The live playoffs are underway on The Voice and that means a whole new level of pressure on the contestants who have made it this far.
Who has what it takes to survive?
With live performances that viewers could vote on in real time, the stakes are higher than ever for the 24 – soon to be 12 – stars remaining.
Augmenting the ever-changing format, Alicia Keys, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani each bring back a “comeback artist.”
Last night, Team Alicia and Team Blake performed, with Shelton bringing back Felicia Temple and Keys bringing back Jack Cassidy.
Casi Joy from Team Blake sang “Parachute” by Chris Stapleton, an energetic and spirited country performance that was well received.
Shelton’s comeback artist Temple was next, singing “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked, an ambitious and theatrical selection.
Keys, Temple’s former coach, was a fan, while Blake said that she “just killed it.” Would that be enough for her to move on, however?
Aaliyah Rose, also of Team Blake, sang “Brass in Pocket” by The Pretenders, which he said was the 14-year-old’s best effort to date.
TSoul went next, taking on the song “Knock on Wood” by Eddie Floyd, drawing comparisons to Bruno Mars with his energy and artistry.
Blake’s 15-year-old protege Aliyah Moulden sang “Mercy” by Duffy, showcasing what Shelton called true star potential Monday night.
Lauren Duski closed out the Team Blake set with “Someone Else’s Star,” with Blake predicting a wave of support from country supporters.
For Team Alicia, Chris Blue got the performances going with Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain,” a modern track with a throwback sound.
Without a doubt, it was one of the strongest performances of the night, even more so than Anatalia Villaranda’s rendition of “Stand by Me.”
When you overshadow other talented singers, such as Cassidy, Keys’ comeback artist, that’s the mark of true greatness at this stage.
For Cassidy’s part, his take on “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John was good, but not on a separate plane like Blue’s.
Vanessa Ferguson was up next, performing “Lean On” and turning in the most innovative effort of the night, proving herself so unique.
Also trying to combine genres, Ashley Levin chose “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” turning in a solid country-soul performance of a tough track.
Last but not least, Stephanie Rice sang “Every Breath You Take” by The Police, while playing keyboard in an arrangement she put together.
Then it was time for The Voice results …
For Team Blake: Duski and Moulden advanced through to the top 12 in real time voting, with Shelton choosing TSoul to join the pair.
Rose, Joy and Temple are out.
For Team Alicia: Blue and Ferguson got the nod via America’s votes, while Keys selected Rice to join them in next week’s top 12.
Levin, Cassidy and Villaranda are out, and Team Gwen and Team Adam bring their best and brightest to the stage this evening.