The Voice Season 25: The Knockouts Offer Some Interesting Pairings

Team Chance: Maddi Jane sang New Rules by Dua Lipa versus Kamalei Kawa sang All of Me by John Legend-- Dan and Shay said that this was two very different performances in the best kind of way. I agree, Maddi's performance was rhythmic and catchy. Kamalei offered an emotional performance and you could tell he was really feeling the song. John is often critical of people singing his song but said that he was really into Kamalei's version and reminded them that he still has a steal. Reba said Chance is on his own with this choice because she thought both of them were good. I think even though I am a Maddi fan, the stronger performance here was Kamalei. Chance chose Maddi, and Kamalei was stolen by Reba and John and picked John. 

Team Legend: Gene Taylor sang I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith versus Mafe sang Almost is Never Enough by Ariana Grande-- Gene is technically such a sound artist but this is a tough song to sing. Dan and Shay talked about what a great singer Gene is from a technical standpoint. Chance said Mafe did not sound like Mafe, she sounded like herself. Something I notice about Mafe is that she has great vocal control. I love how she sounds and her confidence really exudes. John chose Mafe. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang Georgia Rain by Trisha Yearwood versus Ducote Talmage-- Both of these artists have experienced some growth but I think I would need to lean towards Ducote. John continues to like Ducote's rasp, and he thought Karen's performance was beautiful. Reba loves the texture in Ducote's voice; Reba loved Karen's performance. Chance said that was Ducote's best performance to date; he thought Karen sounded like Celine Dion. Dan and Shay chose Karen to move forward. 

Team Reba: Justin and Jeremy Garcia sang You Are the Reason by Calum Scott versus Zeya Rae sang River by Bishop Briggs-- I think I would need to go with Justin and Jeremy. Chance said Zeya lacked confidence at points. John connected more with Zeya. Reba thought Justin and Jeremy did a wonderful job. She picked the brothers because she wanted something different on her team. Reba chose Justin and Jeremy.

Team Chance: Alyssa Crosby sang I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues by Elton John versus Rletto  sang Stay by Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber-- Loved Alyssa, this song was not the best pick for me, but I loved her. I think she is such a grounded artist. Rletto was so good. He literally took an upbeat song and turned it into a slow jam. It sounded like a brand new song but at the same time, Kid Laroi and Justin would love it. Dan said one of the best knockout performances of the day by you Alyssa; Rletto always bringing the heat with that arrangement. Shay said I believed every word you said. Reba said she was proud of Alyssa and would go with her because of her growth. Chance said Rletto you showed a mastery of the song. Alyssa you did great from top to bottom. Chance chose Rletto. 

Team Legend: Zoe Levert sang Cowboy Take Me Away by The Dixie Chicks versus Jackie Romeo sang Love on the Brain by Rihanna-- Both of them sounded amazing. I think I would need to go with Zoe, what she channeled was amazing. Chance said Zoe you are going to be a star, Jackie you sang the mess out of that song. Dan said Jackie you have a powerful voice and such control. Dan said Zoe you nailed your range, you remind me of Taylor Swift, you're unapologetically yourself. John said Jackie, you embraced the energy of the song, it was in control the way you handled the dynamics. Zoe, we're continuing to see you grow and you're an underdog that keeps rising to the occasion. John chose Zoe, and Reba stole Jackie. 

My recap: Kamalei is coming up in this competition, Mafe is holding strong, RLETTO is a star, and Zoe is turning into a star. 

The Voice Season 25: The Battles Continue and We're "Lucky"

Team Reba: Donny Van Slee versus Josh Sanders sang When it Rains it Pours by Luke Combs-- I thinnk they're both great, personally I have been a Donny fan since day one, but Josh is likable as well. Chance says Donny is a star and he compliments Josh's runs. He says she can't lose with either. Dan and Shay liked their energy but say that Josh has better control over his vocals. John felt Josh's performance was well executed. Reba bonded with them both and doesn't want to make a decision. 
Reba chose Josh

Team Legend: Ronnie Wilson versus Gene Taylor sang When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars-- This was actually what seemed to be such an odd pairing to me, but these two turned in an amazing performance. Ronnie impressed me because he kept up with Gene who was fierce. Gene has incredible intuition. Reba loved both their tones and thought they were crazy on the high notes. Chance says that they have cool individual voices that mesh well together. Dan and Shay said some of Gene's high notes weren't legal. John thought the performance was honest, authentic, and full of heart. 

Team Dan and Shay: Kyle Schuesler versus Madison Curbelo sang Lucky by Jason Mraz-- I found the song a little boring, but I love the artistry of both Kyle and Madison. They are both amazing and I hope both of them stay in the competition. John reminded them that he turned for both of them and that he loved their beautiful performance. He'd lean towards Madison. Reba said she absolutely loved it and that the performance touched her heart. She loved Madison but preferred Kyle's tone and would go with him. Chance suggested that Dan and Shay should use their Playoff Pass. Chance said that they can both win the show. Dan believed that they both deserve to win the show. 

Team Chance: Serenity Arce versus Bri Fletcher sang Someone to Love by Lewis Capaldi-- Both of these ladies are great singers. I would give the edge to Serenity because to be that young and that talented is crazy. Shay said Serenity I believed every word, emotional and raw. He said Bri sometimes was trying to be so perfect that she felt outside of the song. Dan complimented their friendship. John said I love when I see artists collaborate together, thank you for embracing that. Bri you have a lot of range, Serenity you're very compelling, I'd pick Serenity. Reba picked up on the emotion. Serenity you channelled that into a great performance. Reba would pick Bri. Chance said Serenity you have a specific tone, you're poised and polished. Bri you're such a strong singer and you have great control. This is a tough decision.  Chance chose Serenity. 

Montaged: 

Team Chance: Dani Stacey versus Corey Curtis, Chance chose Dani 

Team Dan and Shay: Ryan Coleman versus Ducote Talmage sang Rock and a Hard Place by Bailey Zimmerman-- I genuinely enjoyed both of them. I loved the energy that Ducote brought and I think that he was more confident than Ryan. Ryan had the better control and I loved the sense of fight he brought to the battle. John loves the scratch in Ducote's voice, he loved Ryan's interaction. He'd lean towards Ducote. Reba said you guys sounded great together. She'd go with Ducote. Chance said Ryan really wanted it, you had great control. You helped Ducote. If it was my choice, I'd go Ryan. Dan and Shay talked before they made a decision and they went with Ducote. 

Team Legend: Olivia Rubini versus Jackie Romeo sang Edge of Seventeen by Fleetwood Mac-- They both have awesome voices, quite underrated. I love Jackie's tone. Olivia has such an edge to her voice. I loved the dynamics that Olivia brought to the performance. Reba said way to go, I love that song. Reba said I don't know who to choose. Chance said Jackie you have a fuller voice, Olivia, you can belt. I'd give the edge to Jackie. Dan and Shay said that was one of the most together battle rounds. John said Olivia you have a softer approach whereas Jackie your voice cuts through. John chose Jackie. Dan and Shay stole Olivia. 

Great performances, I cannot wait to pick my top 10! 

The Voice Season 25, Week 3, Episode 5: This City's Got Me Chasing Stars

Episode 5:

Ronnie Wilson sang Pillowtalk by Zayn-- He has an interesting voice, it started off a little rough and his voice was a little lost in the arrangement. I think he's intriguing though. John turned at the beginning and Reba near the middle. Reba said she could embellish, not change his voice. John liked how he made the song his own, and loved what he did stylistically. Ronnie chose John. 

Zoe Levert sang Better Man by Taylor Swift-- I loved the song choice and performance. This was so good! John snuck in at the last minute and turned. Zoe told the coaches that she is getting married and Dan and Shay's song From the Ground Up is her wedding song. They did a personal serenade for her and her fiance. Zoe joined Team John. 

Ducote Talmage sang Sand in my Boots by Morgan Wallen-- Wow, I am so surprised Queen Reba did not turn. He gave a classic country performance. John said I loved the scratch in your voice. I do know what a great song is and I can help you put together a great performance. Dan and Shay pitched themselves as country artists who could help him finish and write songs. Ducote said his full time job is a firefighter. Ducote chose Dan and Shay. 

JJ Higgins sang Return to Pooh Corner-- No one turned but such a powerful story. 

Serenity Arce sang This City by Sam Fischer-- I am obsessed with this four chair performance. Blake told her two years ago to come back and wow, she is amazing. I love the grit in her voice. John blocked Dan and Shay. I cannot believe she is only 16. John said I am so proud of you for coming back. Dan said he felt that performance beat down in his soul. Chance said that was amazing, you're so dedicated to giving a good performance. Reba said I feel like I could use my experience to steer you in the right direction. Serenity chose Chance. 

Emma Valentine sang Love Grows-- I am not loving the song choice and I think that's why no one turned. 

Ryan Coleman sang Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers-- I think this is a tough song to sing and I loved his version of this. He made it his own and seemed comfortable as well. Shocked the coaches aren't turning. Yes! Dan and Shay turned. Shay loved his tone and said he clearly has an identity. Dan said that whole performance was so good, I can't wait to find out more who you are. Ryan joined Team Dan and Shay. 

Zeya Rae joined Team Reba

AJ Harvey sang Girl From The North Country by Bob Dylan-- He has a unique voice, I loved the song choice and his vibe, this was just so good. His voice is so rich and round. I love his tone. Chance and Dan and Shay turned. Reba loved his voice. John loved his baritone and how expressive he is. Dan loved the richness of the bass notes. Shay said you were in the song the whole time and I felt in it with you. You're an artist. Chance said I know soul when I see it, I related to that. I was the first person to turn. AJ chose Dan and Shay. 

Moelle sang Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga-- no one turned. 

Elyscia Jefferson sang PYT by Michael Jackson-- Wow! So funny she talked about John but he was the only one who didn't turn. I loved her voice. I love her style. Chance loved the arrangement she did, he said he wants to show America who she is. Reba said you are very at ease and comfortable. There are so many things I can help you with, you inspire me. John said she sounded like Brandy. He regrets not turning. Shay said I can tell you love what you do. Dan said your talent is insane, everyone was having fun, that's contagious. Elyscia chose Reba.