The Voice Season 18: The Top 17 Are Stronger

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

The Voice Season 18: The Knockouts Shine Bright Like a Diamond

Team Legend: Mandi Castillo sang Stand by Me by Ben E. King vs. Thunderstorm Artis sang Preach by John Legend-- I enjoy Mandi, she gave this song a little bit of a modern take, but her vocals weren't great to me. Thunderstorm, I have been a little put off by because he comes across as arrogant to me. However, tonight he was the better competitor to me. I love how relaxed his performance was. Nick said he loved both of them, both were four chair turns, but he would go with Thunderstorm. Kelly and Blake said that they would go with Mandi. 

John chose Mandi and Nick stole Thunderstorm

Team Nick: Arei Moon sang You Don't My Name by Alicia Keys vs. Jon Mullins sang Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran-- Arei's growth has been enormous. She connected so well with this song, it was perfect for her. I actually feel the same way about Jon's song. Kelly said both of you had range and were very physical when you sang. Blake said Jon really went for it. John said both of you had a lot of range. Nick said you took the challenge Jon and that was incredible. Arei you brought so much to the process. 

Nick chose Arei 

Team Kelly: Tayler Green vs. Micah Iverson sang Graveyard by Halsey-- Loved Micah's version of this song, dare I say, more than Halsey's version. It was so good. Tayler brought a really contemporary spin to a song that I at times find boring. She sounded more and more amazing as the song went on.  Blake said Tayler's song allowed her to soar more than Micah's did. John agreed and added that they both have incredible voices. Kelly said Micah's song was very difficult, and Tayler the song you chose is classic but you made it your own. 

Kelly chose Micah

Team Nick: Allegra Miles sang Chandelier by Sia vs. Jacob Miller sang Better Now by Post Malone-- Allegra is absolutely captivating, her tone is something that is addictive to listen to. It seemed like she kept pushing herself and there was no limit to what she would do. I loved how Jacob took Better Now and stripped it down. Kelly said you both are fantastic. Blake said Jacob you're in such control of your voice, flawless, but I feel like Allegra is your chance to win The Voice this season. John said both of your were so good, I'd have a hard time picking. Nick said Jacob you are someone I'd love to work with, and Allegra you know how to thread a needle through a performance and I'm entranced. 

Nick chose Allegra 

Team Kelly chose  Mandi Thomas who sang My Church by Maren Morris

Team Blake: Toneisha Harris sang Diamond by Rihanna vs. Cedrice sang Love on the Brain by Rihanna-- Cedrice was great, like James Taylor said, this is a real singer song and seemed almost made for her. Toneisha had a great performance as well, I wasn't wowed as much by her but maybe that's because she does what she does so effortlessly. Nick said Cedrice it's an honor to hear you sing, and Toneisha I get mad that I can't do what you can do. Nick said Toneisha you could win this show. Kelly thought both of them could be in the finale. Blake said Cedrice casts a spell, and Toneisha points where she wants the song to go. 

Blake chose Toneisha and Kelly stole Cedrice! 

4 Way Knockout-- Todd Michael Hall sang Somebody to Love by OneRepublic , Nelson Cade III sang Best Part by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R., Michael Williams sang You Are the Reason by Calum Scott, Samantha Howell sang You Are Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson 

About each of their contestants-- 

Todd: Blake said your range is stupid

Nelson: John said when I watch you I am watching someone who truly loves music

Michael: Nick said Michael that is the best you have ever sounded

Samantha: Kelly said you sounded so beautiful 

My pick is Michael from Team Nick -- he had by far the best and strongest performance and I hope everyone goes to vote for him! 

Tonight was impressive--- I will be watching so many people in the lives-- Michael Williams has to get through but I believe he could continue to have enormous growth. I will be watching Arei and Allegra; they are both amazing. Thunderstorm has a quiet confidence as does Cedrice-- they could come up big. 

The Voice Season 18: Battles Come to a Close With Mixed Bag in Terms of Performances

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.