The Voice Season 5: The Knockout Rounds Add a Twist

This season, the twist added to the knockout round is that each coach will have one steal, one final push to form that perfect team for the live rounds.

I've decided that the format I would like to take for the knockouts is to give the results and then say why I do or don't agree with that result.

Up first,

Team Christina: Amber Nicole singing Mama Knows Best by Jesse J. vs. Josh Logan singing Living for the City by Stevie Wonder-- the result: Christina chose Josh and Blake and Cee Lo tried to steal Amber and she chose Cee Lo-- I agree because both of them were amazing. The only way I would have been upset is if either one of them went home. Amber absolutely owned the vocal and performance, at only 17, this is impressive. I would argue that she sang the song better than Jesse J. She's someone who has clearly been underestimated in this competition. Josh had the actual smoothness of Stevie singing that song. It's tough to find a critique when something is flawless.

Team Cee Lo: Kat Robichaud singing You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette vs. Monika Leigh singing Hit the Road Jack by  Ray Charles-- the result: Cee Lo chose Kat, and Monika was sent home.-- I agree, Kat had the stronger vocal and the stronger performance here. It seemed like Kat's been doing this forever, and I liked how she left it all out on the stage. Adam called her a rock star, so true, and Christina gave her a standing ovation. Monika has that sultry voice but her vocal lacked a little.

Team Blake: Holly Henry singing Creep by Radiohead vs. Nic Hawk singing Genie in a Bottle by Christina Aguilera-- the result: Blake chose Nic, and early favorite Holly was sent home.-- Completely agree! Nic had the better vocal, the more original arrangement, and he's the stronger performer. Holly's breathy vocal didn't hold up here; she was pushing so hard that it created all these pitch problems with the performance. Christina loved that Nic made her song his own, and Adam said he loves and misses having Nic on his team. No one mentioned Holly's pitchyness.

Team Adam: Ashley DuBose singing Hey Soul Sister by Train vs. Tessanne Chin singing Stronger by Kelly Clarkson-- the result: Adam chose Tessanne, and another early favorite, Ashley was sent home.-- I didn't love Tessanne's interpretation of the song, but it doesn't matter because she had the better vocal, and she deserved to move forward. Ashley forfeited her opportunity because she chose a song that wouldn't challenge her enough vocally. Adam said he was looking for someone who could win, and Tessanne just happened to prove it more.

Team Blake: Briana Cuoco singing Don't Speak by No Doubt vs. Shelbie Z. singing Last Name by Carrie Underwood-- the result: Blake chose Shelbie, and Briana was sent home.-- I agree because Briana's vocal was nothing to write home about. She had some pitch problems and her voice wasn't strong enough. Shelbie, on the other, although sounding like an impression of Carrie Underwood, does have a great voice. Her vocal is undeniable, and I think part of that has to do with Shelbie's confidence which Christina commented on. Cee Lo also said he loves her charm, and Briana seemed to lack some personality.

Team Adam: Grey singing Already Gone by Kelly Clarkson vs. James Irwin singing Breakeven by The Script-- the result: Adam chose Grey, and James was sadly sent home.-- This is actually a decision I struggle to agree with. Both contestants struggled in the performances, and both of them had shining moments. I am unsure of why Adam would pick one over the other, I mean obviously he has to, but there's a part of me that would pick James because as Christina said, he is so improved. Blake also said he would have given it to James

Team Christina: Destinee Quinn singing See You Again by Carrie Underwood vs. Olivia Henken singing You're No Good by Linda Ronstadt-- the result: Christina chose Olivia, and Destinee was sent home.-- I have to agree unfortunately, and I say that because I really like Destinee but her performance was shaky. She was full of emotion but the vocals were off at times. I actually agree with Adam's assessment that they were dead even. Destinee had the emotion and Olivia had the vocal. I agree ultimately, I just don't like how Olivia is so pageanty at times.

Team Cee Lo: Cole Vosbury singing Let Her Go by Passenger vs. Jonny Gray singing We Can Work It Out by The Beatles-- the result: Cee Lo chose Jonny and Blake and Adam tried to steal Cole who ended up choosing Blake.-- Completely agree. Cole impressed me in a way I never thought I would be. He has vocals. There is something special about Jonny, no matter what song he sings. Cee Lo talks about his voice being one of activism like Bob Dylan. I can see it, and I can hear it, and I can feel it.

The Voice Season 5: The Battles Continue

Team Christina: Josh Logan vs. Michael Lynch singing Harder to Breathe by Maroon 5-- I actually really liked this battle, and the song choice was awesome. Cee Lo liked their confidence and effortlessness; he thought that Josh actually sounded a lot like Adam. Blake thought Josh did have a more masculine voice and look in comparison to Adam. Adam thought it was really fun and both did an amazing job; he said this song was his baby and they did it well. Christina praised both of them-- she said she adores Michael and said Josh has a lot of soul. Christina chose Josh to move forward.

Team Cee Lo: George Horga Jr. vs Juhi singing The Best I Ever Had by Gavin DeGraw-- The energy that both of them brought was awesome. I think in terms of growth, George has grown more. Adam thought Juhi showed range and George showed resiliency. Blake said something jumps out at him about Juhi. Christina thought both of them brought the song alive. Cee Lo said Juhi is like a young Einstein. He said George comes here with a brave heart to pursue a passion, and Cee Lo appreciated that. Adam stole Juhi and said he feels like he won the lottery. I think it's awesome that George was so happy that Juhi got stolen.

Team Blake: Austin Jencks vs. Brian Pounds singing To Love Somebody by The Bee Gees-- I liked it, but it was slightly boring as far as song choice. Christina and Cee Lo both connected with Austin more, but felt they both did well. Adam agreed, he felt Austin just took the record somewhere that he preferred. Blake chose Austin to move forward cause he left his heart right there on the stage.

Team Adam: James Irwin vs. Matt Cermanski singing Counting Stars by One Republic-- I loved this battle, the song was hot, and I think the energy was totally there. Blake thinks Matt has the bigger voice, but James has better pitch. Cee Lo chose James whereas Christina liked Matt. Adam reminded them that they are both comeback kids. Adam said it was a flawed performance so whoever moves on will have work to do. He went with James, and I think that was the right decision.

Team Christina: Destinee Quinn vs. Lina Gaudenzi singing I'm Not Ready to Make Nice by The Dixie Chicks-- I think they both were touched by the song and they tapped into the emotion that went along with it. Cee Lo felt liked Destinee lived the song. Adam felt the song didn't lack emotion, but technically there were flaws. He felt Lina had more vocal chops. Blake basically agreed with Adam. Christina was moved by the fact that Destinee was so moved and so she had to go with her. Adam stole Lina though.

Team Adam: James Wolpert vs. Will Champlin singing Radioactive by Imagine Dragons-- Amazing! Probably, almost most definitely the best battle I have heard on the voice. Both young men brought it. Blake said James surprised him more cause he doesn't look the part. Christina felt Will was right on pitch from the beginning. Cee Lo felt James' style was so unassuming, he was intrigued. Adam felt Will was a surprise, but felt there was room for both men in this competition-- I agree. Adam chose James for his team cause he feels like he can do anything. Christina scooped Will up for her team.

The Voice Season 5: Week 2 Part 2

Will Champlin sang Not Over You-- Blake, Adam, and Cee Lo all turned around. I loved his song choice and his voice may not be the strongest but it definitely has passion. Adam compared Will to himself musically. Blake said he loved him and felt the passion in his voice. He said he probably has to wear suspenders to keep his pants on because he sang his ass off.
Will chose Adam

Macey Estes sang The Way-- This girl was cheated out a major chance because she was actually really good. Someone should have turned their chair for her. I think Christina's excuse of "she was waiting for her to sing the high note" was ridiculous. I hope she either comes back or auditions for another talent show because she definitely has natural talent.

Stephanie Anne Johnson sang Black Horse and a Cherry Tree-- I didn't think this was the right song for her, but then again, I have never really been a fan of this song. She has a good voice, but I didn't think there was anything great about it. Cee Lo and Christina turn their chairs; Stephanie went to school the season 1 alum Vicci Martinez, she's bonding with Cee Lo, but chooses Christina.
Stephanie chose Christina

Sam Cerniglia sang It's a Beautiful Day-- Sam has a beautiful backstory and he sure does seem like a nice guy, but again, I feel like he is someone who has just a mediocre voice. Maybe the judges see potential or something we don't. Cee Lo and Blake turn around. Blake says he loves his style and compares him to Michael Buble.
Sam chose Blake

Jennifer Newberry sang Locked Out of Heaven-- She picked the wrong song, and as a result got no turns.

James Irwin sang Losing My Religion-- I remember him from last year and he was really just "okay". It's great to see people go home, do their homework (most obviously) and come back. All four judges turn quite quickly. Adam notes that this is the first time someone has come back from another season and had all four chairs turn. Adam and Blake recognize how hard he has worked, and Christina and Cee Lo try to use not being there last year to their advantage.
James chose Adam

Olivia Henken sang Two Black Cadillacs-- This young lady is someone I am going to keep an eye on in this competition. Christina and Cee Lo turned. I am shocked Blake didn't. Obviously, he's interested in more than just country artists this year.
Olivia chose Christina

Jason Kertson sang Lips of an Angel-- I liked this guy, he is only 16, and he has an amazing voice. I am shocked he wasn't chosen. I hope that he comes back next year.

R. Anthony sang Hall of Fame-- R. has a better than just good voice, the only thing he has to work on getting his personality and who he is across in his performances. They would be enhanced if he worked on that. Christina turned and then at the very last minute Cee Lo turned. Christina loves his runs and wants him bad on her team. She even impersonates Blake's finger point. Nevertheless....
R. chose Cee Lo

Keaira LaShae goes to Team Adam
goes to Team Christina
Emily Randolph goes to Team Blake

Justin Chan chose She's Country-- Amazing, no one was smart enough to turn with the exception of Blake. Justin and Blake are actually wearing the same shirt, lol! He actually has a great voice, and he's marketable. I could see people going to his concerts and singing his songs.
Justin chose Blake (he would have even if all of them turned around)

Ashley Dubose sang Diamonds-- This is a super hard song to sing and Ashley did it justice, she was a pro. Besides being beautiful, her spirit is so song and it comes across when she sings. Adam said her voice cut like a razor through this place. Cee Lo said Ashley met Rihanna's bar and she would think she did the song justice. Christina said Rihanna's song are hard to do cause it's all about timing. Blake said winning The Voice is a partnership and it's about making someone the best that they can be. Adam made it clear that he wants to dethrone Blake. Ashley says she thought she knew what she wanted to do coming in, but she had to go with her gut, and so....
Ashley chose Adam

My predictions for the top 20: Juhi Pathak, Monika Leigh, Preston Pohl, Will Champlin, Olivia Henken, Justin Chan, Ashley Dubose