The Top 9 battled it out on The Voice stage Monday night in order to make it into the semi-finals, which take place next week.
The night was a busy one with performances by Blake Shelton, who introduced his new single, “Go Ahead and Break My Heart,” joined by Gwen Stefani for the duet. The single is from his If I’m Honest album, dropping May 20.
“This is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written or recorded,” Shelton said. “It came from a time and place when Gwen and I were beginning our journey together and both experiencing a hard time letting our guards down with each other. The song couldn’t possibly be more honest. I’m honored to have written and to perform this song with the great Gwen Stefani.”
Also, Florida Georgia Line performed its new single, “H.O.L.Y.,” off its third studio album, “Dig Your Roots,” due out later this summer.
So with that full schedule, Carson Daly immediately jumped into the performances.
Up first from Team Blake was Paxton Ingram singing Whitney Houston‘s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).” Paxton changed the arrangement to make it more acoustic and to make the song his own.
Christina Aguilera complimented him on another great performance. She said, “You put your heart and soul into everything you do. It was nothing like I ever heard that song done. It was the most rejoice-ful version I have ever heard.” Pharrell Williams told him he was definitely finding himself in terms of what is happening voice-wise. Plus the optimistic lyrics work for him, as did the key change, which was perfect for him. Adam Levine said Paxton is one of the most infectious performers. Everybody wants to be a part of it. He found the sweet spot in his voice. He loves his midrange. Blake told him he doesn’t know anybody else in the competition, who from week to week, goes up a notch higher. Paxton is staying in the competition because he keeps on impressing people.
Following Paxton, also from Team Blake, was traditional country singer Mary Sarah. She chose to sing “My Church” by Maren Morris because it was a blend of traditional and modern country music, which is something she would like to do on her first album.
Pharrell praised her for doing a good job. He said, “I am going to start by saying Blake’s note on losing the guitar was good because it gave you more room to emote. I think that performance is probably your best connection to a song. It seemed like your record.” Adam agreed with Pharrell that it was her best, adding it was like she found a lane. That is how we have to feel for people to move forward. It was perfect. Blake said he was so freakin’ happy. He agreed that it is the most connected she has been to a song. Anybody who understands anything about country music knows what she did.
Team Christina’s Nick Hagelin was lucky number three. And he needs the luck because he was in the bottom two last week, but he won the Instant Save. Nick said he hoped to bring the same feel to this week’s song that he had for his save. He performed “Hold On, We’re Going Home” by Drake feat. Majid Jordan.
Pharrell said that Nick always has the instinct to know when to take his song to the next level. Then, when he danced, it gave him an even stronger rapport with the audience. Adam also thought it was really cool when he was dancing because it showed even more what he can do. And at this point in the show, it’s time to pull out all the stops. Christina was happy that the other judges were impressed with the dancing. It is part of who Nick is and she wanted everyone to see that.
Team Pharrell’s sole remaining artist, Hannah Huston, was next. Her choice was “Say You Love” me by Jesse Ware because the song is a heartbreaker and she wanted people to be moved.
Blake said this was his favorite performance by Hannah. He also thought she looked like a superstar and she embraced the look. Christina agreed that it was her favorite performance by Hannah. She could see her growth and her confidence in herself. She has been waiting for Hannah to own her voice. Pharrell said Hannah’s performance was amazing. Every line was beautiful and the chorus was tender. The dynamics made her a great storyteller.
Team Adam’s Shalyah Fearing didn’t go with Mary J. Blige as was discussed last week. Rather, she chose a powerful song her grandmother used to make her listen to: “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke.
Blake said it was unbelievable. That performance may have been better than her Playoff moment. Christina loved the song choice and that it started out with just strings. She added that Shalyah’s low end is something for her to develop, but with her high end, the power and passion she conveys is very authoritative. Adam shared that Shalyah is very hard on herself to a fault. She is 16, so how is she not impressive? Nobody means it more than Shalyah does. She feels everything she sings.
Next was Team Adam’s Laith Al-Saadi. Laith changed direction performing the ballad “We’ve Got Tonight” by Bob Seeger & the Silver Bullet Band. The song speaks to him on a personal level because his girlfriend Karen is always there to support him.
Pharell said, “Dude, first of all your genre is classic-rock-blues. All one thing. I think America needs to vote you through each week because you were the guy from the neighborhood who always loved rock and roll and now you’re on The Voice.” Adam pointed out how the whole room stopped when Laith’s voice filled the room. To Adam, that is the ultimate sign of respect. The mood was so beautiful. Laith represents a dying thing. If that thing is important to America, America needs to keep Laith in the competition.
Adam Wakefield from Team Blake chose a song his mother loves: Bonnie Raitt‘s “Love Has No Pride.”
Christina told him it was a fiery performance, and she loves the fire. He also comes out so soulful. Great job. Then she admitted, she had a dream about him – and Blake would tell him about it later. Blake said a lot of girls are having dreams about Adam. He also said it was Adam’s best performance yet. He predicted he would see Adam in the finale.
Adam was followed by Alisan Porter from Team Christina, who went rock ‘n’ roll with “Cryin'” by Aerosmith. She said all of the songs she has performed are pieces of who she wants to be.
Pharrell congratulated her — again. She tapped into her inner rock star with her vocals. She killed the misperception that moms can’t do this. What she just did now reminds women that there are very successful moms out there. Christina said she was glad Alisan brought her kids to the studio and showed them she is a superstar.
The final performer of the night was Bryan Bautista, who closed out the night by putting his spin on Beyoncé‘s “1 + 1.” It is the first time he performed a song recorded by a female artist.
Adam said of the remaining people, as a male vocalist, Bryan has the most amazing ability to sound effortless is his high range. Christina told Bryan he was amazing. He just put magic on that record. That was mind blowing. It was so beautiful. She added, “All I’ve got to say is Beyoncé if you are watching, you’ve got to do a duet with Bryan.”
The Voice returns Tuesday night at 8 p.m. on NBC when someone will go home.
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