Yahoo News The Voice Recap: Which Singers Caught Fire During the Lives… and Which Just Crashed and Burned?
With Monday’s episode of The Voice, NBC’s never-ending sing-off went live for the first time in Season 25. But did all 12 of the contestants really come alive? Read on, and we’ll discuss which members of Teams John Legend, Reba McEntire, Chance the Rapper and Dan + Shay gave the kind of performances that were likeliest to get them voted through to the Semi-Finals.
The Voice’s Season 25 Winner Is Obviously Going to Be…
Bryan Olesen (Team Legend), “Don’t Stop Me Now” — Grade: C+ | The season’s eldest contestant, 50-year-old Bryan knew that he had to bring his all to the stage to conquer Queen’s classic. And did he? Mm, I imagine so. But for my money, his all wasn’t enough. He ran around and went as far over the top as he could, but neither his vocal nor his presence could hold a candle to the late, great Freddie Mercury’s. I just don’t see (or hear) the reason for the hype.
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Tae Lewis (Team Dan + Shay), “19 You + Me” — Grade: B- | Boldly tackling his coaches’ first hit, Tae wowed the duo in rehearsal but got a little pitchy toward the end (even they said so). When it really counted, Tae delivered an imperfect but spirited performance. Would I have switched it off if it had come on the radio? No. But would I have wanted his album? Also, no. Dan + Shay, predictably, loved it to bits.
Maddi Jane (Team Chance), “Happier Than Ever” — Grade: B | Turning Billie Eilish’s hit into a song about her own experiences in showbiz, Maddi — with sly coaching from Chance — unleashed a well-modulated performance that built in intensity… and yet, still didn’t necessarily show her off as well as we might have hoped. Not sure that this was the “moment” that she needed at this stage of the competition.
L. Rodgers (Team Reba), “Up to the Mountain” — Grade: C | Man, I wanted to love L.’s Patty Griffin cover. Really, I did. She was clearly feeling it. But she whiffed as many notes as she hit. Was it powerful? Impassioned? Yes and also yes. But was it really, you know, good? Eh. Sad to say, I don’t think so. Of course, Reba insisted that L. had “nailed it.” Cut to: Reba shocked that L. is singing for the Wildcard Instant Save Tuesday.
Madison Curbelo (Team Dan + Shay), “Yesterday” — Grade: A- | The Beatles classic? Solid song selection for Madison, who said that she had her supportive brothers in mind when performing it. On stage, she turned out an absolutely lovely and poised rendition of the oldie. And I tell ya what? Her vocal was so pretty, it kept me from obsessing about the puffy sleeves that looked like she was popping popcorn in them.
Asher HaVon (Team Reba), “I’ll Make Love to You” — Grade: A | I sensed that Asher might be in trouble when in rehearsal, he was already wondering how to sell a song that didn’t reflect his own story. But nope, there was no reason to worry. Asher pulled it out in a big way when the spotlight fell on him. His decadently rich tone and enviable range 100-percent sold his version of Boyz II Men’s ballad. Final Five or bust!
Zoe Levert (Team Legend), “Stick Season” — Grade: C+ | I may never be the president of Zoe’s fan club, but the newlywed did a pretty good job of navigating the rapid-fire lyrics of Noah Kahan’s hit. There just wasn’t anything in her performance — not a vocal, not a gesture, not a moment — that made me say, “Yep, she’s a star.” Regardless of what the coaches exclaimed, this was pleasant but altogether forgettable.
Karen Waldrup (Team Dan + Shay), “I Hope You Dance” — Grade: A- | On Lee Ann Womack’s ballad, Karen’s years of experience playing clubs really shone. There was no hesitancy, no uncertainty, not even a hint of “Gee, can I hit this note?” nerves. The country crooner just got up there and sang the hell out of it. For sure, one of Monday’s most polished performances.
Serenity Arce (Team Chance), “Traitor” — Grade: C | In rehearsal, the 17-year-old said that she wanted to convey vulnerability on Olivia Rodrigo’s ballad. And that, she did. But where she fell short — way short — was in conveying the anger of the song without losing pitch and just sounding like she was yelling at us. I expected more. Even Chance’s post-performance praise felt unusually reserved.
Nadège (Team Chance), “He Loves Me” — Grade: B- | Wow, what a perfect song for Nadège. Newly engaged, she was able to completely inhabit Jill Scott’s ballad and even give us a bit more energy than she usually does. Unfortunately, when push comes to shove, she just doesn’t pack the kind of vocal punch that is going to earn her the win (or, unless I’m mistaken, get her through to the Semi-Finals). Enjoyable but not enough.
Josh Sanders (Team Reba), “Angels (Don’t Always Have Wings)” — Grade: A- | Credit where it’s due: On Thomas Rhett’s ballad, Josh gave us a vocal that was as a solid as the broad side of a barn. Nuanced, well-calibrated, powerful. Not sure what else a country fan could ask for. “That touched my heart so much,” Reba sobbed. (But honestly, at this point, I’m pretty sure you could make Reba weep doing Sisqó’s “Thong Song.”)
Nathan Chester (Team Legend), “Higher and Higher” — Grade: A+ | On Jackie Wilson’s classic, Nathan served up an undeniable reminder of why he’s a frontrunner for the win. The guy just has it: charisma to spare, an out-of-this-world voice and a stunning ability to make the most of every tool in his toolbox. His vocal didn’t even falter as he worked the crowd. Couldn’t have loved this more.
So, who do you think is in danger of being eliminated? And who do feel is safe as safe can be? Vote for your favorite performance of the night below, then hit the comments.
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