NBC/Trae PattonIt was the first night of the knockout rounds on Monday’s edition of The Voice, a night that saw Kelly Clarkson steal an artist from fellow coach Adam Levine, while Blake Shelton snatched one from Kelly.
Also, Adam and Jennifer Hudson were each able to keep one of their artists from leaving the show, thanks to “The Save,” which is back for season 15. It gives each coach the chance to save an artist during the round.
Each coach also enlisted the help of key adviser Mariah Carey.
Team Adam’s Keith Paluso, singing Ray LaMontane’s “You Are the Best Thing,” faced Tyke James, tackling “Ring of Fire,” by Johnny Cash. Mariah’s advice for Keith was to work on bringing out the dynamics in his powerful voice. For James, the goal, was to pour more of his heart into the tune. Adam thought both artists did an amazing job, but declared Tyke the winner, calling him “a force.”
However, Kelly used her steal to try and nab Paluso for her team, while Adam used his save to try and hang on to the singer. Keith chose Clarkson, explaining her “energy is contagious.”
Team Kelly’s Cody Ray Raymond had to leave the competition for personal reasons, forcing Clarkson to pit three artists against each other: Natasia GreyCloud, covering Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Kymberli Joye, singing “The Middle, by Zedd, Maren Morris and Zaxai, performing Smokey Robinson’s “Cruisin’.” Two would move one, one would go home. Clarkson, addressing the camera said it would be the hardest knockout to judge, with the winner being the artist who “handles the pressure and who’s ready.” After immediately naming Kymberli the first winner, Kelly agonized over the next one, which ended up being Zazai.
It seemed liked the end of the road for Natasia, until Blake — who earlier indicated he wasn’t interested in stealing any of the artists, claiming he had “a strategy” — scooped up the rocker, confessing “I lied.”
Team JHud’s MaKenzie Thomas, putting her spin on the Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love,” challenged Mike Parker, tacking “Breakeven,” by The Script. Mariah thought MaKenzie nailed her song, although Jennifer wanted to hear a little more power out of the 20-year-old Kentucky native. In Mike, Carey sensed a bit of nervousness, and hoped singing in front of the audience would “fuel him.” Hudson gave the round to Thomas, who advances to the live rounds, Parker was sent packing.
Team Adam’s next pairing, RADHA, 20, bravely singing Mariah Carey’s version of The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There,” taking on Reagan Strange, 14, performing Calum Scott’s “Dancing on My Own.” Mariah urged RADHA to feel the song more, while praising Reagan’s voice as “natural,” even going as far as to say it reminded her of herself when she was younger. It was a win-win for Adam, who after picking Reagan as the winner, used “The Save” to keep RADHA in the competition as a part of his team.
Team Blake’s first pairing of the night featured Funsho, tackling The Weeknd’s “Earned It,” going head-to-head against Katrina Cain, singing “Don’t Let Me Down,” by The Chainsmokers, featuring Daya. Mariah’s advice for Funsho was to “ease into” the song, while Katrina needed to “play with the melody more. Blake pronounced Funsho the winner of the knockout. Cain was sent home.
Jennifer’s second pairing of the night was between Patrique Fortson, putting a soulful spin on Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” and Sandyrredd, covering Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman.” Patrique’s instructions from Mariah and Jennifer were to watch his “pacing,” so the audience could appreciate how “magnificent” his voice is. Carey encouraged Sandyredd to utilize her lower register more. Hudson praised both artists, but gave the round to Fortson, who moves on to the live rounds. However, Jennifer just couldn’t let go of Sandyredd, who also advances, thanks to “The Save.”
The Voice knockout rounds continue Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
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