Team Blake: Joanna Serenko sang Lean on Me-- I feel like this song is a little overdone, especially in times like these. I do continue to be a fan of Joanna though. Nick said in many ways losing Joanna is his biggest regret. Blake says her voice floats like a butterfly.
Team Kelly: Micah Iverson sang I'll Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie-- I have to say I was not crazy about this performance at all. It was too dark for this time in the competition. Kelly calls him a great artist.
Team Blake: Todd Tilghman sang Love Me by Collin Raye-- Todd is a dark horse in this competition that is not such a dark horse anymore. There is something about him that's really appealing. I find myself wanting to route for him. Kelly said if I could sound like a man when I am singing, I would want your voice. Todd is emotional and Blake appreciates his emotion.
Team Legend: Zan Fiskum sang Never Be the Same by Camilla Cabello-- I loved her interpretation of that. I did find it a little high. Nick praised her arrangement and how she made it her own. John said she really puts the arrangements together herself.
Team Nick: Thunderstorm Artis sang Home By Michael Buble-- I think this was his most humble performance to date. I genuinely liked this, and his vocals were spot on. Blake said I was zoned in, you took the melody and song and made it your own. I liked what you were doing on the guitar. Nick said you have made everything your own from day one and you have a clear path to the finale.
Team Kelly: Megan Danielle sang What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts--One of my all time favorite songs. She did a beautiful job with it. I think I would have liked to see a little more dynamics, but she has such a unique tone. Kelly said thank you reminding me of how much I love to sing. Your voice is beautifully broken.
Team Nick: Allegra Miles sang Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder-- Oh my, she was so good tonight. This is a difficult song, and as John mentioned, she navigated through all the key changes so well. John said it's not an easy song, but you gave an all star performance. Nick said you came out swinging.
This was one of your best performances yet.
Team Blake: Toneisha Harris sang Because You Love Me by Celine Dion-- Wow, her voice was just amazing tonight. This is someone who has deserved a spot in the finals since day one. Her talent is unreal. Kelly said come to my Vegas show and sing that song live on my stage. Blake said if I ever get to play again, you are welcome to come sing with me. You are special to me, you bring so much joy and credibility with your talent.
Team Legend: CammWess sang Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves-- Another strong performance from Camm. He is someone who like Toneisha has never missed once this season. He seemed genuinely connected to that song. John said you took us on a journey, your voice was honey butter.
My picks for the finale in no order--
Todd
Allegra
Toneisha
Tunderstorm
CammWess is going to edge out Joanna Serenko for the last spot
17 perform tonight, only 9 will move forward tomorrow.
Team Nick:
Thunderstorm Artis sang Summertime-- John thought Thunderstorm was magical. I have to say this was a little too lethargic for me. I thought it was interesting with the whistling but I didn't love it. I will be listening to see what everyone else does. At the beginning he was definitely finalist material and tonight I am not so sure.
Allegra Miles sang New York State of Mind by Billy Joel-- Blake said great job sis. Nick said Allegra you have been a force since day one. With this performance from your home, you owned it and brought it, this was your best performance. Oh my gosh! Allegra is exquisite, I literally had tears in my eyes listening to her. She is so moving and her tone is just so rich. This was a home run in my opinion.
Arei Moon sang Finesse by Bruno Mars-- Nick said he loved the 90s influence she brought and said she killed it. Okay, I love Arei, but I feel like next to some other contestants she was out of her league. It wasn't karaoke but, at the same time, she didn't really make it her own.
Roderick Chambers sang Lost Without You by Robin Thicke-- John said you go between your head voice and chest voice effortlessly. Nick said you needed to know where you were going to go every step of the way. I am excited to see what happens because I think this performance was going to blow up on Twitter. Roderick has been one of my personal favorites since the first time I heard him, and I am really hoping he has the opportunity to make it to the finals. I thought this was a great song choice for Roderick and he transitioned through this song with such ease.
Michael Williams sang Sign of the Times by Harry Styles-- Kelly said that was so cool, I love your look, and love your sound. I think you're the rock and roll vibe of this show. Nick said we picked this song, and Harry is a stylist with this vocal and set the bar high and you did great with this song. Michael was my pick for the four way knockout so I was thrilled to see him advance. Initially I was a little bored with this song choice but his vocals and his sincerity with each song he tackles turns me into a believer every time.
Team Legend:
Zan Fiskum sang Blowing in the Wind by Bob Dylan-- Kelly said that is the best version of that song I have ever heard. I do have to say, I like how she took that song and made it timeless. The song soared instead of dragged.
Mike Jerel sang All My Life by K-Ci and Jo-Jo-- John said I loved your creativity and how you made it your own. He liked the runs he added and the chords. Oh boy, I loved Mike's blind audition and I don't think he has ever topped that. I wanted this to be stronger and more passionate.
Mandi Castillo sang Corre-- John said you make me so proud, you have a beautiful tone and verbrato and you're so humble. I did not care for that performance. It was a little lost on me, I feel like she had to do something at this stage of the competition that was more mainstream.
Camm Wess sang Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers-- Kelly said Camm you are such a solid singer and artist. John said you nailed this song and knocked it out of the park, your tone is honey butter. John also shouted out the great Bill Withers who we recently lost. Loved this performance, Camm's vocal tone is so good.
Team Kelly:
Megan Danielle sang Anyone by Demi Lovato-- Kelly said you're so special, your tone, and how you can float through different genres. I know Demi probably heard that. She started off a little off key. Megan did improve as the song went on, and she ended really strong. She could go far if she gets past tonight.
Mandi Thomas sang I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack-- Kelly said she loves Mandi's vibe and that she can sing anything. I love Mandi but I didn't think that was very good. I don't think that song did a great job of showcasing all Mandi has to offer as a vocalist.
Micah Iverson sang Your Song by Elton John-- Blake said you go from a softer tone to these bigger notes, and I am happy for you man. Kelly said you're incredible, thanks for picking me. Micah was honestly one of the stronger contestants tonight. That Elton John song is not easy and he made it sound that way, gorgeous vocals from a technical standpoint.
Cedrice sang Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish-- You're so crazy cool, you don't need a show, you're a stand alone artist and human being. Cedrice remains very different, I adore her authenticity and originality. Her voice is amazing. Her vibe reminds me a little of Sade.
Team Blake:
Toneisha Harris sang Stronger by Kelly Clarkson-- John said you are a phenomenal singer, so impressive. Blake said all right, yes! Yes! I think that's the best of the night so far. Kelly said if you need a backup singer call me. I loved this! She is one of the strongest vocalists on this show. Finalist material right there!
Joei Fulco sang Runaway by DelShannon-- Nick said your voice is so fun to listen to, so unique and so special. You owned this and made it special. Blake said I don't know why Nick didn't get you on his team. You have this buzz in your voice that is so unique. She flipped this song on it's side. She made it country, she made it blues, and she brought it to now. I loved this, she's got to move forward.
Joanna Serenko sang Rich Girl by Hall & Oates-- Kelly said that was a cool song choice for you and you have a captivating spirit. Blake said Joanna you didn't change the song too much but your voice is so different that it became your song. What I enjoy about Joanna is her soulfulness. I don't know who she reminds me of, maybe Paula Cole a little bit. She is so good.
Todd Tilghman sang Glory of Love by Peter Cetera-- Blake said that was incredible, you're one of my favorite artists I have worked with on the show, you're so fun to be around. I thought that was going to be cheesy as all hell but that was amazing.
Top 9 (my predictions in no particular order)
Toneisha Harris
Allegra Miles
Roderick Chambers
Camm Wess
Megan Danielle
Cedrice
Todd Tilghman
Joanna Serenko
last spot-- toss up between-- Zan Fiskum, Michael Williams, and Joei Fulco
Team Blake: Levi Watkins sang Ain't Living Long Like This by Waylon Jennings vs. Joei Fulco sang When Will I Be Loved by Linda Ronstadt-- Wow, these two were very well matched. I honestly enjoyed both of them and wish Blake had been able to keep them both. Levi is talented beyond his years, at 14, to have that type of professionalism on stage, crazy! Joei seems to improve every time. I love the rasp in her voice, it's really cool. Both John and Kelly would pick Levi; John called his performance "perfect". Nick would pick Joei. Black ended up choosing Joei --- I was surprised that no one stole Levi, he was just so good. Team Kelly: Cammwess sang Say Something by A Great Big World vs. Megan Danielle sang Piece by Piece by Kelly Clarkson-- Camm's performance was shocking! He was so so good. Megan has improved so much-- her growth, this was honestly her best performance. Both contestants were very emotionally connected to their songs. Blake said that they both stepped out and had moments. He would pick Camm. John called Camm's performance a tour de force. Kelly said she cried during both of their performances. Kelly said her pick would be strategic. Kelly chose Megan and Nick and John stole Camm and Camm opted to return to Team Legend
Team Legend: Darious Lyles sang Me and Mrs. Jones vs. Mike Jerel sang Versace on the Floor by Bruno Mars-- This I thought was a major injustice because John ended up picking Mike who I absolutely loved in the blinds, but he really fell flat in this performance. Darious was amazing, and John ended up choosing Mike sending Darious home because he did not get a steal. All the coaches seemed to mention that they would choose Darious. John chose Mike-- I hope Mike brings it in the next round! Team Nick: Roderick Chambers sang Redbone by Childish Gambino vs. Tate Brusa sang The Scientist by Coldplay-- Roderick seems to improve with each performance. He is perfecting his falsetto. Tate has great artistry for someone who is only 16. There were some off notes though, so I would pick Roderick personally.He is much more polished at this stage of the competition. Blake thought this would be a tough choice whereas John leaned more towards Roderick. Nick chose Roderick
Team Blake: Cam Spinks sang Rumor by Lee Brice vs. Todd Tilghman sang Anymore by Travis Tritt-- I think Todd is great, and he is definitely my choice. What I would say though is that the song was okay but didn't do him the justice I think he deserves. Cam had some pitch issues that were obvious. Nick compared Todd's voice to his dad and said he'd like to write songs for Cam and sees him becoming a big star. Yet he would choose Todd. Kelly said she loved Todd's song choice. Blake chose Todd Team Legend: Joanna Serenko sang Angel from Montgomery by John Prine vs. Zan Fiskum sang The Story by Brandi Carlile-- Joanna is just incredible. She gave that song such a contemporary feel, I could hear her singing that on the radio right now. She sings with great expression and her voice resonates. Zan was great too, and this song was gorgeous on her. I would have to go with Joanna though. I just felt her more. Nick said he regrets letting Joanna go. Kelly said Joanna's voice is very pure, and Zan you have such a freedom when you sing. Blake said he learned so much more about Joanna today because there was nothing to hide behind. Blake said Zan is a good combination of a singer and an artist. John chose Zan and Nick and Blake stole Joanna and she decided to go with Team Blake
My picks: Joanna, Zan, Cammwess, and Roderick! Mike has a lot to prove going forward, and Joei is definitely a dark horse in this. Quote of the night-- Blake: "I love that as a 43-year-old man, a girl left Nick Jonas for me."
Once again, was not super impressed with the Battles this week. Team Nick: Arei Moon vs. Samuel Wilco sang Missing You by John Waite-- Surprising song choice for these two that left me feeling kind of bored. I was more impressed with Samuel in the blinds but here I give the slight edge to Arei. Nick chose Arei Team Kelly:Megan Danielle vs. Samantha Howell sang Top of the World by Patty Griffin-- I am definitely a Patty Griffin fan but I did not love this song choice. Samantha was under pitch for most of the performance. Megan's vocals were full of grit and range and there was this real fullness. I have to say overall I was more impressed with Megan. Blake called Megan the shocker in this performance and said her voice is unbelievable and he can't believe he didn't turn for her. He said Kelly stole his dream in having Samantha on his team as she blocked Blake. Kelly chose Megan and saved Samantha Team Blake: Jon Mullins vs. Tod Tilghman sang Ghost in this House by Allison Krauss-- One of the better song choices tonight and this sounded like a duet. I loved both of these guys! Jon is more soulful whereas Tod has this undeniable roundness to his voice. I honestly thought both were great. Nick and John gave the edge to Jon whereas Kelly thought it was pretty even. Blake chose Tod and Nick stole Jon. They both deserved to move forward.
Team Legend: Brittney Allen vs. Zan Fiskum sang Closer to Fine by The Indigo Girls-- Zan won this battle-- she had more experience and more confidence. I will say that I think the song choice did neither contestant justice, but Zan's confidence pushed her through. John chose Zan Team Kelly: Mandi Thomas vs. Sara Collins sang My Baby Loves Me by Martina McBride-- Great song choice! This song really complimented both ladies. I think both of them had some pitch issues, probably just nerves. Blake agreed that there were some pitch issues. Nick said Sara's voice is great for recording; he said Mandi sold the performance for him. Overall performance, Mandi was stronger. Kelly chose Mandi Montaged performances---
Jules vs Tayler Green – Water Under the Bridge by Adele – Team Kelly Clarkson – Kelly picks Tayler
Jacob Miller vs Kevin Farris – Lights Up by Harry Styles – Team Nick Jonas – Nick picks Jacob
Team Legend: Cedrice vs. Thunderstorm Artis sang Stay by Rihanna and Mikky Ekko-- I like both of these artists. I will admit, I think Thunderstorm is a little overly confident, borderline cocky. Cedrice is absolutely captivating, her voice, her look. I cannot stop listening and looking. Blake said between the two of them he would pick Thunderstorm because he dominated.
John chose Thunderstorm, and Black stole Cedrice saying she is on a different plane, and although this may be seen as an odd pairing, he believes it will make for some memorable moments on the show.
Two strong battles tonight--- Jon and Tod, and Thunderstorm and Cedrice. Tayler and Megan are my dark horses tonight.
Anaya Cheyenne sang I'll Never Love Again by Lady Gaga-- she sounded beyond her years for 16. Blake and Kelly turned and Naya chose Kelly
Mandi Thomas sang Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli-- first time we have had an opera singer on The Voice. Only Kelly turned!
Jacob Miller sang The Times They Are A Changin' by Bob Dylan-- I was surprised that Kelly, Nick, and Blake turned. Jacob is a folk singer, and he has a decent voice, but is clearly a better musician than singer. Jacob surprisingly chose Nick.
No one is really impressing me from this group so far.
Joe Mullins sang Don't Give Up On Me by Andy Grammer-- His voice was just okay, Blake took a chance and was the only turn.
Jacob Daniel Murphy sang Til You Come Back to Me by Aretha Franklin-- Blake said I am just having the best day. I went in back and made myself a drink, and I came out here and I'm listening to great music. I heard you singing and I was like I'm not even going to try because he is so good. But it came to the end and no one turned. I feel like I won the lottery today. Jacob made it on Team Blake.
Zan Fiskum sang Light On by Maggie Rogers-- All the coaches turned except Blake. I was not impressed with her voice. There was nothing special for me. She ended up choosing John.
Roderick Chambers sang Back at 1 by Brian McKnight-- This guy was actually so good and deserved more than one person to turn, in this case Nick! What is great is that from a tone standpoint, Roderick sounds a lot like Nick. What I really love about Roderick is he has that old school R&B voice. It is so needed right now.
Jules sang Ain't No Rest For The Wicked by Cage the Elephant-- She is unique and at only 15, she has lots of experience in her voice. This arrangement she did is so different. I loved this and feel like it should have been four chairs maybe. Blake and Kelly did turn. Jules chose Team Kelly, I really thought she was going to choose Blake.
Michael Williams sang You Say by Lauren Daigle-- He is super pitchy-- Nick was the only one who turned. I am guessing Nick believes he can help Michael with his falsetto.
Mike Jerel sang It's a Man's World by James Brown-- John and Nick turned immediately. Mike has a great voice, and takes this classic song and really makes it his own. Kelly turns and then Blake. The coaches really fight it out for Mike, but in the back of my mind, I knew he was choosing John, especially when his mom came out and picked John.
Standouts for tonight-- Jacob Daniel Murphy, Roderick Chambers, Jules, and Mike Jerel
