Raquel Trinidad and Hailey Mia Take the Battles to the “Car Wash”
The second and final week of The Voice Season 21 Battles began Monday night with performances that were a bit lackluster. Last week’s Battles started with a bang, but bad song choices and average vocals have stifled the past two episodes.
The highlights of tonight were Jack Rogan vs. Sabrina Dias from Team John Legend and Raquel Trinidad vs. Hailey Mia from Team Ariana Grande. Wendy Moten also did a solid job even if I disliked the song choice, “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” by Sting (Read our Recap).
Raquel made the American Idol season 17 Top 24
Raquel made the American Idol Season 17 Top 24 back in 2019. It is interesting to see growth from both her and fellow American Idol alum Jeremy Rosado. Especially Jeremy who was on Idol almost a decade ago–Season 11 in 2012.
The sassy and fun Raquel took on 13-year-old standout Hailey for a battle of “Car Wash” by Rose Royce, in the style of Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott. In the rehearsal package, Ariana and celebrity advisor Kristin Chenoweth noted how fun Raquel is. Ariana compared Hailey’s tone to the late Amy Winehouse. Raquel’s humility shined through in the video package as she cheered Hailey on. She even gave up a showoff part to Hailey, so she could have a moment. I knew this was going to be a solid battle when Kristin threw her shoe at the pair.
This version of the song was a bit odd for the two singers. The original would have worked better for Raquel in particular, who has a retro vibe. At times she brought more energy and originality to the song. But Hailey was overall the better singer, especially when she went for the belting notes. The singers were trying to imitate Christina’s soulful rasp and excessive runs which led to them sounding slightly mumbly at times. Both singers did showcase a lot of potential.
John noted how fun the song choice was, and said that they “lit it up in here.” He couldn’t believe Hailey was 13. He told Raquel that she was full of color, and thought she won the battle. Kelly Clarkson said that she loves Raquel’s vibe. However, calling the young singer “gifted,” Kelly said that Hailey surprised her. She believes there is a “path for both on the show.” Blake Shelton observed how good Hailey is at a young age, but also thinks that her coach can “perfect change.” On the other hand, Blake believes that Raquel is “ready, right now.”
Ariana relieved after Kelly stole the Battle loser
Ariana loves both singers, noting how she challenged Hailey, before picking Raquel as the winner. Kelly immediately steals Hailey with Ariana exclaiming, “Thank God.” Kelly said she wasn’t expecting to use her steal on her, but she decided to after noticing how gifted she was.
I hope Hailey returns to her pop roots for the Knockouts and that Raquel picks a song that resonates with the audience more. I know she loves retro music, but I think flipping a current song might be a good idea for her in the future.
