The Voice 27 Knockouts: Conor James moves on to the Playoffs with “Forever Young”
The Voice Season 27 Knockouts wrapped on Monday night’s (April 14) edition with one last epic steal to give us a Top 20. It was no surprise that the steal came from the Team Adam Levine pairing featuring Conor James and Darius J. Adam’s team has been the strongest of the entire season (Read our Recap)
In the pair’s video package, Adam remarked, “Darius is going to make it through, he has to go up against the best” which he calls Conor. So, from the moment the two artists are paired, it seems obvious that Adam will pick Conor.
Conor chose “Forever Young” by Alphaville to perform, which he called “inherently iconic.” Adam described the song as challenging, adding that it’s a “sing it to the rafters song.” Conor noted that the synthesizers reminded him of the electronic music he produces himself, as a full-time producer who moved from Massachusetts to Los Angeles. In rehearsal, After Adam advised him to “soar a little more” as the original is bigger than what Conor was attempting with the song, the two made a few changes to the arrangement and instrumentation.
Conor opened the song with an easy going sound. He possesses a pleasant tone, and he places his runs strategically. He hit a few soaring notes, but the song did sit there a bit. The song choice holds him back–his previous performances were more entertaining. But either way, it’s evident that Conor is a talented vocalist and a worthy winner of the Knockout.
Kelsea Ballerini uses her steal
Michael Bublé loved Conor’s “control,” but noted that the song held him back somewhat. John Legend observed Conor has “consistently been one of the best vocalists on this show.” He wanted to feel more emotion from him, but nevertheless believes he could make the finale. He did find Darius to be more “compelling.” Conor “sang the crap out” of the song, said Adam.
Conor’s opponent, Darius J gave a fun performance of Estelle’s “American Boy” and even brought some comedic aspects to the stage which the coaches ate up. His phrasing really shined on the song too. Kelsea Ballerini called either singer going home “illegal,” so it’s no surprise when she steals Darius.
The other singer that shined on Monday’s night episode was Team Legend’s Renzo who displayed a pop-rock side of himself singing Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever.” Overall the Knockouts were underwhelming. Hopefully the upcoming Playoffs are stronger and the coaches make the right cuts from 5 to 2 on each of their teams as The Voice season 27 goes from a Top 20 to a Top 8.
