The Voice 28 Recap: Knockouts 2 Live Blog with Videos
The Voice season 28 Knockouts continue on the episode airing on Monday November 4. Each of the coaches–Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan and Snoop Dogg will partner with two new mega-mentors–Zac Brown (Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé) and Joe Walsh (Niall Horan, Reba McEntire) –plus a Mic Drop Button twist in which each coach selects an artist to compete for America’s vote and a chance to perform at the Rose Bowl.
Programming note: The Voice 28 is down to ONE HOUR A WEEK on Mondays at 9 pm ET/PT for the time being!
The show opens with a Wicked promotion featuring Bowen Yang from SNL auditioning…badly.
Toni Lorene, Natalia Albertini – Team Snoop
Snoop saved Natalia in the Battles. Toni and Zac Brown wear similar hats for rehearsal! Natalie picked her song to fit her R&B vibe. Snoop suggests that Natalia get more comfortable with her song and make it her own. Zac advises her to drop some of her runs. Toni struggles with confidence sometimes. Zac suggests Toni rehearse more so the song is second nature to her. Snoop advises her to go “full on Patti” on the last notes.
Toni Lorene – Lady Marmalade by LaBelle
The singer does not bring anything new to her interpretation of this classic tune, but she sure can sing. Her vocal includes big notes and impressive runs, in addition to swag and confidence.
Natalia Albertini – I Wish by Stevie Wonder
Natalia presents the song with a stylized, jazzy sound. And while Toni’s vocals are more powerful, Natalia brings more originality to her rendition. Her voice is smooth, slinky and soulful. I’d pick her.
Reba calls Natalia’s vocal “spectacular” and she compliments her outfit. She compliments Toni’s range. Reba would go with Natalia, however. “You just came to life the minute the song started,” Niall says. He calls Toni a machine. He’d pick her. Michael loves Toni’s smile. He’d lean towards her. Snoop consults the “gangster God” before making his decision. Snoop picks Toni, Natalia is eliminated. That Snoop would pick the showiest vocalist of the two is not surprising.
Aiden Ross, Liam Von Elbe – Team Niall
Aiden and Liam have become good friends over the course of the competition. Of course, one will DEFINITELY go home. NBC previewed this Knockout a few days ago. Niall deliberately paired up his two male pop singers together. Aiden knows he is good at delivering emotional songs, which is how he made his song choice. After he finishes singing in rehearsal, Niall and mega mentor Joe Walsh are speechless, Niall compares the singer to Shawn Mendes. Singing in a a’cappella group has helped Aiden get comfortable on stage. Liam works as a monitor engineer for big recording acts. He knows how to handle his microphone! Niall suggests Liam open his eyes more.
Aiden Ross – before the party’s over by Billie Eilish
Aiden delivers ANOTHER incredible and emotional performance. His runs, phrasing and dynamics are all deliberately and carefully chosen. His high range is heavenly. He could possibly sound TOO controlled, his performances are so carefully crafted. But the emotion shines through regardless. It’s all good. He could win the show. Poor Liam is toast and probably knows it.
Liam Von Elbe – Over My Head (Cable Car) by The Fray
Again, poor Liam. His emotional and moving performance would probably win the day matched up against most other The Voice artists. But Liam is competing against a singer who could absolutely win the show. Good for him going out on a high note.
Reba calls the pairing “entertaining” and Liam’s vocal great. She compliments Aiden’s range. Michael threw his pen at Niall “I threw it in anger and a little bit of jealousy. Snoop is impressed with Liam’s growth. But he believes Aiden could win the whole thing. And of course, Niall picks Aiden, Liam is eliminated. He calls Aiden “the real deal.”
Next! Michael Bublé is the first coach to hit their “Mic Drop” which gives an artist the opportunity to compete for America’s vote and performance spot in the Rose Bowl Parade.
Max Cooper III, Max Chambers (Mic Drop Winner!) – Team Bublé
The two Maxs call themselves “Max squared” and seem to be buddies. Max III admits he’s nervous about hitting a few high notes. Is young Max nervous? “Not really.” Consider he played young MJ on Broadway. The 14 year old is already a pro. Max III is a duelling pianist in Kansas. Mike suggests that young Max perform in front of a mirror after he rehearses his tricky Stevie Wonder pick. Zac suggests the band not play too loud for Max III’s song, which is a ballad.
Max Cooper III – End of Beginning by Djo
Max loses his quirkiness to perform a sweet ballad. The performance is not as engaging as his upbeat songs. It’s kind of boring, actually. However, his piano playing is impressive, and the performance did have a few sweet moments.
Max Chambers – Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder
Wow. Max begins his performance a’cappella. He really is a pro. Still, he sounds so young, like he’s got much more growing to do before coming into his own. Eventually, the song goes upbeat and Max brings a little funk to the stage. Stevie songs are notoriously hard to sing. He’s navigating the tricky stuff impressively. Max III is dunzo.
“This is power to the max,” Snoop gushes. He calls Max Cooper an exceptional vocalist. “You did you.” And as far as Max Chambers is concerned, he simply states, “A star is born.” He finishes, “I’d pick Max!” Niall calls what Max Cooper does “so different than anybody else on the show.” He adds, “Chambers, it’s in your bones to be on stage. You keep taking it to another level.” Reba was stunned that Chambers would pick such a difficult song to sing.” Reba would choose him. Michael picks Max Chambers Max Cooper is eliminated. Michael believes Chambers can win, so he picks him as his mic drop. Snoop believes he could win too.
