The Voice: Anyone's Game?

Tonight’s episode of The Voice the remaining contestants fight once again to keep themselves and their coaches in the competition. We only have a few weeks to go before the finale, and it will be interesting to see which coach(es) fare the best now that the odds are no longer even. Let’s get on with the performances!

 

 

Contestant: Amanda Brown

Team: Adam

Song: “Someone Like You” by Adele

 

I had SO hoped that we were beyond covering Adele at this point. Adam wants her to make this song a rock song like “Dream On” because, you know, the two songs are similar. She does a fair amount of shouting and makes the song more of an “I’m pissed off and not going to take it anymore” break-up anthem rather

 

Coaches Say: Blake enjoyed it because she took an Adele song and made it an Amanda Brown song. Xtina says this was another very dynamic power vocal performance.  Cee-Lo is pleased to see that Amanda is taking risks. Adam compliments Amanda, saying the performance was special.

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Contestant: Cody Belew

Team: Cee-Lo

Song: “Somebody to Love” by Queen

 

This is quite the change of pace from Cody's Beyonce throw down last week. "Somebody to Love" is probably my favorite Queen song ever, and he is faithful to the song for sure. I enjoy his rendition. I do. But I’m not sure if it will be memorable when the show ends this evening.  After Amanda did an Amanda Brown version of Adele, Cody is doing a Freddie Mercury version of Freddie Mercury.

 

Coaches Say: Adam says the performance was great, and Blake is impressed with how far Cody has come in this competition. Xtina loves that Cody is not afraid to keep changing it up. Cee-Lo says Cody performs with poise and confidence.

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Contestant: Terry McDermott

Team:  Blake

Song: “Over You” by Blake Shelton

 

During the rehearsal package Blake says that this song is far more suited for Terry than it ever was for him. I’m inclined to agree. I still prefer “Classic Rock Terry” to “Country Cover Terry,” but I still think this is a solid performance.

 

Coaches Say: Xtina says Terry’s voice shines more in his upper register but she liked the performance. Cee-Lo thinks Terry reminds him of all of the great rock vocalists. Adam calls Terry one of the best vocalists in the competition. Blake says Terry did everything vocally that he could never do.

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Contestant: Melanie Martinez

Team: Adam

Song: “Too Close” by Alex Clare

 

Melanie goes all Taylor Swift on us this week with her stage setup. Thank goodness she chose to keep her own wardrobe and not put on one of those country tablecloths from Taylor’s previous awards show performances. The good news for Melanie is – her performances have gotten slightly better each week, and she seems to have quite a fan base. While I am still not a huge fan, I think this is her best performance.  

 

Coaches Say: Blake says Melanie’s voice melt him. Xtina thinks the set is dope. Yes, those were her words. She also thinks the song fit her well. Cee-Lo believes Adam is really doing right by Melanie and she could probably make a really cool record. Adam says Melanie is an artist who is concerned with every aspect of the performance.

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Contestant: Dez Duron

Team:  Xtina

Song: “U Smile” by Justin Bieber

 

Realllllllllllly? Oh Xtina. She wants us to know that Dez is not a one trick pony and he can sing a crooner song as well as a Justin Bieber song. But, um, he’s crooning a Justin Bieber song. I think this is unfortunately a step back for Dez, and not a good week to have a setback. At least he’s hot?

 

Coaches Say: Xtina gives Dez a standing ovation, and the ladies in the audience go wild. Cee-Lo says this was not his best performance but he’s still a fan. Adam thinks Dez has a lot to be proud of. Blake thinks last week was his best performance, but the big band thing really works for him. Xtina says “you killed it, killed it, killed it, killllllllllllled it.”

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Contestant: Trevin Hunte

Team: Cee-Lo

Song: “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston

 

Trevin is backed by a choir for this song, and he truly feels the lyrics. I’m so glad he has returned to the power ballads. Not my favorite performance of his, but I think this Whitney cover is very well done. I tend to cringe when I hear someone say “Tonight, I’m singing Whitney Houston,” but for Trevin, I am greatly relieved.

 

Coaches Say: Adam says that he hopes when he gets to Heaven, this is it. Blake thinks Trevin is the guy to beat when he gives performances like that. Xtina says Trevin’s voice is a gift from God. Cee-Lo is certain that Whitney would be proud.

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Contestant: Nicholas David

Team: Cee-Lo

Song: “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye

 

Nicholas grows his beard out when he has a baby on the way, and currently baby number three is due in February, so Nicholas is going to stay Nicholas. During rehearsals, Bill Withers surprises him and serves as a guest mentor this week. Nicholas plays the keyboard, sounds great, and is wearing sunglasses….which I don’t really understand, but I guess it helps set the mood of the performance? It works for me. If Bill Withers loves this guy, it’s hard to argue.

 

Coaches Say: Adam loves what Nicholas brings to the show and he is a huge fan. Blake feels that he learns something new about Nicholas every week and thanks him for coming to The Voice. Cee-Lo just loves Nicholas and says a lot of stuff about “what’s goin on” in the world.

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Contestant: Cassadee Pope

Team: Blake

Song: “Are You Happy Now?” Michelle Branch

 

Cassadee gets the pimp slot at the end of the show after hitting number 1 on the iTunes chart last week. The first time I heard Cassadee sing on this show, I thought she reminded me a lot of Michelle Branch. This song is actually perfect for her. She’s not as emotionally driven this week as she was last week (obviously), but she is a contender for sure, and I hope she makes it through to next week.

 

Coaches Say: Cee-Lo says Cassadee as a great voice and did a wonderful job. Adam thinks Cassadee is a front runner. We don’t seem to be talking to Xtina anymore tonight. Blake says that America is seeing something important because Cassadee is every bit as good a singer as anyone else in the competition.

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Based on the performances tonight, I think anyone could be eliminated this week because there were no clear stand outs. Tomorrow the Top 8 will be whittled down to the Top 6 in the elimination show. Will Xtina remain in the competition? Will all three of Cee-Lo’s contestants be the last ones standing? We’ll find out in the coming weeks. Til then!