The Voice 21 Top 11: Dark Horse Hailey Mia Closes with Emotional “Elastic Heart”
On a night full of fan choices for The Voice 21 Top 11 fan week, all of the so-called “fans” didn’t necessarily get it right (Read our Recap). Some singers managed to do their best with what viewers gave to them. However, Sia’s “Elastic Heart” was an excellent pick for 14-year-old, high-school freshman, Hailey Mia. She didn’t necessarily breathe fresh air into an overdone The Voice song like Gymani did with “Diamonds.” But this vocal was my favorite of the night. Hailey did make minor changes to the arrangement, but most of those were just to allow her vocal to truly come through.
Out of all the rehearsal clips, Hailey was one that wowed, even if it was just a few lines that we got to hear. It impressed her coach Kelly Clarkson t00, She called “Elastic Heart” Mia’s best song yet. Hailey explained that she wanted to strip the song down to let the emotion really come through. Kelly suggested having a cellist play alongside her. The addition led to a stunning performance.
Hailey’s opening displayed her light and airy head voice. She was stronger than ever, using certain breaks in her voice to display emotion and pain while maintaining control. Her tone was on another level during this performance. It was one of the best performances of the season and was for sure Hailey’s personal best. She performs with such confidence and has consistently been one of the best singers during the live rounds. She has only grown since she won the wildcard spot during the Playoffs.
Kelly believes Mia could go far
Blake Shelton noted the power of the performance and how the emotions came through. Hailey continues to stun her own coach. Kelly called her a dark horse and said that if she continues to improve like she has been, she could be in the finale.
“Elastic Heart” was up there with my favorite renditions of this song from The Voice. I have enjoyed many versions. For instance, season 10’s Hannah Huston and Maya Smith’s Battle, Season 14’s Christiana Danielle’s Knockout, and Season 17’s Kyndal Inskeep’s Knockout. Kelly correctly calls Hailey a dark horse. Her momentum will carry her through this round and probably to the semifinals as well.
I am a big fan and hope that I am right.
