Season 7’s battle rounds are under way, and Gwen and Pharrell had their first time in the hot seat, as they eliminated their first contestants.
The Voice battles are back, and just as exciting as ever. All four teams are chock full of talent, and the coaches have their work cut out for them choosing a winner in each of these battles. There were several steals in night one alone, which means there are basically no bad performances.
Battles
Elyjuh Rene vs. Maiya Sykes
Team Pharrell’s first battle paired Elyjuh Rene and Maiya Sykes, two soul singers that Pharrell wanted to compare. Elyjuh lost his mind upon seeing guest mentor Alicia Keys, and both singers were pretty nervous about singing her hit “If I Ain’t Got You,” right in front of Alicia playing along on the piano. They both have beautiful voices, but Elyjuh struggled with some tough notes, while Maiya struggled to feel the song. Pharrell thought Maiya’s voice “shot out like lightning bolts,” in the battle, but he chose Elyjuh as the winner.
Chris Jamison vs. Jonathan Wyndham
Chris Jamison and Jonathan Wyndham took the stage for the first battle for a spot on Team Adam. Adam paired the two because they both have sweet, vulnerable voices. In rehearsals, Jonathan was blasting over Chris, whose nervousness was taking over. Guest mentor Stevie Nicks warned Chris that he didn’t want people feeling bad for him, because Jonathan was out-singing him. In their battle performance of Bruno Mars’ “Young Girls,” Jonathan reeled it in a bit, but Chris came out of his shell so much, he apparently broke the PA system. In the end, Adam chose Chris, because he feels like there’s a superstar locked inside of him.
Jean Kelley and Sugar Joans
Gwen paired Jean Kelley and Sugar Joans for their awesome voices, and felt they were good enough to tackle Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor.” It’s a tough song, and they would have to focus on rhythm and attitude. Guest mentor Gavin Rossdale was very impressed with Sugar’s individuality, and Jean’s emotion. However, in their final rehearsals, Sugar struggled with singing with her eyes closed, while Jean was rushing the beat a bit. After their battle, Gwen chose Sugar, but Adam and Pharrell pushed their buttons to steal Jean. Jean chose to hop over to Team Pharrell.
Craig Wayne Boyd vs. James David Carter
Team Blake hosted the Battle of Three Names, with Craig Wayne Boyd and James David Carter. The men were paired because Blake only has room for one male country artist on his team, and Blake chose Pat Green’s “Wave on Wave” for their battle hymn. In rehearsals, James had to work on his pitch, and Craig had to try not to over-sing. But the real highlight of the rehearsal was the spontaneous jam session between James, Craig, Blake, and guest mentors Little Big Town, singing Little Big Town’s “Bring It On Home.” Blake chose James as the winner, but Gwen stole Craig for her team at the very last minute, after he had already left the stage.
Amanda Lee Peers vs. Taylor John Williams
Gwen paired alternative artists Amanda Lee Peers and Taylor John Williams (Battle of Three Names: Part 2) to sing Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” In rehearsals, Taylor got a little bit lost behind Amanda’s big voice, and they had zero connection until Gwen got them to come out of their shells a little bit. Their battle started off with some amazing a cappella harmonies, and continued on for a performance full of delicious, delicious harmonies. Gwen really struggled in her decision, but chose Taylor as the winner.
Griffin vs. Luke Wade
Pharrell paired Griffin and Luke Wade for his next battle, because they both have interesting and unique tones. He chose Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed,” which gave both men a little bit of trouble. Luke couldn’t get the falsetto right, and Griffin was overthinking it. In rehearsals, Alicia prompted them to sing an Aretha Franklin version, and all of a sudden, all the nerves and overthinking were out the window, and it was an amazing soulful jam session. They brought that same unstoppable energy to their battle, though it wasn’t really a duet until the very end. It was a tough choice, but Pharrell named Luke as the winner. Blake and Gwen both hit their buttons to steal Griffin, and Griffin chose Blake.
The Voice battles continue Tuesday night at 8 p.m. on NBC.
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