The Voice 25 Knockouts: Kamalei Kawa’a and Maddi Jane offer two very different performances for Team Chance
The Voice 25 Knockouts continue on Monday (April 15) as the coaches–John Legend, Reba McEntire, Chance the Rapper and Dan + Shay–pair team members to face off for a spot in the Playoffs.
In a new preview clip from NBC, Kamalei Kawa’a performs John Legend’s “All of Me” while Maddi Jane sings Dua Lipa’s “New Rules” for Team Chance. In the end, the coach will choose a winner. The loser will leave the competition, unless stolen by a fellow coach using their one steal.
Behind the scenes, the artists worked with their coach and mega-mentor Keith Urban to prepare for their performances.
Maddi took the stage first dancing and working the stage. She easily navigated the song’s tricky rhythms and breath requirements. She’s ready for the awards show stage. She ended the performance on a dramatic and defiant note. Kamalei followed, setting a different tone with an emotional performance of John Legend’s most enduring hit. He approached the song with a smooth, easy tone and lovely phrasing.
“That was two very different performances in the best kind of way,” said Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay. He complimented Kamalei for making the Legend song his own. He called Maddi’s high notes “ridiculous.” Her ability to dance and sing impressed him. Shay Moody said, “Chance has his hands full, because you both deserve to be here.”
John Legend thanked Kamalei for covering his song and teased, “I know I have a steal left!”
John, who is often critical of covers sung on the show, thanked Kamalei for performing “All of Me.” He said, “I was really into your version. It was beautiful. The whole demeanor with which you carried yourself with gratitude and your spirit–we feel that.” As far as Maddi was concerned, he liked that she picks songs that require a lot of breath control and rhythmic singing. He said, “You were really creative and artistic in finding ways to also show ‘hey I can sing too.'” John then teased, “I know I have a steal left!”
“Your voice makes me feel good,” said Reba. “Everytime I go to Hawaii, your people are so warm and welcoming, and you brought that.” Kamalei pointed out this his family is in the audience. She called Maddi a “force of nature” the “sassiness of it, the attitude.” She turned to Chance and said, “You’re on your own on this one!”
“Amazing performances,” said Chance. He noted that it’s hard to cover John because he has “such specific tone.” Kamalei said having a beautiful wife as inspiration made it easy. Chance complimented Maddi’s confidence and attitude, but added that she has the “vocal talent to back it up.”
Who will Chance declare the winner? And will John steal the loser? Tune into The Voice on NBC, Monday April 15 to find out. The show streams on Peacock the next day.
