In the last night of knockouts, the last of season 7’s contestants did their best to fight their way into the live shows, and one coach used the last steal.
Knockout Performances
Allisom Bray vs. Taylor Brashears
Team Blake’s Allison Bray and Taylor Brashears kicked off the night as week 2’s first knockout pairing. Blake paired them because they’re his two soulful singers, but there’s only room for one in the live shows. Allison chose the Dixie Chicks’ “Sin Wagon” because she felt it represented her as an artist. She struggled a bit looking comfortable on stage, but after Taylor Swift got her to take her giant shoes off, she did much better.
Taylor Brashears chose Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” to show Blake a softer, smokier side to her voice, though she struggled a little bit with pitch. In the battle, they both improved a lot on their rehearsals, but Blake chose Taylor to move on, because he felt she was a little more ready to move on to the lives.
Beth Spangler vs. Ryan Sill
Gwen paired contestants Beth Spangler and Ryan Sill, because she felt they both had a real sweetness to their voices, and shared a common thread of pop. Ryan chose Ne-Yo’s “Miss Independent” for his knockout performance because he liked that style of music. His rehearsal went great, but Gwen and Taylor wanted him to focus more on his stage presence, and making the girls scream.
Beth chose JoJo’s “Too Little Too Late” because she loves R&B, and wanted to show her sassy side. Taylor and Gwen talked her into lowering the key, so she would come across less shouty. In the battle, both artists used what they learned in rehearsals, but Ryan seemed a little more versatile, and his willing attitude won Gwen over.
Jean Kelley vs. Menlik Zergabachew
Jean Kelley and Menlik Zergabachew from Team Pharrell may not seem like a natural pairing, but Pharrell felt there was only room for one of them on his team in the live rounds. Menlik chose Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved,” which fit squarely in his wheelhouse. His biggest challenge would be for him to keep his eyes open and connect with the audience during his performance.
Jean chose Sia’s “Chandelier” because she likes to perform such “beautifully sad” and emotional songs. Her rehearsal performance almost left Taylor and Pharrell speechless, it was so perfect. It was much the same on the knockout stage, but Menlik and his swinging pendulum arms gave a really charming performance. Pharrell struggled more than he has before, but chose Jean as the winner, because he feels she has “the fire.”
Blessing Offor vs. Chris Jamison
Adam paired super talented vocalists Blessing Offor and Chris Jamison for his next knockout pairing. Chris chose the Otis Redding classic “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” because it’s a challenging song that would showcase every aspect of his voice. It was a perfect song for him, but Pharrell and Taylor suggested he not overuse his falsetto.
Blessing made the surprise choice of John Mayer’s “Your Body is a Wonderland” because he didn’t want to be so easily categorized as R&B. Adam didn’t seem thrilled with his song choice because it didn’t give Blessing much to play with. In the knockouts, Chris impressed in spite of performing a song that’s been performed to death, particularly on reality talent competitions. Blessing did well, but the song was nearly unrecognizable, and sucked dry of its sexiness. Unfortunately, Blessing’s risk didn’t pay off this time, and Adam chose Chris to go to the lives as part of Team Adam.
Grant Ganzer vs. Reagan James
Blake paired his two youngest contestants, Grant Ganzer and Reagan James, to see which one of them is further along, and ready for the live shows. Reagan chose Blu Cantrell’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style” because she wants to do R&B, and wanted to show Blake that side of her. She showed great instinct, but Taylor suggested she not do so many laps of the stage.
Grant chose One Republic’s “Apologize” to show off his lower register, which it did very well. He ran into some problems, however, with his falsetto. Blake cautioned him to make sure he’s actually hitting the notes. In their knockout performances, both singers sounded great, but Reagan completely trumped Grant in stage presence, as his nerves got the best of him. In the end, Blake chose Reagan to continue to the live rounds.
Anita Antoinette vs. Craig Wayne Boyd
Gwen put together the unlikely pairing of Anita Antoinette and Craig Wayne Boyd, because they’re both second chancers, after having gotten no chair turns last season, and losing in the battle rounds, respectively. Anita chose Magic’s “Rude” to bring out her reggae roots. She is such a charming performer already, but Gwen and Taylor suggested she add a little more punch, and a little more sexiness to her performance.
Craig walked into his rehearsal wearing a jacket so fringe-y it looked like it was alive. He chose The Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See” to show off his gospel roots. Taylor advised him to really take the audience to church, and put more oomph into his performance. Gwen took her chance to give him a makeover, and started with the Fringe Monster, and finished with cutting the hair. Gwen stuck with her reggae girl Anita, but Blake wasted no time in stealing Craig back onto his team.
Matt McAndrew
Team Adam’s Matt McAndrew beat Rebekah Samarin, and apparently did such a good job that they didn’t even show her performance. She’s the first ever contestant to get this far without having a single performance broadcast in its entirety. Awkward…
The Voice “Road to the Live Shows” recap special airs Tuesday night at 8 p.m. on NBC. The live shows kick off next Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m.