After weeks and weeks of blinds, battles, knockouts, playoffs and even some clip shows – and with just two weeks left until the big season 24 finale – The voice finally aired on Monday, with the top 12 semi-finalists made up of teams Reba, Legend, NiallIt is Gwen finally competing for America’s votes. It was an extremely competitive night, so much so that the host Carson Daly He said it already felt like the end. And then Carson exasperatedly declared: “As three people go home tomorrow? As will this happen?
Good question, Carson. Viewers won’t have it easy, especially since there’s a new rule in effect this season that only allows one vote per email address — meaning no more mass voting for multiple contestants at once. It also appears that team quotas will not be in effect, so Tuesday’s result could illustrate just how popular the current managers are – including the new manager Reba McEntire – are among Voice fans.
Let’s evaluate the dozens of performances from Monday and finally, for the first time this season, make some predictions.
Jacquie Roar (Team Reba), “Wildflowers and Wild Horses”
This “country rock diva” took on the current success of ubiquitous country it-girl Lainey Wilson, which was a risk. But she did it, giving Tanya Tucker/Gretchen Wilson/Miranda Lambert rebellious vibes with this fringe-flying, knee-dropping, hat-throwing, gauntlet-throwing tour de force. Reba called this number “fun” and Niall Horan was amazed that he had never seen Jacquie look so comfortable on stage before. It was the perfect opening for the show — but the problem with going first is that this is known in the reality TV world as the “death spot.” Hopefully Jacquie roared strong enough and loud enough that she wasn’t forgotten at the end of this performance-packed two-hour episode.
Nini Iris (Team Niall), “Lovesong”
“The American dream is real!” declared this dark pop diva, who was born in the country of Georgia, as she celebrated her achievement of American citizenship by appearing on one of the most popular TV shows in America. Nini sang a Cure classic, although it was obviously Adele’s intensely moving version. And she was serving all the drama and vocal acrobatics as she stood on a cube-shaped platform in a gothic dress surrounded by a string quartet. There was nothing subtle about this performance, and while I admitted her commitment and passion, I realized it was a bit much for some viewers. But Nini’s trainer Niall seemed confident in her star power, even half-joking, “And the Grammy goes to…” before declaring this effort “absolutely spectacular.”
Kara Tenae (Team Gwen), “Love”
Performing a Keyshia Cole ballad that happens to be guest mentor Chance the Rapper’s favorite song of all time, this ’90s/’00s R&B powerhouse was pure class, and she received a standing ovation from four of the panel. Kara was all elegance and ease, but her problem might be the opposite of Nini’s situation: she made it seem a little also easy. However, Gwen Stefani loved Kara’s natural and “pure” confidence, and John Legend pointed out that Keyshia’s song was harder than it looked and thought Kara “nailed it.”
Tanner Massey (Team Gwen), “Thank You Ma’am”
This was the first, and really only, big foul of the night. Fall Out Boy might be Tanner’s favorite band of all time, but he had to change the complicated, long-winded arrangement to make “Thnks fr th Mmrs.” work for his pop style, so it was a foolish choice. His vocals were strained and nowhere near Patrick Stump’s level, and his playing didn’t match the song. The result was tacky, unconvincing and completely lacking in boldness. Gwen admitted that she was worried, but thought Tanner did better than expected and she was still “rooting” for him. Meanwhile, Reba lightly praised Tanner for improving in “baby steps” throughout the season. I don’t think Tanner should have made the top 12 (I’m still mad that Gwen saved him instead of the more primetime-ready Lennon VanderDoes), and although he power move on to the next round based on his teen heartthrob appeal, this he must be the end of the road for him.
Lila Forde (Team Legend), “Closer to Good”
Doing the Indigo Girls classic that recently had a huge success Barbie At this moment, this captivating singer returned to the piano for the first time since her blind audition and gave an excellent performance. It lacks the fire and strength of the Indigos’ original, but their soft golden version swayed gently and was very relatable and authentic. Another standing ovation followed, as she fully redeemed herself from her previous awkward and off-putting James Taylor cover. Niall declared himself Lila’s “biggest fan, without a shadow of a doubt”, and John told her: “It felt like we were at your show. … You’re so special.”
Ruby Leigh (Team Reba), “You Lie”
Sixteen-year-old Ruby, who I think has a good chance of winning this season, sang a Reba song that Reba herself said was a “skinny sucker.” But this old soul somehow sang as if it were her own, as if she had personally experienced all the pain and heartbreak in those lyrics. A proud Reba was on the verge of tears, with a tissue balled up in her hand, as she proclaimed that Ruby “blows it out of the water.” Niall got “goosebumps” as he told Ruby: “That was special, the way you sold that story. It’s crazy how good you are.
Huntley (Team Niall), “With a little help from my friends”
Joe Cocker’s raucous, raucous version of the Beatles song was a genius choice for his gentle, jolly giant. And when Huntley gave that big rawk ‘n’ roll scream, which actually reminded me of Roger Daltrey’s climactic moment in the Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” it really felt like the finale — and like Huntley had just won the entire show. I believe he can win in two weeks, giving fellow leader Ruby some stiff competition. The usually quiet Carson was so impressed that he felt compelled to gasp, “You crushed What!” John said to Huntley: “I feel like you’re already a professional, playing in arenas.” And Niall even said that Joe Cocker would approve of this performance.
Azán (Team Legend), “Ex-Factor”
Doing The voice history by doing a Lauryn Hill song that Ms. Hill herself granted special permission to release for the show, Azán—the only Super-Saved contestant to actually make it to Live—delivered a VH1 Divas/BET Awards style performance that proved Lauryn made the right decision. Hopefully the song was recognizable enough for the average Voice viewers would appreciate it too, because this was moving, seductive, sexy, sultry, sultry… basically all the right “S” adjectives. “I just felt all – his passion, his emotion,” said John, who praised Azán’s “golden voice.”
Jordan Rainer (Team Reba) “Stranger in My House”
Jordan, a stylist who’s at her best making story songs, gave Tom Petty/country outlaw vibes in this theatrical showstopper from Ronnie Milsap. As always, she was a true original. Niall said she had a “gravitational pull as an artist”, and Reba called her a “star” who “demands attention – and gets it!” But I’m still worried that Jordan’s constant jokes and tendency to hide behind her big black hat and sunglasses not only make her seem like a novelty, but also create a disconnection/distancing from viewers – pushing them away rather than attract them. Jordan has always been the favorite among coaches, but it will be interesting to see how the votes turn out.
Mara Justine (Team Niall), “Losing Control”
This totally beastly Teddy Swims cover was my favorite performance of the night. It felt relevant, contemporary and oozing with freshness. With her beachy hair, sequin suit, sexiness in the camera’s eyes and complete command of the stage and her instrument, Mara was Super star in a category of its own, serving the reality of Nikka Costa and Florence Welch. “You deserve to go all the way,” Niall assured her, and I agreed.
Mac Royals (Team Legend), “I Can’t Make You Love Me”
I preferred D’Angelo’s sexier cover of Mac from last week, but the way he sang Bonnie Raitt’s bluesy ballad proved he can do anything. And I think this tender performance will connect with America at a crucial moment. Mac is, as John put it, a “masterclass” singer and an “elite talent” or, as the increasingly single-minded and enthusiastic Carson put it, a vocal “killer.”
BIAS (Team Gwen), “God will end you”
This McConaughey-esque “country soul preacher” performed at what is known as the coveted “pimp spot” and closed the show in his signature weirdo and loose, catchy style with a witty, fiery cover of Johnny Cash. BIAS actually reminded me of one of my favorites american idol alt-country mavericks Paul McDonald, shaggy-haired and Nudie-suited. He may not appeal to all viewers, and I can’t imagine him actually winning Season 24, but I think this quirky underdog will go further than expected. Like Jordan, he is original. Gwen called him the “purest person” she had ever met and advised him: “Keep being you!”
So now it’s prediction time. In the first live results show of Season 24, the top 12 runners-up will become the top nine, with eight contestants making it through to public voting and the remaining bottom four runners-up singing for the Instant Save. I think the at-risk contestants who should have their “Save Me” songs (hopefully chosen wisely) ready are Jacquie (just because she was first on Monday), Kara and Azán (because they could split the diva vote of 90s R&B), Nini, Tanner… and maybe even Jordan.
Who will prevail? Tune in Tuesday and find out.
Read more on Yahoo Entertainment:
Follow Lyndsey on Facebook, X, Instagram, Amazon
This article contains affiliate links; If you click this link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission.
