Season 8’s battle rounds continued tonight with some evenly-matched fights, and lots and lots of steals.
Lots of blind audition favorites took the stage tonight, and the coaches were given the tough job of choosing between them. Luckily, the coaches are able to steal eliminated contestants, a fact that came in quite handy in this second night of battles.
Battles
Anthony Riley vs. Travis Ewing
Anthony Riley and Travis Ewing were paired by their coach Pharrell in order to showcase their dynamic, soulful voices. He chose the Temptations classic “Get Ready” for their battle performance, which stacked the deck in Anthony’s favor, since he’s already been performing the song for years. However, Travis felt this gave him the advantage, because he would work that much harder. Their battle did show that the song was more suited to Anthony, however, Travis fought him at every turn. Pharrell chose Anthony, but Blake was so impressed he hit his button to steal Travis.
Ameera Delandro vs. Sonic
Christina paired her two fiercest vocalists, Ameera Delandro and Sonic, because she felt they had the conviction to pull off Jessie J’s “Masterpiece.” And she was right. Though Sonic struggled a bit with the harmonies, as a result of her hearing loss, and Ameera struggled with nerves, both girls together created a real battle masterpiece. Ameera is a more emotional performer, but there’s something about Sonic that just shines. Blake felt both girls had equally “awesome singer hair,” but Christina chose Sonic to stick around on her team.
Hannah Kirby vs. Sarah Potenza
Blake paired his fierce rocker chicks Hannah Kirby and Sarah Potenza to take on The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter.” Sarah certainly had the power, and the only way Hannah could hope to match her would be by showing off her range. It was a true battle, as Sarah didn’t run away with it as expected, because Hannah was right there with her the entire time. Blake was thrilled, but chose Sarah, because there’s just something different about her. But Adam and Pharrell couldn’t wait to steal Hannah, and in spite of a flattering Stevie Nicks comparison from Adam, Hannah chose to join Team Pharrell.
Blaze Johnson vs. Michael Leier
Adam paired Blaze Johnson and Michael Leier to perform Magic’s “Rude,” (coincidentally Maroon 5’s opener on their V tour.) He chose the song because he felt it would suit both Blaze’s island vibe, and Michael’s soulfulness. In rehearsals, Michael struggled to harness the power in his voice, Blaze struggled to not overdo the island thing, and both struggled with nerves. Their performance was an improvement, but the coaches weren’t hugely impressed. Adam commended both performers, but chose Blaze to move forward.
Cody Wickline vs. Matt Snook
For his first country battle of the season, Blake paired newbie Cody Wickline and veteran Matt Snook. He thought Randy Houser’s “How Country Feels” was the best song for both of them. Matt felt he had the advantage over his younger competitor. Cody was a little too much in his own little world in rehearsals, staring off into the distance. But once he connected with his audience, he wooed both Meghan in rehearsals, and Christina in the battle. While both men sounded good, Blake trusted his gut and went with Cody.
Meghan Linsey vs. Paul Pfau
Pharrell paired country artist Meghan Linsey and crooner Paul Pfau, because regardless of what genre they started with, they’re both very soulful performers. He chose The Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down,” because it would be right in the wheelhouse for both of them. Pharrell and Lionel encouraged both artists to connect to the story behind the song, in order to keep all the “Don’t Let Me Downs” from getting boring and repetitive. Meghan struggled to engage with Paul, because she was feeling shy and afraid. But she turned it up for the battle, with she and Paul both proving why they ended up as part of Team Other. Pharrell chose Paul, but all three remaining coaches were ready to steal Meghan. She went with her old pal Blake, even though he didn’t turn for her in the blinds.
In battles not interesting enough to air in their entirety, Joe Tolo bested Gabriel Wolfchild to remain on Team Xtina, Team Adam’s Deanna Johnson beat Nicolette Moray, and Team Adam’s Josh Batstone was defeated by Nathan Hermida.
Tune in next Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m. on NBC as The Voice season 8 battles continue!