but Alicia, noting Kylie’s potential, proclaimed her the winner.
Next, Miley pitted Ali Caldwell, performing “No Ordinary Love” by Sade, against Lauren Diaz, singing Andra Day’s “Rise Up.” Faith compared Ali’s voice to a “freight Train,” likening it to the late Whitney Houston. Tim had essentially the same advice for both big voiced singers, which was to “sell” their songs.
While both artists impressed the judges with their powerful voices, Adam, Blake and Alicia gave Lauren the edge due to the “desperation” and “urgency” of her performance. However the judge whose opinion counted was Miley, and she gave the decision to Ali.
Team Adam’s Dave Moisan, singing Sam Smith’s “Like I Can” faced off against Simone Gundy with “Midnight Train to Georgia,” by Gladys Knight & the Pips were next. Tim and Faith agreed with Adam that Dave picked a tough song for his voice and needed to concentrate on his technique. Their only critique for Simone was to maintain eye contact with the audience.
Blake gave the edge to Simone for seizing the opportunity. Alicia didn’t think Dave picked the best song for his voice. Adam agreed, declaring Simone the winner.
Keys next match featured two 17-year-olds — Courtnie Ramirez, singing Beyoncé’s “If I Were a Boy,” against Wé McDonald, tackling Mary J. Blige’s “No More Drama.” Alicia, Tim and Faith agreed Courtnie needed to “finish [her] phrases,” as well as sing the song in a lower key to bring out the bottom in her voice. Faith urged McDonald to “keep it real and don’t over-dramatize” the tune.
The other judges called the contest a tie. Alicia noted she was proud of both singers and joked that she picked both artists. However, Wé was ultimately declared the winner.
The final match belonged to Team Adam’s Riley Elmore, singing Michael Bublé’s “Haven’t Met You Yet,“ and Jason Warrior with “I Want You,” by Luke James. Levine noted that jazz artist Riley would go from a great singer, to someone who could win the competition by really “selling” the performance. Jason, according to Faith, needed a “bridge” between the high and low ends of his range.
The judges liked Riley’s “Genuineness,” but were blown away with Jason’s range. Adam went with the artist that was most unlike any other person in the competition, which he felt was Riley. However Blake stole Jason, citing his emotion.
The Voice battle rounds continue Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
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