Courtesy of NBCJacob Elyachar
Staff Writer
@JacobElyachar
Tonight, the pressure was on for both Josh Kaufman and Kristen Merlin!
They represent the last members standing of both Team Usher and Team Shakira.
Did they deliver? Read on to find out!
Team Blake’s Sisaundra Lewis kicked off the night with paying homage to her mother’s energy: “River Deep, Mountain High.” I loved every minute of this performance! This was the first time this season that I felt I was watching a Grammy or Billboard award show performance. Sisaundra’s runs were amazing and I believe that Ms. Turner would be very, very proudof her!!!!
A++
Team Usher’s Josh Kaufman took a huge risk and performed Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” I still have fond memories of Allison Iraheta’s heartfelt cover of this song on American Idol six years ago. Josh delivered a velvety vocal performance. I loved the delivery and I think this is on par with Chris Mann’s ‘You Raise Me Up” and Will Champlin’s “At Last” as the best male vocal performances on The Voice.
A+
After Blake and his former contestant, Gwen Sebastian, debuted their new single: “My Eyes,” Kat Perkins took a huge risk and tackled a future coach’s song! Her rock interpretation of Daft Punk and Pharrell’s “Get Lucky” brought the house down. It was a great new flavor to an incredible dance hit. Take note, Jena Irene…this is how you rock a show!
A
Team Shakira’s last woman standing Kristen Merlin normally delivers exceptional performances. However, I did not connect with her while she sang Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck”. I thought there were some pitchy moments that could derail her trip to the Final Five.
C-
New coach Pharrell Williams debuted his new single: “Come Get It Bae.” While it was interesting to be transported to a PJ party, I wished Miley Cyrus had performed the song with him. It would have been interesting. Back to the performances, Team Adam’s Delvin Choice tackled R. Kelly’s classic “I Believe I Can Fly.” This was very cabaret! It lacked the traditional Devlin soul.
D+
Audra McLaughlin is one of the show’s strongest country vocalists! The Team Blake powerhouse has continued to grow leaps and bounds on this show and her performance of “Forgive” was another crucial (and successful) moment! I liked hearing her upper vocal register and she should perform some more tracks next week.
B+
New Voice family member Gwen Stefani added her spunk to tonight’s Live Shows. She performed her classic hit, “Hollaback Girl,” with fellow new coach Pharrell Williams joining her near the end of the song. I think Gwen and Pharrell are going to bring new energy and excitement to this show.
Despite battling allergies, Jake Worthington tackled “Hillbilly Deluxe.” While I give the Texas native props for tackling this Brooks and Dunn anthem under the weather, I thought it was not his best and I could not connect with him.
C-
Team Adam’s Christina Grimmie closed out the night. Last week, Christina was devastated to learn that her best friends (Bria Kelly and Tess Boyer) were eliminated. She put that behind her and channeled her feelings with Lil Wayne’s “How I Love.” It was a great way to end the round and I think it sealed her place in the Top Five.
B+
Tonight, THREE artists will be going home!
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