The Voice Season 29: The Knockouts Continue Time After Time

Team Adam: Jared Shoemaker singing Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde by Travis Tritt vs. Jaali Boyd singing Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie-- Both performances were incredibly soulful. I love both of these people. I am so sad that one has to go home. I'd give the edge to Jared. Kelly would choose Jared and John would choose Jaali. Adam said Jaali killed it and maximized the potential; Jared, I get a real sense of who you want to be as an artist. 
Adam chose Jared

Team Legend: Grace Humphries singing I Don't Wanna Wait by Paula Cole vs. KJ Willis singing I'll Make Love to You by Boyz II Men-- There was potential for Grace's performance to be great, but I believe KJ bested her. His performance was genuine and he seemed to really connect to the song. John said KJ's performance was believable. He said it was like a devotional at church but with a song about earthly pleasures.  
John chose KJ

Team Kelly: Jonah Mayor singing You'll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins vs. Mikenley Brown singing Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan-- For me, I felt like Mikenley was too outside the box for me. I would need to go with Jonah if it were me. John said you're both so talented; he thought Mikenley won the knockout. Kelly said Jonah your passion on stage is so committed, you're so special; Mikenley no one is like you. 

Kelly chose Mikenley

All Star Teams: 

Team Legend: Maelyn (Season 16) and Renzo (Season 27)

Team Kelly: Jake Hoot (Season 17) and Girl Named Tom (Season 21)

Team Adam: Jordan Smith (Season 9) and Javier Colon (Season 1) 

Kelly vs. John-- Girl Named Tom singing Dust in the Wind by Kansas vs. Renzo singing Dream On by Aerosmith-- 

Adam said Girl Named Tom, that was mind blowing; Renzo, John blocked me and it broke my heart. Kelly said Renzo, you're incredible, and Girl Named Tom there is nothing like you in my life. John said Girl Named Tom, I measure every group against you, and Renzo I am proud that you are representing Team Legend. Cee Lo said that Girl Named Tom is his resolve and Renzo is his reflection. Renzo represents him whereas Girl Named Tom represents this time in music that is almost extinct, three party harmony, representative of the 60s and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. 

My pick:  Girl Named Tom

Cee Lo chose Girl Named Tom

John vs. Adam-- Maelyn singing Fields of Gold by Sting vs. Jordan Smith singing Chandelier by Sia-- Kelly said you two are masters of being vocalists. John said this show exists for people like you. Adam said Maelyn said you put so much effort into your performances. Adam said when you sing the hairs on my arm stand up. Cee Lo said it's such an honor to be here with both of you. You're both one of one. Thank you both for being spirit animals of us all.  

My pick: Jordan Smith

Cee Lo chose Maelyn

Adam vs. Kelly-- Javier Colon singing Time After Time vs. Jake Hoot singing Desperado-- John said Jake of all the male country artists, you are the best one. Javier, I can see why this song and your gift made Adam believe this show would work; that was beautiful. Adam said, I don't have to know country to know you're the real deal Jake; like a fine wine you have aged well Javier, love you bro so much. Kelly said Javier, you voice is beautifully broken; Jake, you're not just a good singer, you're a good man. Cee Lo, I enjoyed myself. Javier said that was iconic; Jake you killed it. 

My pick: Toss up, but I lean with Javier Colon

Cee Lo chose Jake 

Your Top 9: 

*Team Kelly will receive an extra finalist due to winning the "All Star Showdown" (yet to be named)

Team Kelly: JW Griffin, Liv Ciara, Mikenley Brown

Team Adam: Alexia Jayy, Jared Shoemaker, Jeremy Keith 

Team Legend: Lucas West, Syd Millevoi, KJ Willis 

   

The Voice Season 16: The Top 8-- I Want Them to Stay

Team Blake: Andrew Sevener sang Long Haired Country Boy by Charlie Daniels-- Kelly said it felt like we were at his concert. John said we really felt your confidence more than ever. Adam said it was his best performance. I agree with all the coaches-- this was by far his best yet. The song fit him well.

Team Blake: Gyth Rigdon sang God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood-- Kelly said this was not my fave vocal for you this evening but I can't really critique this because I feel like I'd be going to hell. Perfect song for him but I actually agree with Kelly, it was not his best vocal.

Team Blake: Kim Cherry sang Together Again by Janet Jackson-- Kim was having fun up there and I appreciate that about her. I see her as more of an entertainer than a vocalist. John commented on what she was wearing. Blake said no one has ever questioned whether or not she is a great vocalist.

Team Blake: Carter Lloyd Horne sang Take Me to Church by Hozier-- I didn't love this. Kelly thought it was a little bit pitchy. She complimented his tone though. Blake said it happens to everyone and he has a fan base.

Team Kelly: Rod Stokes sang Go Rest High on That Mountain by Vince Gill-- Rod brought the emotional performance tonight. He is someone that I hope makes it to the finals. Blake loved how connected he was to the song. Kelly loves his ability to connect with people and that he has a natural ability to move people.

Team John: Maelyn Jarmon sang Stay by Rihanna-- This was the best vocal of the night by far. If she is not in the finale then something is wrong. Adam said she is the frontrunner in this competition and there is no one better than her. Blake talked about her control and poise, nothing rattles her and he is ready every time she gets on the stage.

Team Blake: Dexter Roberts sang Here Without You by 3 Doors Down-- I liked his vocal more than the arrangement. His vocal was awesome. He's up there with Gyth in terms of vocals. Kelly liked hos he stepped outside the country genre with that song. Blake said the song was Dexter's idea. He said your voice is one of my fave country voices I have heard.

Team John: Shawn Sounds sang A Song For You by Donny Hathaway-- Adam said thank you for putting on a singing clinic tonight. You execute everything flawlessly. Thank God for you. Kelly said you have sang your tail off this entire season but that was my favorite.

Top 4 -- My Predictions --

Shawn
Maelyn
Rod Or Dexter
Gyth

The Voice Season 16: The Top 13 Get Close to the Finale

Team Blake: Gyth Rigdon sang Nobody But Me by Blake Shelton-- He is the strongest country singer left on Team Blake. He has a charisma, and although I did not necessarily think this was his best performance, he should get through. John said Gyth carries himself with a star presence. Blake agreed and said he owns the stage and is an undiscovered talent.

Team Blake: Kim Cherry sang Whatta Man by Salt N' Pepa-- Actually thought this was a great song choice for Kim. Kelly said she wanted to hear Kim sing more. Blake said it is interesting with someone like Kim to see what the viewers choose for her.

Team Kelly: Jej Vinson sang Close by Nick Jonas-- This was Jej's best performance in several weeks. I loved how he made the song a little bit more personal for him. Adam said he has a very indentifiable tone and that he has always seen him as a winner of The Voice. Kelly said she sees him as sweet and sexy and would be shocked if he was not in the finale.

Team Blake: Andrew Sevener sang She Got the Best of Me by Luke Combs-- I enjoy Andrew's authenticity but from a vocal standpoint, I did not feel it was as strong as it could have been. John felt his energy and passion was strong but it could have used a little more finesse. Blake said Andrew, you're on 10 all the time.

Team Blake: Oliv Blu sang Smooth Operator by Sade-- This has been my favorite performance of the night so far. I thought Oliv sounded amazing. John said you have everything. Sade's songs sound easy to sing but they are not. Blake said Oliv you sounded absolutely incredible. You embraced this moment and how cool it is, you became an artist on that stage tonight.

Team Blake: Dexter Roberts sang Something Like That by Tim McGraw-- I wasn't that impressed with this performance. Maybe all the country artists on Blake's team have cancelled each other out? I actually like Dexter, but this wasn't his best. Kelly loved the song choice. Blake says he thought Dexter did a great job.

Team Legend: Shawn Sounds sang A House is Not a Home by Luther Vandross-- WOW! What a gorgeous performance; I was smiling from start to finish. This was stunning! Adam said Shawn, you're incredible, your best to date, and best of the night. I think you're unbelievable dude. John said it was an incredible performance, you would be great no matter who you chose as your coach, I'm just happy you chose me.

Team Legend: Celia Babini sang Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper--Started out a little bit weird, but it picked up as she continued singing. I loved it. Adam said he misses Celia and will continue to talk to John about her. John expressed how she was initially concerned with singing this song and he thought she did a great job.

Team Adam: L.B. Crew sang I'll Make Love to You by Boyz II  Men-- I have to say, it may not have been a perfect performance but it was a spirited one. Adam said I think you're a true talent. He walks into a room and you just want him to be successful. You always come correct and you do it with all of your being.

Team Adam: Mari sang Foolish by Ashanti-- I absolutely loved this! This was probably my favorite performance of the night. She took this song and did the R&B part of it proud. She stayed true to her roots but she stylized the song in her own way. Adam said this young woman is a super star! You're an artist and it sets you apart from everyone else in this competition. Everyone should be voting for you and you should win this show.

Team Blake: Carter Lloyd Horne sang Let It Go by James Bay-- He is a front-runner on Team Blake. I will be disappointed if he doesn't go through. Blake said some of these fan pick songs make me nervous. You take everything that gets thrown at you and you run at it head on. He said you killed it tonight man.

Team Kelly: Rod Stokes sang When a Man Loves a Woman by Michael Bolton-- This was also a great performance; the fans love Rod. I can totally see him getting through. This was such a strong vocal. Blake said I was thinking dammit, you just keep delivering something more monumental than last time. Kelly said I adore you. You have this God given talent that is so majestic.

Team Legend: Maelyn Jarmon sang The Scientist by Coldplay-- Angelic performance! Maelyn is so gifted. John sang her praises after her performance, and called her the best vocalist in the competition.

The 5 Going Home-- Dexter, Andrew, Celia, Kim, and L.B.

The Voice Season 16: The Cross Battles Begin for the First Time!

Cross Battles--

Team Blake: Kim Cherry singing Poison by Bel Biv Devoe vs. Team Kelly: Betsy Ade singing You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette-- That was amazing. Both ladies rocked it, I loved the song choices. That's a tough decision, I was not a huge Betsy fan prior to this, but that was a great performance. Blake said Kim brings something so different to this show, we have never had anyone like her before. Kelly said Betsy was captivating. Adam said if he had to choose he would go with Betsy. John said he sees a steal in the future because both ladies were amazing.

My pick: Kim

Team Adam: Mari singing My My My by Troye Sivan vs. Team Blake: Selkii singing Torn by Natalie Imbruglia-- I have to give the edge to Mari. I found Selkii's performance a little bit boring. I like Selkii more than I liked that performance. John thought Mari came off more stylish and her confidence came off better. Kelly said I know what I'm getting with Mari, but Selkii there is something intriguing about you. 

My pick: Mari

Team Legend: Lisa Ramey singing It Hurt So Bad by Susan Tedeschi  vs. Team Kelly: Karen Galera singing Unfaithful by Rihanna-- John said he is so proud Lisa is on his team. Your stage presence was incredible and your voice is strong. Kelly said Karen my favorite part about you is your tone. Adam said Lisa this was your best performance. Blake said you both did a great job, I have to second Adam. Lisa you have been a survivor. I did love Karen's tone, I think it was untouchable. That being said, something about that performance fell flat. She never really connected with the song.

My pick: Lisa technically, Karen emotionally


Team Kelly: Matthew Johnson singing Who's Loving You by The Jackson 5 vs. Team Adam: Domenic Haynes singing Damn Your Eyes by Etta James-- I love both of these artists. Matthew's personality sells his performances but this was not a good song choice for him. Domenic's performance was impassioned. Etta James is always classic, but he made this his own. He convinced me. Kelly talked about how strong a vocalist Matthew is. Adam said Domenic you are one of the most honest, raw, passionate singers we have ever seen. John said Domenic your tone, and your voice is so emotionally pure. Matthew, you have more range.

My pick: both need to move forward, but Domenic won this!


Team Kelly: Presley Tennant singing Love on the Brain by Rihanna vs. Team Legend: Kayslin Victoria singing Stay by Alessia Cara-- I loved both of these girls! Vocally, they are both powerhouses! Blake said you two being so young, I can already hear such a big difference. You  have already both grown so much.

My pick: Both could go forward, vocally Presley, total package Kayslin

Team Adam: Celia Babini singing A Thousand Years by Christina Perry vs. Team Blake: Oliv Blu singing Gravity by John Mayer-- Both ladies were great, but Olive is clearly more connected with the song. Celia seemed distracted tonight.

My pick: Oliv

Team Blake: Dexter Roberts singing Believe by Brooks and Dunn vs. Team Adam: Andrew Jannako singing Yours by Russell Dickerson-- Blake said that was tough. I am not gonna lie, you brought it. Blake said Dexter that song is sacred and you were pitch perfect. Kelly said Andrew, I don't even know if you know who you are. Kelly said you represent new country Andrew, and Dexter you represent old country. John said I preferred Andrew this time, you gave a better performance this time around.

Team Legend: Maelyn Jarmon singing Mad World Gary Jules by vs. Team Adam: Rod Stokes singing How Am I Supposed to Live Without You by Michael Bolton-- Two amazing performances-- Rod has a HUGE voice. He is a classic singer. Maelyn is so emotionally connected to whatever she is performing. John said Maelyn has great control of her instrument. Adam said that story tonight is Rod Stokes, you shocked your old coach! You stepped it up tonight.

My pick: Rod

The Voice Season 16: Amazing Battles Are Never Too Much

Team Legend-- Khalid is the advisor, and Matthew Johnson and Shawn Sounds are singing Never Too Much by Luther Vandross-- First off, they look like they are performing at a BIG party. They are enthusiastic, such exuberance when they sing. They are truly enjoying themselves. The harmonies when they sing together are tight! I love both of them! Standing ovation from the coaches. Adam said it was like a tennis match, both of you are great singers. Blake said it's impossible to choose one over the other. I wish there was a button I could push to make you a duo. Kelly said you two are phenomenal, that's why you are both four chair turns, right. Matthew you are a light, and Shawn your runs are so crazy cool. Matthew I have to go with you because you make me smile with my heart. John said you both have a love of music in you.
John chose Shawn, someone needs to steal Matthew! Adam and Kelly with the steal. Adam said I like to lead by example and Kelly said I like drama! Matthew chose Kelly



Team Kelly-- Kelsea Ballerini is the advisor, The Bundys and Mikaela Astel are singing Songbird by Eva Cassidy-- They all sounded beautiful, it was so gentle and vulnerable. I loved how the harmonies were so good.  Adam said Mikaela you're so great and you're so young. The Bundys, you guys are super sweet and that was so graceful. Kelly said she needed to go with whoever was more ready for the knockouts so she picked.....
The Bundys ..... I think Mikaela was nervous.

Team Blake-- Brooks and Dunn are the advisors, Gyth Rigdon and Rod Stokes are singing Drunk Me by Mitchell Tenpenny-- I think this was Rod, but it was close. They are both great country vocalists. Rod has a unique voice, and Gyth has a killer range. Kelly said Rod slayed that song, and Gyth you were so comfortable on the stage. John said Rod's vocal tone is unique, and Gyth has great vocal runs; he'd go with Gyth. Adam said it was pretty even, but I think Rod you took this one.
Blake chose Gyth, wow and Adam really wanting a country singer stole Rod! Amazing!

Team Adam-- Charlie Puth is the advisor-- Domenic Haynes and Trey Rose are singing I Need a Dollar by Aloe Blacc-- Domenic actually sounds a little bit like Aloe. He has that same grit in his voice. Trey dirtied it up though which was awesome. Blake said hats off to both of you. Trey you hit those cool falsetto notes, and Domenic you have such a freedom when you perform. Kelly said it was very even. John said Domenic you are so different, I wanted you on my team. Adam said you guys did everything we talked about. Trey you had so much energy and excitement you went hard.
Adam chose Domenic



Team Legend-- Savannah Brister and Maelynn Jarmon are singing When We Were Young by Adele-- Very well matched, they are both really good! I would go with Savannah. I just really liked the tone of her voice. Blake said Maelynn you reached the bar again, and Savannah we figured out that you are incredible. Kelly said Savannah was the winner for her.
John chose Maelynn

Team Kelly-- Beth Griffith Manley and Jej Vinson are singing Jealous by Labrinth-- Wow, even in rehearsals they are incredible! Incredible! They were both vocally there for each other. John said Jej your tone was interesting and cool, same with you Beth. Adam said the unison you guys did was the best I have even heard. I am going to go with Jej. Blake said Beth you were incredible, and Jej you were matching her note for note.
Kelly chose Jej, and John came in with the steal for Beth



Top 3 Battles Tonight--- Matthew and Shawn, Domenic and Trey, and Beth and Jej! Amazing Performances!

The Voice Season 16: Night 1 Blinds Have My Attention

Gyth Rigdon sang Drift Away by Dobie Gray-- John got blocked immediately. He, Blake, and Kelly turned. John turned around because he gave so much energy and his voice sounded so clear. Kelly asked if he wants to do country, and he said that country is his roots but he has a lot of soul as well. Blake blocked John.
Gyth chose Blake

Maelyn Jarmon sang Fields of Gold by Sting-- 4 chair turn! Interesting rendition of the song, and she reminds me so much of Paula Cole! Blake said he was moved to hear Maelyn sing. Kelly connected with her and said she has such a God given gift, and she did that song in such a special way. John said what she did was magic, we don't have to think about it, we just feel it. Adam said you kinda have it all, you voice is seasoned but vulnerable.
Maelyn chose John

Karen Galera sang Mi Corazoncito by Aventura-- She has a beautiful sound, very similar to Selena. Kelly turned immediately, and then John turned. Kelly said don't let the Texas thing sway you in any way because Karen is also from Texas. Kelly said I long for people like you; you're so special.
Karen chose Kelly

Trey Rose sang Wake Me Up by Avicii-- Trey said he is originally from Oklahoma. I will say, that Avicii song is wicked hard to sing, and he made it seem easy. For that, he is as Adam said, a vocal beast. Adam and Blake turned. Adam said I can tell you are very energetic, and I think you could win this thing. Blake said I am glad that Adam recognizes that we could win this thing.
Adam chose Trey

Kim Cherry sang No Scrubs by TLC-- I love Kim's attitude, she has so much sass when she sings. When she started rapping I loved it even more. Omg! Kelly turned and Blake got in at the last minute. Adam said, thank you for doing that. John was like, she's white! Kelly said you have pitch, tone, and you're amazing. Blake said Kim, what the hell are you thinking? You're fearless. Rapping is my thing. Blake said we're gonna tweet, and Hoda and Kathie Lee are gonna talk about it.
Kim chose Blake

AJ Ryan sang Love Runs Out by OneRepublic-- No one turned! John said the high notes were great but the low ones scared them. He said it's about choosing the right song. AJ said I should have sang one of your songs John. John said which one would you sing, sing some for us. AJ sang some of All of Me.

Rizzi Myers sang Breathin' by Ariana Grande-- Rizzi's voice is effervescent. She is strong but breathy. I absolutely love her voice, it's stunning. Her story is that she is from Nashville, has two kids, and was a song writer for a long time. A producer urged her to get onstage. Kelly and John turned, and Kelly blocked John. Rizzi is a HUGE Kelly Clarkson fan.
Rizzi chose Kelly

Lisa Ramey sang Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon-- Lisa returned from two seasons ago. I still wasn't feeling it. She seemed to be performing rather than connecting with the song. John Legend was the lone chair turner. Kelly and Adam praised Lisa for returning and said she deserves to be on the show. John said he loved her personality and her look and said that they totally match her voice.
John chose Lisa

Jimmy Mowery sang Attention by Charlie Puth-- I loved his voice! Fire! He has an awesome voice when he sings full, I think he was just nervous, and that made him pitchy at times. Adam turned almost immediately. John turned towards the end. Adam said your voice at its best can be one of the best in the competition. Blake said John is right, your voice is so dope. John said he needed the head voice because that is what sells the song.
Jimmy chose Adam

Lil Joy sang Cool by Gwen Stefani-- Lil has a beautiful voice. Kelly is right, her talent is similar to Gwen's in that she is really good at making these intimate moments on a stage. Kelly was trying to tell Blake that it was Gwen's song Lil was singing, but he already knew. Blake said I hit my button cause of your voice. I can't wait for Gwen to hear this, she is gonna flip out.
Blake chose Lil

Nathan and Chesi sang Waymore's Blues by Waylon Jennings-- The coaches all look like they want to turn at one point or another. I think they are really good together. I am actually surprised that no one turned but I hope that they get chosen for the comeback stage.

Matthew Johnson sang I Smile by Kirk Franklin-- 4 chair turn! I think everyone was immediately drawn to Matthew's personality. His voice was big and full. John said I grew up in the church. Adam threw a sneaker up on stage as an ode to J. Hud. Adam said everyone felt that. Blake said I would be a great coach and I would be honored. Kelly said I am a fan and that was so joyful.
Matthew chose John

Who to watch-- my predictions--
Rizzi is naturally talented, Jimmy has amazing potential.