The Voice 24: Mara Justine and Claudia B’s Throwback Battle Results in an Instant Steal
The Voice Season 24 Battles are nearly over, and only John Legend and Niall Horan had steals left going into Tuesday night’s (Oct 31) episode. That means singers had to bring their “A” game to wow these two coaches. One Team Legend battle between 25-year-old Claudia B from Nashville and 21-year-old Mara Justine from Galloway, NJ, did just that, and it resulted in a steal to the end the night. (Read our Recap)
In their pre-performance package, we get a glimpse of their auditions. Claudia B sang a Michael Jackson song for her audition and says she picked John because she is attempting to “find her lane” after transitioning from a more pop-country sound to pop R&B. Mara and John remember her moment from auditions when they dueted on “All of Me” and John beat the other coaches out. Mara says, “it felt like I’ve known him for years” when she talks about why she chose John. Mara’s older siblings sing, and she now does local gigs where her family is always front and center and is very supportive. Mara talks about her mom’s recent diagnosis of breast cancer and how they found more tumors, saying “she gives me strength to move forward.” She wants to take her on a dream trip to Italy after the competition is over.
John chooses the classic Dusty Springfield hit “Son of a Preacher Man”
John picked “Son of a Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield for the two, explaining “it’s such a good crossover between soul and pop and rock.” Claudia jokes that the song is fitting considering that her fiancée is literally a son of a preacher. She got engaged in Paris months ago, revealing they will do a “little elopement” once the competition is over.
In rehearsal, John says Claudia’s voice is “a little more clear and a little more pop.” He describes Mara’s voice as “grittier” and calls her a “throwback.” John advises both singers not to “try too hard” as Dusty didn’t in the original. He also wants them to create a “back and forth” on the “yes he was” part of the song. John wants them to “vibe together” and “get into character.” He wants another coach to be “begging to steal” them.
Claudia’s voice sounds more confident than her audition. She has a smooth tone that’s very easy on the ears. Mara’s tone on the other hand contrasts to that as it is a bit gruff, and is full of surprises. Her type of rasp would shine on a Janis Joplin or Melissa Etheridge number. The artists’ contrasting tones result in pleasant harmonies. Claudia hits a jazzy scat towards the end with Mara showcasing a soaring falsetto to follow. I found Claudia’s vocal approach to be a bit more interesting, but Mara is the more interesting stage performer. She simply has more vocal firepower. Both sounded excellent here, but Mara likely has more to give in the competition.
John picks Mara, but Claudia is instantly stolen
Reba McEntire is in awe of their talent at their ages. She says Claudia gave an “unbelievable vocal [and] stage presence,” adding “Mara, your voice, your range, your attitude, you got in there and you were all tough about it”. She would lean towards Claudia as the winner. Niall says, “I haven’t heard that song sung that well in a while.” He calls Mara a “superstar,”, and tells Claudia, “you were able to have that much power and control whilst being yourself in the song.” He would lean towards picking Mara. Gwen Stefani believes Claudia has “a strong identity,” while Mara had a “star quality in her walk.” The thing she “can’t put her finger on” would make her lean towards Mara.
John notes the differences in their tones, calling Claudia’s voice “more pure.” But it’s Mara’s “edgy” vocals that lead him to pick her to go on to the Knockouts. Then, Niall instantly steals Claudia saying he “loves how pure Claudia’s voice is.”
This battle was the true stand out of the night. Mara seems to be someone who could go far on the show based on the reception she has gotten from the coaches. Because Claudia held her own, she has potential to have a dark horse run herself. Next week, starting Monday, the Battles wrap up and Knockouts start. It should be exciting to see which singers the coaches pick for their playoffs teams.
