The top three contestants performed for America’s votes for the final time in the last live competitive performances of season 4. But the finalists weren’t the only ones to perform, as the top 16 contestants and the coaches took the stage as well.
It was an exciting night, as season 4’s three finalists performed three times, each trying to prove to America that they should follow in the footsteps of Javier Colon, Jermaine Paul, and Cassadee Pope as winner of The Voice. On the line is a contract with Universal Music Group, and bragging rights, of course. This looks like the first season where the finalists may actually see some post-show success, unlike previous years.
The eliminated coaches were sporting some different looks last night. Adam Levine seems to have grown out his sexy stubble into some sort of defeat beard, though it’s hard to tell whether it’s a look that works for him. Now that she’s got no horse left in this race, Shakira is excited to support the final three: by waving an “Okies” pennant for The Swon Brothers, wearing glasses for Michelle Chamuel, and a cowboy hat for Danielle Bradbery.
The four coaches kicked off the night with a performance of The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends,” and it really showcased the natural chemistry the group has cultivated over the season. They really seem to be enjoying one another, and supporting one another onstage. It was a great song choice, really showcasing everything each of these different artists brings to the table. Their chemistry will be missed when original judges Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green return in the fall.
Solo performances
The Swon Brothers
The Swon Brothers were the first of the top three to perform, and they decided to show off a different side of their vocals, with The Eagles’ “I Can’t Tell You Why.” This song utilized their as-yet-unheard falsettos, which they executed effortlessly, as their bag of tricks seems to grow larger and larger each week. While it was a good song choice to show off the falsetto, it was otherwise boring and unremarkable, and a little too “easy listening.”
Michelle Chamuel
Michelle Chamuel chose Annie Lennox’s “Why” to give her a chance to slow down and connect with the audience. In a compelling start to the performance, Michelle was once again singing into a mirror, a la her top eight performance of “Grenade,” only this time, there was a twist. It was a beautiful performance, and while there weren’t as many vocal fireworks as we’re used to from her other performances, she perfectly conveyed the song’s raw emotion.
Danielle Bradbery
Danielle Bradbery chose Sara Evans’ “Born To Fly” for her final solo performance to prove that she can sing uptempo songs as well, not just ballads. It was a solid performance, but fairly unremarkable. It was an odd choice to close out the show, as it was not the best performance of the night overall, or even Danielle’s best performance of the night.
Breakthrough performances
Usher and Blake chose their contestants’ defining moments in the competition, the ones that really caught the audience’s attention and made them stand out from the crowd. The contestants then reprised these performances, but with longer, full versions of the songs.
Blake chose Danielle Bradbery’s first live performance of Pam Tillis’ “Maybe It Was Memphis,” and The Swon Brothers’ performance of Kenny Loggins’ “Danny’s Song.” Usher chose Michelle Chamuel’s performance of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were In Trouble” for his contestant’s breakthrough performance.
All repeat performances were just as good as the originals, but Adam was so blown away by Danielle that he named her as the winner of the whole competition. We’ll find out tonight if his prediction is correct.
Contestant/Coach duets
Danielle Bradbery
Blake joined his contestant Danielle Bradbery onstage to perform Patty Loveless’s “Timber, I’m Falling In Love.” Their voices sounded perfect together, but it was a little creepy to see giant 37-year-old Blake singing about falling in love with tiny 16-year-old Danielle. Luckily, Danielle’s voice sounds well beyond her years, so it might be less creepy if your eyes are closed. The song was light-hearted and fun, and was the perfect choice for their duet.
The Swon Brothers
The Swon Brothers and Coach Blake took on Brad Paisley’s “Celebrity” in what turned out to be a very tongue-in-cheek performance. It’s the perfect song choice for their raucous boys club, but also an all-too-appropriate commentary on reality shows, celebrity foolishness, and trashy tabloids. The guys all had a lot of fun with it, and they sounded great together. It’s pretty clear that Blake will keep in touch with his fellow Oklahoma boys after the show.
Michelle Chamuel
Michelle Chamuel and her coach Usher took on U2’s anthem “One,” in what was a beautiful performance that really showed off the friendship the two have formed over the course of the competition. Michelle more than held her own with the R&B superstar, and their voices made for a great pairing. In a true show of support, Usher squatted along with Michelle during the big notes, proving that friends who squat together, stay together (and possibly win together?)
The top three finalists came together to perform Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros’ “Home.” It was a sweet song for the moment, and it was good to hear all of the contestants get their own solos, finally (coughColtoncough). And to make the moment even sweeter, the other top 16 contestants came out onstage to join the finalists, with each coach’s team getting to sing together as a foursome.
In addition to the guest performers already announced for tonight’s finale, Hunter Hayes and Bob Seger will also be joining the contestants.
Tune in to the special two-hour finale tonight at 8/7 to find out who will win The Voice season 4.