The Voice Season 25: I Will Always Love These Finalists

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang It's Your Thing by The Isley Brothers-- Chance said that was incredible. I never noticed how often you change up the song. John said you always perform with such exuberance and energy. This was amazing! I feel like Chance, this was such an amazing performance and I have such a respect and love for the way Nathan performs. I loved the entire performance, he is an entertainer through and through. 

Team Reba: Josh Sanders sang Go Rest High on That Mountain by Vince Gill-- Reba said that performance hit me hard, thank you. Josh created an experience! I felt like I was at his concert watching this performance. He is someone who has continued to grow throughout this competition where others have plateaued or gone the other way. 

Team Reba: Asher Havon sang Last Dance by Donna Summer-- John said he felt like this song was the perfect choice for him. Reba said I thought you were having a blast up there, that's what makes me so happy. Asher is just such a skilled vocalist and so likable! I have enjoyed watching him the entire season. He is the most skilled vocalist in the competition. 

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Beautiful Things by Benson Boone-- John said I really felt it, it sounded like you were up there and you had something you were losing and didn't want to lose. I am feeling this song for Bryan, he sounds like Bono a little bit. He turned it up tonight cause he had fallen off the radar for me. All the coaches were up on their feet! 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts-- Dan and Shay said that they are so proud of Karen and welcome her to the country music community. This was one of my favorite Karen performances. The song was well suited to her and she always connects so well with the audience. 

Team Reba: Josh Sanders sang Boots On by Randy Houser-- Reba thought it was great and a lot of fun. I loved the performance! This was also a great song choice for Josh. I loved when he did the Chris Stapleton song, that seems like his lane, and this was similar so I loved it. 

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang A Song for You by Donny Hathaway-- John said I love that we selected this song, it's nice to see you sing, it was a beautiful performance, and it shows what a complete vocalist you are. This was such a stunning performance. I appreciate his musicality and how in touch he is with who he is. That was pure magic. 

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Freedom by George Michael-- John said it felt good, he complimented his passion and energy and said everything worked. Bryan is totally peaking at the right time, another great song choice. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang I'm Alright by Jo Dee Messina-- Shay thought she made the song her own. You have never strayed from the path, you have always wanted to do what you wanted to do. Dan said she is the most consistent performer in this competition. 

Team Reba: Asher Havon sang I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton-- I could hear John said "oh my Lord" as the performance finished. Chance said since the beginning he has been the best voice and that if he were America he would vote for Asher. Reba said she was a proud mama, and that Asher used his God given gift and that when he sings he is so regal. He is so amazing! This performance was E V E R Y T H I N G!!!! 

This is anyone's win. I voted for Asher, but I absolutely love this group of finalists. 

The Voice Season 25: Amazed by the Top 9!

Team Reba: Josh Sanders sang White Horse by Chris Stapleton-- What an awesome performance for Josh. I love this song for him. I can see him recording this right now. Josh is interesting in some of the other contestants in that he has been on an upward trajectory in this competition for a few weeks now. He keeps getting better. John loved that he showed a different side of himself and that he is a force to be reckoned with. Reba said it was wonderful and drew the audience in. 

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo sang Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper-- I don't know what it is, but Madison keeps reminding me of Selena in every amazing way possible. She sounded so dreamy and strong. Her vocal was confident and emotional. Chance said he was blown away, she has a unique tone, and she has such a future ahead of her. He mentioned that her vocals sound like 90s Disney soundtracks which is pretty cool. Dan said you keep getting better and better, Chance leaned over to me and said she is so fire. Shay said she radiates light and is someone he would want his kids to look up to. 

Bryan, Maddi, and Nathan sang Just Like Heaven by The Cure-- This song really suited Bryan the best, but I felt like the other artists made the best of it.  

Team Chance: Serenity Arce sang We Can't Be Friends by Ariana Grande-- I loved this. I thought the song was a great choice for Serenity. It felt like she related, and really felt the song. It was contemporary and very much in line with the type of record I could see Serenity making. Reba said she sang beautifully and Chance was proud of her and liked how the song highlighted her voice. 

Tae, Karen, and Josh sang Forever Young by Rod Stewart-- I think this was my fave trio, they sounded great together and complimented each other. 

Team Chance: Maddi Jane sang Greedy by Tate McRae-- What I enjoy about Maddi is her versatility, she can literally sing just about anything and any genre. I love this song and it was a great performance. I don't know how it stands up against everyone else in the competition but I sure do enjoy listening to her and watching her. Chance said it was a Grammy level performance to him. 

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding-- This guy does it every time. He is such a throwback and so true to who he is as an artist. I loved this from start to finish. He is the complete package, such an entertainer, and everyone was on their feet. John said that was incredible, the journey you took us on, the crowd went crazy. 

Madison, Asher, and Serenity sang Fix You by Coldplay-- This was so angelic and soothing. I loved their vocals. 

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Against All Odds by Phil Collins-- Good song choice for Bryan. I liked this so much better than last week. Bryan took his time and it seemed that the song had meaning for him.  John loved the performance said he felt Bryan connected with the song. He said he approached each note with patience. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang Stay by Sugarland-- Beautiful song choice for Karen and beautiful vocal. I thought it would be old fashioned but instead it was beautiful. Dan and Shay said it was unbelievable and felt that she wore her heart on her sleeve with that performance.  

Team Reba: Asher Havon sang Irreplaceable by Beyonce-- This is so amazing! He did this song in his own style and it was an anthem!!! I just smiled and had some tears at the end, Asher is awesome, I love his confidence and who he is. John said my dad texted me this week and said Asher is the voice. You are the best vocalist in this competition. Reba said you floored me, I am so proud of you, thank you for shining for God, you did such a great job. 

Team Dan and Shay: Tae Lewis sang Amazed by Lonestar-- Another great song choice tonight. This is such a good song for Tae. I liked the small changes he made to make it his own but he kept that strong and recognizable melody. Dan felt his performance was iconic, and called it incredible. Shay said how do you not love Tae Lewis, you have fought for your success on this show. Nashville is proud of you and we're proud of you forever. 

Top 5 Prediction (in more particular order)

Team Reba: Asher Havon

Team Legend: Nathan Chester

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo

Team Chance: Serenity Arce

Final spot is such a toss up between Team Dan and Shay Karen Waldrup and Team Reba Josh Sanders 

The Voice Season 25: Happier than ever watching the top 12 in the lives...

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Don't Stop Me Now by Queen-- Good song choice in theory for Bryan but it felt too big for him at times, almost like it got away from him. The coaches were all positive with their feedback though saying that they felt like he was opening an award show. 

Team Dan and Shay: Tae Lewis sang 19 You and Me by Dan and Shay-- Tae has such a great voice and basically sounds good with anything he chooses. Reba is thrilled he is still in the competition and says how much he deserves to be here. Dan and Shay tell him to soak in the moment. 

Team Chance: Maddi Jane sang Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish-- I love Maddi's range and I continue to be a fan of her. I am unsure whether this was the right song choice for her. John says she has been a star since the beginning and made the song her own. Chance says he is proud of her. 

Team Reba: L Rodgers sang Up to the Mountain by Patty Griffin-- This is a perfect song choice for L. Something I love about her is how she feels the music and lyrics. Dan and Shay said she looks and sounds beautiful. Reba said that when L sings she really feels it and that's because she feels it first. 

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo sang Yesterday by The Beatles-- What a heartfelt and genuine performance by Madison, this was such a beautiful choice that showcased her vocal. Hopefully the audience will connect with her performance and vote her through. Shay said he was so proud oh her, and he said when you sing, I feel something. It's not just your voice, but your spirit, your soul, your joy, and I am so glad that we get to be a part of it. 

Team Reba: Asher HaVon sang I'll Make Love to You by Boyz II Men-- I loved this performance by Asher! I loved his runs and how he kept the melody of the song but at points put his own spin on it. I also enjoy how he continually changes up his look. This was the first real and complete performance of the night. All the coaches were on their feet. Chance said yea man that was crazy, if anyone out of Team Chance should win, it's you, you're an incredibly talented vocalist. Reba said the Lord put you on this Earth to sing, thank you to God for letting you be here with us for this time. 

Team Legend: Zoe Levert sang Stick Season by Noah Kahan-- I thought this was such a great performance. This Noah Kahan song is exactly her jive, exactly what she should be singing and represents who she is as an artist. Dan said he was honored that Zoe used their song for her wedding. They loved her performance and thought that she was spot on and in the pocket. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack-- I like how Karen is showing her artistry by playing the guitar and singing. The song choice and delivery was a little bit old fashioned for me but I do think she could have a career in country music right now. Reba said I am so happy for you, you did a wonderful job, and you sounded spectacular. Shay said younger you would have sang this song to you. I am so proud of you. 

Team Chance: Serenity Arce sang Traitor by Olivia Rodrigo-- I agree with Chance, I think what makes Serenity so special is the way she connects with every song. This performance was no exception. The whole thing was amazing. Dan said that was sick, so powerful, I can't believe you're only 17, that blows my mind. Chance said you make the stage your own every time, your performances are heartfelt and intentional. 

Team Chance: Nadege sang He Loves Me by Jill Scott-- One of my favorite performances of the night. This was raw, sultry, real. I literally loved everything about that. It was mesmerizing. She feels similar to how the singer Sade felt in the 80s and 90s. John said this was a perfect song for you; this is you. Chance said you have had so many great performances, this was right up your alley. 

Team Reba: Josh Sanders sang Angels by Thomas Rhett-- That was such a great song choice for Josh. I feel like he connected to that song and as a result I really did too. Shay said I am going to cry, that was unbelievable. You have been only you since the beginning of this competition. Reba said that touched my heart. I love that relationship you have. You sold that song with your heart. 

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson-- This is another complete performance. I don't think this guy has made one misstep in this competition. He is amazing. I feel like he is one of those people who you cannot wait to see him and see what he does. John said they love him too much, the crowd is so loud I can't talk. He said you had such a clarity, who you wanted to be. You sing amazing and you perform amazing, you're such a pleasure. 

My Predictions: Bryan, Maddi, and Karen are your bottom three. 

The Voice Season 25: John and Dan and Shay Pick Their Playoff Teams

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang Oh Darling! by The Beatles-- Reba says he had her at the beginning. Chance loved his choreography and tone. Dan and Shay said it was his best performance. John agreed and liked his conviction. Wow! Everyone was on their feet, for me, that was a masterclass performance. Nathan is a force to be reckoned with. He has so much passion and you can tell he really wants this. This performance was EVERYTHING!

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang Heart Like a Truck by Lainey Wilson-- Reba said she wanted Karen on her team. Chance loves how she interacts with the crowd and her confidence. Dan and Shay are proud of how she has progressed. There is no denying Karen's voice. I think she has experienced more growth than the majority of the contestants on the show this season. 

Team Legend: Kamalei Kawa'a sang No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley-- Reba loves how he conveys strength in his singing. John likes how he is honoring Bob Marley's legacy. I wish John had pushed Kamalei to diversify his song selection more. I think he has a good voice but I feel like I have heard him sing all the same type of song. 

Team Dan and Shay: Anya True sang All Too Well by Taylor Swift-- John says it felt like the right song for her and he found her performance compelling. Dan and Shay said it was their fave Anya performance. 

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Africa by Toto-- John said he was glad that he used his playoff pass on Bryan cause he deserved it. He said he felt like he was at Bryan's concert. Reba called him the perfect package. Chance said he is 100% a rockstar. 

Team Dan and Shay: Olivia Rubini sang I'll Stand by You by The Pretenders-- John said Olivia you are always such a wonderful singer. You were trying to find some rock and roll in your voice but it wasn't the right place for this song. I agree with John, I didn't like how she put those random high parts in there. 

Team Legend: Mafe sang Someone Like You by Adele-- Chance said I think she should go to the lives. Shay said you're an amazing singer and should definitely go to the lives. Shay didn't like the melodic changes she made; John disagreed. Great song choice for Mafe! I loved this, she also gets into a place where she does similar song but she is special enough. 

Team Day and Shay: Tae Lewis sang Runnin' Outta Moonlight by Randy Hauser-- I thought this performance was good. I think Tae is someone you can count on to always deliver a consistent performance. Chance said he would put Tae on his playoff team. Reba said that everyone wants to hear what Tae is going to do next. Dan and Shay felt he delivered. 

Team Legend: Zoe Levert sang Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls-- Chance said it was his favorite performance. Chance said she is so captivating. Dan has loved every performance she has done. Reba said girl toy brought, your voice, your stage presence, your look, absolutely beautiful. John you gotta take her to the lives. John said Zoe is becoming a star before our eyes. She's contender for me, she's unique, she's true to herself. I love Zoe. 

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo sang Landslide by Fleetwood Mac-- Reba said I love your voice, you gave me chills. Chance said I want a copy of that performance, I want to listen to it again. John said what you did up there felt so easy. Shay said I could talk about you all night. I loved that! I was definitely getting Selena vibes but she is also all her own. That was so touching and heartfelt. 

My picks for John: Nathan, Mafe, and Zoe 

My picks for Dan and Shay: Karen, Tae, and Madison

UPDATE: 

The only one I got wrong.... I picked Mafe, John picked Bryan who I do think it actually talented. The rest I got totally right, 5/6! 

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: We Don't Need Another Hero! The Battles Begin

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen and Nathan Chester sang Rolling in the Deep by Adele-- Thought both of them were great. They made this song brand new to me and I loved this version of it. Both are strong vocalists, I think I'd give the edge to Bryan but Nathan was great too. Reba said the performance was incredible and she loved the harmony. She couldn't choose. Chance said Nathan had strong personality and he loved Bryan's dynamics. He also could not choose a winner. Dan said they were locked in and in sync. Dan and Shay said that they could not choose a winner. John chose Nathan and gave Bryan his playoff pass!  Dan and Shay and Reba tried to steal. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup versus Ryan Argast sang Save Me the Trouble by Dan and Shay-- The song lended itself so well to both of them and both of their voices. They were so good. I felt like they both came up big here. Ryan has that rasp in his voice and Karen is just special. John said he regrets nnot having turned for Karen. Reba said you guys are a great duet. Chance said Ryan was more passionate but Karen you're a true talent. Dan said your presence on stage Ryan is incredible. Karen you rose to the occasion. Shea said Karen your voice reminds me of old country and Ryan you're a powerhouse. Dan and Shay chose Karen to move on. 

Team Reba: L. Rodgers versus Tae Lewis sang We Don't Fight Anymore by Chris Stapleton-- Wow! They were both amazing, two powerhouses in their own regard. I loved both of them and the passion and emotion that they poured in, I'd give the edge to Tae, but I loved both of them. Chance said Tae your pitch and control, and L you were right there. Dan said you covered the heck out of that. Shay said I have no idea what you should do. John said your range is crazy Tae. Reba said she could not have asked for more than that. Reba chose Tae to move forward. She used her playoff pass on L. 

Team Chance: Gabriel Goes versus Kamalei Kawa sang Over the Rainbow-- So well done, each of them is so unique, so true to who he is but at the same time, came together to make this beautiful performance. Loved the ending, so good! Shay loved the energy that they brought. Song selection was awesome and it brought good vibes. Dan and Shay didn't choose. John said Gabriel you do unexpected things with your voice, Kamalei you're so graceful. Reba said you two are both opposite, Kamalei I love your voice, and Gabriel you have a great voice too. Chance said Gabriel everyone likes you, and you rise to every occasion. He loved the heart that Kamalei brought to the performance. Chance chose Kamalei. 

Team Legend: OK3 versus Zoe Levert sang The Bones by Maren Morris-- Great song choice! Love this. Zoe did a great job of shining against three artists. Reba thought it was incredible. She said Zoe you kinda blew me away. Chance said Zoe you surprised me, you were like a pop star. It was close but I'd go with Zoe. Shay said Zoe you were incredible, you felt so intentional to me. He would go with OK3 cause of their harmonies. John was impressed with how Zoe sounded like a lead singer. He chose Zoe. 

Team Reba: Alyssa Crosby versus Asher HaVon sang We Don't Need Another Hero by Tina Turner-- They were awesome! I loved their vocals, they were equally strong. Chance said Asher your tone is incredible. Alyssa you came through. Asher you are gonna do amazing things on the show. Shay said you were incredible. Dan said Asher you blew me away. John said Alyssa you made it clear you're an artist to be reckoned with. Asher, Reba should be proud, you're a powerhouse vocalist. Reba said Asher your voice is round and full. Alyssa, you made me proud I turned for you. Reba chose Asher. Chance stole Alyssa.