Monday night’s The Voice began with a tribute to Prince on his passing as each of the judges talked a little bit about what his music means to them.
Adam Levine: “It has all been shocking. It seemed as if I woke up and he was gone. He was probably one of the profound musical influences on me. He did things his way. I have a lot of respect for someone who is able to make amazing music and not change who he is.”
Pharrell Williams: “I will never forget when I was a little boy when the Purple Rain album came, it was played all summer. It is a shock and we are going to miss him.”
Christina Aguilera: “He will always be such an inspiration for every generation to come. It is so fascinating to listen to his genius on records. That is a true sign of somebody who is legendary. I love his passion for artists and artists’ rights. There was nothing manufactured about him.”
Blake Shelton: “I wish I had had a chance to meet him, so I could speak about him as more than a fan. His music can change my day. He was larger than life and now he’s gone. He is already missed.”
The Top 11 competition began with Team Adam’s Shalyah Fearing, who performed “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. She chose the song because she used to watch it on YouTube and it kept her going.
Blake told her that because she is so young, they feel like they get to see her developing before their eyes. He felt that Miley’s song was true to her story. Christina complimented Shlayah on a beautiful rendition of the song, adding she was sure Miley would be so proud to hear it. It was nice hearing something a little different than the gospel choices she’s done. Pharrell agreed with Christina, saying, “You didn’t do gospel, but you could feel it in you. This was aspirational. There are a lot of kids who need to hear that and you sealed it. Adam added, “You are amazing. Pharrell took the words out of my mouth. Considering what you have been through, you are the embodiment of that dream. You are so advanced in your talent for how old you are. I can’t wait to see you grow and change.”
Daniel Assino decided to perform the P!nk version of Cyndi Lauper‘s “Time After Time” and it was handy that he had Justin Derrico, P!nk’s guitarist on hand, who is also a member of The Voice band.
Blake said that Daniel was smooth. His voice is so strong, but there is a smoothness and coolness. Christina said she had to give kudos to Pharrell for being his coach. Every week she listens to what Pharrell tells him and he gives spot-on advice. It is great that he has him on his side to push him. Pharrell said, “Great job. You took your time. You worked the room. Your note choices were signature. That last note was so crazy, they were clapping when you were still singing. Good job.”
Team Blake’s Paxton Ingram selected Tasha Cobbs‘ inspirational “Break Every Chain.” The idea to sing something inspirational was actually suggested by Pharrell last week, and Paxton went for it big time.
Pharrell complimented him, saying that it was like the unleashing of power. The modulation, to Blake’s credit, was genius. Pharrell also said it was the freest he has ever seen Paxton. Now America and the 305 know who Paxton is. Adam said he is such an amazing performer. This was the perfect song to take the skill he has and display his talent. Blake first thanked Pharrell for the suggestion of an inspirational song. Then he said that this is the first time that Paxton opened his heart up to everybody.
Team Adam’s Owen Danoff, who was Twitter saved last week after being in the bottom two with Emily Keener, chose James Taylor‘s “Fire and Rain” for his Top 11 performance.
Christina said she was glad he made it through. He is a great storyteller. His performance was vulnerable and well-executed. Adam said he is always happy when he gets to hear Owen do a song that has a lot of importance to him. He loved Owen’s version.
The competition continued with Team Blake’s Texas country singer Mary Sarah, who sang a more modern song than normal: “Johnny & June” by Heidi Newfield.
Christina admitted that Mary Sarah is introducing her to new songs, but she felt the performance was constant and strong. Pharrell, too, had never heard the song before, so he didn’t know how to judge it. But he felt that since she spent so much time in her higher register, he would give it to her for being able to do that. Blake told her, “I stand by what we said in rehearsal. This is your moment. We are going to move the dial on iTunes. We heard different elements of your voice tonight.”
Team Christina’s California mom Alisan Porter was next. Her song choice was “Stay With Me Baby” by Lorraine Ellison, which has been covered by Bette Midler and Janis Joplin, each who did a unique version, as did Alisan.
Adam said, “I prefer to be right about who is going to win when they are on my team, but I do like to be right, so I said it day one and I still believe it, you are still going to win this thing. You are amazing.” Blake joked, “I don’t see that much growth in your performance because where is there for you to go? His favorite thing about her is this moment she is having, coming from where she has been. Christina told her she was unbelievable. Alisan walked away from show business because she wanted her family. But she is out here every week making her family proud and that is awesome. She is bringing her kids are along for the ride.
Team Christina’s Bryan Bautista chose Bruno Mars‘ “Just the Way You Are,” because he likes songs that are emotional. This song, he says he sang for his sister’s 16th birthday two years ago. Monday night, she was in the audience crying during his performance.
Pharrell complimented Bryan on an effortless performance, adding that the power that he has in his upper register is crazy. Also, the arrangement was perfect with the Mavin Gaye break in the middle. It proves that Bryan is where he belongs. Adam said he thinks that Bryan has the greatest range of everybody. He respect that his upper register is so pristine and he never loses power. Christina told him that once again he was silky smooth and his choices were all the right ones. What he does is hard. He has a touch of old school and he can deliver anything.
Bryan was followed by Team Blake’s Adam Wakefield, who stepped out of his safe place by singing something outside his genre: Journey’s “Lights.”
Pharrell told him he has a classic voice that is out of the Southern rock genre from the ’70s, but he also has some Steve Winwood. That said, he made the song his own. Also, his falsetto was so soulful, [record label] Big Machine should be watching him right now. Adam said Adam looks one way and leans one way, but he can do everything. What makes him special is he can do it all. Blake added that the amazing thing about Adam is that every time he performs, people are on the edge of their seat waiting for him to do more.
Team Christina’s Nick Hagelin picked up his guitar for John Mayer‘s “Your Body is a Wonderland.”
Blake said he did a great job, and he liked seeing Nick get centered and back to the guitar. Christina said, “I have become such a fan of yours. I see where your son gets it. There is an energy when you come on stage. You are just loveable.”
Team Pharrell’s schoolteacher Hannah Huston chose Bonnie Raitt‘s “I Can’t Make you Love Me,” because it is the kind of song that she wants to write someday.
Adam said what is great about Hannah is she can sing so proficiently, but she still has a unique character in her voice. It knocks him out. Pharrell said all of Nebraska is standing up for her right now. Her performance was so eloquent. It makes him wonder: Where does all that feeling come from?
The final performance of the night was Team Adam’s Laith Al-Saadi. Adam asked him to do something contemporary, so he chose Ed Sheeran’s “Make it Rain.”
Blake said it was funny to see Laith’s backstory and hear him saying that he was honored that America had voted him through. Blake felt it was crazy because as coaches, they can’t wait to see what he is going to do. Adam told him he was amazing and he loves him.
The Voice returns tonight at 8 p.m. on NBC when the Top 10 will be revealed.
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