Team Usher took the stage to finish up The Voice season 6 playoff round, and finalize the top 12 contestants that will be moving on to the live shows next week.
The Performances
T.J. Wilkins
T.J. Wilkins chose “Tell Me Something Good” by Chaka Khan and Rufus for his playoff song, because it was written by Stevie Wonder, who’s one of T.J.’s musical heroes. In rehearsals, Usher told T.J. that he tends to imitate instruments, primarily the horns. He encouraged T.J. to inject his performance with more of a soulful essence. T.J’s playoff performance was, as Usher put it: “a really proud representation of [the] genre”. Shakira tried her hand at another American idiom this week, saying T.J.’s high note was his “ace under the sleeve.”
Melissa Jimenez
Melissa Jimenez has been performing with her father’s band, but she’s hoping The Voice will be her ticket to solo success. She chose Beyonce’s “Halo,” because it’s such an emotional song, and opted to do a stripped-down performance to really show off her vocals. In rehearsals, Usher advised her to round her tone, and to make sure she has enough breath. After her performance, all the coaches applauded her bravery, but didn’t seem blown away.
Stevie Jo
Stevie Jo may be from a rocker family, but he’s an R&B soul man at heart. He chose BB King’s “The Thrill Is Gone” for his playoff performance, because the song illustrates exactly the kind of artist he wants to be. Usher wanted him to make sure he put a lot of emotion into the song, because that’s what the song is all about. Stevie Jo’s performance was rough around the edges, but as Adam, who is the quickest to point out technical issues, said: “technical analysis goes out the window with the blues.” Blake, on the other hand, said watching Stevie Jo perform is “like watching him sneak up on a rabbit”…whatever that means.
Bria Kelly
18-year-old blues singer Bria Kelly chose The Rolling Stones classic “Wild Horses” for her playoff performance, and said she was excited to make Usher proud, make her hometown proud, and to go on to the live shows. Her passionate performance blew the coaches away, and had Adam lamenting the fact that she’s not on his team. Blake pointed out that her softer, lower register is just as beautiful as her oft-praised upper register.
Josh Kaufman
Josh Kaufman is a new addition to Team Usher, having been stolen in the last round of battles, and Josh was intent on showing his new coach what he has to offer. He chose Bruno Mars’ hit “It Will Rain,” which Usher felt was a tough song, but Josh had the voice to sing it. His performance was outstanding, and served as a dagger in the heart to Josh’s former coach Adam. All of the coaches praised Josh’s unique voice and effortless performance, and Usher praised Adam for helping him to coach Josh to this point.
The Results
Usher lamented the tough choice he would have to make throughout the show, and when the time came, said that while he has to make a decision, he makes it heavily. He first chose Bria Kelly, because she’s been a shining star from the very beginning, and has only grown more confident as a vocalist. He next chose Josh Kaufman, because he’s a hard-worker, and he feels there is more to him than we have seen thus far. And as his final contestant, Usher chose T.J. Wilkins, meaning the end of the road for Melissa Jimenez and Stevie Jo.
The Voice live shows begin next Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC, with another episode airing Tuesday at 8 p.m.