The Voice Season 16: The Top 24 Work it Out

Team Kelly:

Rod Stokes sang Midnight Rider by The Allman Brothers-- Strong performance, this song choice really suited him. He has a shot.

Matthew Johnson sang Ordinary People by John Legend-- Wow, could it be that I preferred Matthew's interpretation of this song more than the original? I think so! A little off key at the end, but I forgive him.

Rebecca Howell sang Wild One by Faith Hill-- Rebecca is a great vocalist, I did not find the song to be memorable and I wonder whether or not she will be memorable to me by the end of the night. I think she's a great singer though and definitely deserves to be here.

Presley Tennant sang Nothing Breaks Like a Heart by Miley Cyrus-- She is one of my fave vocalists in this competition and the fact that she is so young is insane to me. She was so good! I loved that she slowed down the arrangement.

Abby Kasch sang I've Got the Boy by -- Didn't love this, is this the song Kelly was talking about last week? I did not care for this at all. I thought vocally it was okay, but it seemed to be showcasing all the same parts of her voice.

Jej Vinson sang Love Lies by Khalid and Normani-- Jej's stage presence, amazing! He performed and everyone was feeling that performance. The arrangement was like dynamite for his voice. It was soulful and emotional. Wow, loved big time!

Team Legend:

Lisa Ramey sang The Weight by The Band-- Great song, started out great. I didn't feel it held up well as the song went on.

Jacob Maxwell sang Total Eclipse of the Heart by --I am still confused about who he is trying to be here. Not enough left for him to move on.

Jimmy Mowery sang Youngblood by 5 Seconds of Summer-- I did not enjoy this performance. I see him as more pop/ R&B and I didn't think there was any element of R&B in that.

Celia Babini sang The Chain by Fleetwood Mac-- Here is someone who is not confused at all about who she is as an artist. I loved this! It was so authentic, that was incredible (John was yelling that from the audience!)!

Maelyn Jarmon sang Fallingwater by  Maggie Rogers-- The song is obscure, I have never heard it before but it worked for her vocally. However, I was a little bored and she wasn't on her game tonight.

Shawn Sounds sang Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder-- Enjoyed this, Shawn should definitely move on.

Team Adam:

Kalvin Jarvis sang Mine by Bazzi-- That was emotional and gorgeous. I loved that so much.

Betsy Ade sang Are You Gonna be My Girl by Jet-- This was the perfect song choice for her! It did get a little bit shouty though.

Mari sang Work it Out by Beyonce-- This was so within her element. She is so different from anyone else in the competition. I'd love to see her in the Top 13. 

Domenic Haynes sang Love is a Losing Game by Amy Winehouse-- Domenic can literally do no wrong in this competition. He took a big risk with that song, it paid off half way. I did not love it, but I love him and hope he moves forward.

Team Blake:

Andrew Sevener sang Boots On by Randy Houser -- Again song choice is a little obscure but I loved Andrew's vocals. My issue is, has he done enough to make himself stand out, I'm not sure.

Selkii sang Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls-- This was a great interpretation of this song. Selkii redeemed herself from last week.

Oliv Blu sang Girl from Ipanema by Frank Sinatra-- So unique from everyone in the competition. Oliv is another standout I love her.

Gyth Rigdon sang I want to be Loved Like That by Shenandoah-- Gyth is someone I always look forward to hearing. I wish he had sung something a little more mainstream but he is a skilled storyteller. 

Kendra Checketts-- sang Bad Guy by Billie Eilish-- I did not expect this song choice on her but she kind of killed her performance tonight. She actually has a good chance of going through.

Carter Lloyd Horne sang Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley-- Something about this young man that I really love. He is a throwback for me. He has this cool retro vibe and he does understand who he wants to be.

Kim Cherry sang Waterfalls by TLC-- Expected song choice, she of course wanted to show off how she can sing and rap which is still cool. I thought her rapping could have been stronger but she may have done enough to pull through.

Dexter Roberts sang Ain't Nothing About You by Brooks & Dunn-- To be honest-- fave country performance of the night. I loved this.

My Top 12---

Matthew, Presley, Jej, Celia, Shawn, Kalvin, Mari, Domenic, Dexter, Carter, Gyth, last spot between Selkii, Oliv, and Kendra

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: Location-- The Battles

Team Adam: Andrew Jannako vs. Patrick McAloon sang Free Fallin' by Tom Petty-- John was shocked that both of them could sing so high. He likes Patrick's voice because it has so much character. Adam said Patrick you're seasoned. Andrew, you were a revelation. You both stepped up and impressed me today. I think what Andrew did was so surprising that who knows where he could go. The potential is endless.
Adam chose Andrew

Team Blake: Selkii vs. Cecily Hennigan sang Head Above Water by Avril Lavigne-- Cecily is a talent but Selkii is ready right now! She is a star. Blake agreed, he had to go with the experience.
Blake chose Selkii

Team Blake: LiLi Joy vs. Carter Lloyd Horne-- Blake chose Carter
Team Kelly: Karen Galera vs. Alena D'Amico-- Kelly chose Karen

Team John: Kayslin Victoria vs. Olive Blue sang Location by Khalid-- Battle of the night! Both of these ladies are undeniably talented. Kayslin is beyond her years, her style was incredible. Olive reminds me so much of Erykah Badu, she is so grounded and earthy. Kelly said Olive the style was there, but Kayslin you have a gigantic voice.
John chose Kayslin and Blake stole Olive

The Voice Season 16: Tell Me You Love the Blinds

Beth Griffith Manley sang Til You Come Back to Me by Aretha Franklin-- She has a beautiful voice and she is a technically sound singer. You can tell that she has Motown written all over her. Adam said I love you, and she said I love you too Adam, and he said, no, you don't understand, I'm in love with you. I missed my opportunity. Kelly said I am so excited you're on the show! He thought she had a lot of guts choosing Aretha as her blind audition. John and Kelly turned, and Beth identified with the rasp in Kelly's voice.
Beth chose Kelly

Selkii sang I Try by Macy Gray-- Selkie has a unique voice and tone. Adam and Blake turned. Adam liked her song choice and vibe. He felt like it was important to get Selkie on his team because his wife would love her being that she is South African. Blake tells her he has never been to South Africa but he would like to think that she is country over there. Blake also liked her singer/ songwriter vibe.
Selkie chose Blake

Jae Jen--  No one turned. I didn't think the song wasn't interesting enough. John said it sounded too clean and safe.

Denton Arnell sang Hold On We're Going Home by Drake-- I actually felt vibes of John Legend in his voice, so it was super cool that John turned so quickly. He had this comfy and familiar vibe to his voice. John liked how he was so creative with the melody of the song. I am a little bit surprised that more coaches did not turn, he had such an easy sound.
John chose Denton

Ciera Dumas sang Tell Me You Love Me by Demi Lovato-- Adam and John turned right away. I loved the rasp in her voice. I was digging how she slightly chained the melody of the song at the beginning and then when it got going, I was saying, I like this! Adam said what you are doing screams what this show is all about. John said I felt the power, pain, and emotion in your voice. You have a story to tell, and I would love for you to tell it here on The Voice. Kelly loved the rasp in her voice. Blake compared her to Bonnie Tyler. Adam said your voice is like right here, you're unstoppable, you could win this thing.
Ciera chose Adam



Andrew Sevener sang Honky Tonk Women by The Rolling Stones-- Andrew is an authentic country guy, very clear. This song worked well for him in terms of his musical style and showcasing his guitar skills.  Kelly said I am tired of turning for country artists and having them choose Blake. John liked his guitar solo. Blake says that he can hear Hank Williams Jr. in his voice.

Mari sang Boo'd Up by Ella Mai-- Her voice was so freaking exciting. I was just smiling listening to her sing. Mari told John she listens to him a lot and that he did a duet with Ella Mai. Adam said you should be in 1976, I believe I can integrate you into this show the best. Blake tells her to choose John and Mari chose Adam! She said I picked Adam because I felt like he wanted to do the best for me in this competition.
Mari chose Adam



Crystal Rose sang Wicked Games by Chris Issak-- Wow! I need to be honest, I am a little surprised no one turned. Adam said it is one of his favorite songs and he urged her to come back again. John said it's a matter of you putting it together in a better package.
Blake said he was ready to push, he loved her chest voice.

Abby Kasch sang Here for the Party by Gretchen Wilson -- Personally wasn't as excited as Blake and Kelly but I always look for people to prove me wrong. Blake and Kelly turned. Of course Blake pushes that he is country, and Adam pushes for Abby to pick Kelly. Kelly was so surprised that Abby picked her.
Abby chose Kelly

Mikaela Astel sang Electric Love by -- Loved her! I cannot believe the maturity in her voice at 14. She does, as Kelly said, have incredible tone, and that really sets her apart. Kelly said your tone cannot be taught, it is so cool and so vibey. I am so happy you're here. John said I loved your tone, you would stand out from the crowd. I think you're gonna be a star. Adam was so cute with her, he told her to close her eyes, follow her heart, and go with her first choice.
Mikaela chose Kelly

Anthony Ortiz sang That's What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction
Adam chose Anthony

Oliv Blu sang On and On by Erykah Badu
John chose Oliv

Kayla Seeber sang Baby One More Time by Britney Spears--I didn't love it. It was too aggressive. It's almost like she was pushing too hard. I didn't like her song selection. I loved Kelly's feedback. She compared her to Gwen but said she was waiting for that sweetness and ache that Gwen has in her voice.

Oh Wow! Crystal and Kayla have been chosen for the comeback stage.

Shawn Sounds sang All My Life by KC and Jo Jo-- Yes! They all took forever to turn. I was in from the beginning. Shawn had an amazing song choice; he sounded John said you nailed it, you deserved 4 chairs. Adam said I should have turned when I had the instinct. Blake thought the triple lindy ending was incredible. He said we're not meant to be in the same genre. I am meant to make you the best you can be. Kelly loved that he is a teacher.
Shawn chose John



Amazing show! Who wasn't good tonight? Top 3 for me-- Ciera, Mari, and Shawn