The Voice 28 Recap: Knockouts 4 Live Blog with Videos
The Voice season 28 Knockouts continue on to night 4 in an episode airing on Monday November 17. 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) to help out with performances. Plus a Mic Drop Button twist will allow each coach to select an artist to compete for America’s vote and a chance to perform at the Rose Bowl. The competition gets fierce–no more steals are saves in this round.
Cori Kennedy, Aaron Nichols – Team Reba
Reba put together two country singers, who she feels have very different styles. She believes they’d make a great duo. Working as a full time musician is not easy, Aaron remarks. “There’s no plan B,” he adds. Joe wishes there was more room to allow Aaron to show off his guitar skills. “Be in the room,” Joe advises Aaron. He wants to see his eyes. Reba added, “Let the song come through your eyes.” Cori has never played with a full band before The Voice. She wanted to rock out a little this time. Joe gave Cori tips on her phrasing.
Aaron Nichols – Hurricane by Band of Heathens (Reba’s Mic Drop)
Aaron is obviously the more experienced performer. He knows how to hold the stage. He took Reba and Joe’s advice, lifting his head to look at the audience as he performed. His grit and growl carry the day, alongside his assured guitar work.
Cori Kennedy – You & I by Lady Gaga
Cori probably decided on a pop song as a way to separate herself from Aaron. For someone who hasn’t performed with bands much, Cori is holding her own. She uses her whole body, as well as her voice to express herself. She’s good. It’s going to be a tough decision for Reba to make.
Michael calls them both incredible. He loves Aaron’s easy grit. Snoop praises Aaron’s control, and Cori’s spirit and confidence. Niall compares Cori to Stevie Nicks, but he would lean toward Aaron for his consistency. Reba picks Aaron, Cori is eliminated. And then Reba picks Aaron for her Mic Drop. Another good singer leaves the competition!
Mindy Miller, Carolina Rodriguez – Team Snoop
Snoop stole Carolina, whose song pick reminds her of her extremely supportive siblings. Both Snoop and Zac Brown are impressed with Carolina’s jazzy interpretation of “Love Song.” Zac gives her advice on her phrasing and choices. Mindy is dedicating her song to her grandparents, who helped her find her voice. Snoop advises Mindy not to do too much, vocally. Once again, Zac delivers very specific tips on how to phrase the song. “Less is more on your runs,” he advises Mindy.
Mindy Miller – In Color by Jamey Johnson
Mindy is 35 years old versus Carolina at a young 19. The years of experience shows in how the singer phrases the song, imbuing it with emotion. Her tone and wide vibrato are beautiful. Will Snoop advance a country singer over a singer (Carolina) who performs a style he prefers?
Carolina Rodriguez – Love Song by The Cure
Carolina delivers a slinky, subtle, jazzy version of The Cure classic. She wholey makes the song her own. Her phrasing is original and creative. She’s got major Sade vibes going on, except that she eventually opens up her voice dynamically. She’s got this (OR NOT!).
Niall calls Mindy “solid and consistent.” He is shocked by his former team member, Carolina, calling her performance “next level” and is impressed by how her arrangement made it “light and fluffy.” He’s biased toward Carolina, but feels both deserve to move on. After Reba compares Carolina’s arrangement to a James Bond theme, the singer confesses, “That is what I was going for!” She tells Mindy, “Jamey would be very proud.” Reba would go with Mindy. Carolina “really surprised” Michael. He compares her to Peggy Lee and Sara Vaughn (two singers Carolina may not know!). He would choose her. Holy cow! Snoop picks Mindy, Carolina is eliminated. After Carolina sang, I felt sure Snoop would advance her. Snoop appreciated Mindy’s maturity, he explains.
Jazz McKenzie, Teo Ramdel – Team Bublé
Michael describes Jazz and Teo as the biggest voices on his team. Jazz will perform the D’Angelo version of “Cruisin” (the Knockouts were taped over the summer before the iconic singer died in October). She sings the song at weddings and other functions. Zac compares Jazz to Mavis Staples. He gives her tips on maintaining breath control, including how to breath through her diaphragm! Teo is originally from Tijuana, Mexico. “Find your confidence” Zac tells him.
Teo Ramdel – It’s My Life by Bon Jovi
Teo presents a dramatic version of the 80s classic. He works the stage, utilizing a theatrical style that is perfect for the song. Ha ha. He bends down to the floor as he ends the chorus. He urges the crowd to clap. The presentation is somewhat cruise shippy, but he’s a solid singer.
Jazz McKenzie – Cruisin’ by Smokey Robinson
Jazz is smooth and NOT CORNY like Teo. Neither singer has much professional experience, but Jazz is the more polished and contemporary of the two. Her raspy tone is undeniably appealing. I’d pick her.
“That was a hell of a performance,” Snoop gushes over Teo. He loved the theatrics. “That’s superstar stuff right there.” He calls Jazz an exceptional vocalist and in an unusual move, picks Jazz. “You do Teo very well,” observes Niall. He calls Jazz, arguably, “the best singer on this show” and “effortless.” He adds, “You don’t even seem to be trying at all.” Reba calls Jazz “unbelievable.” About Jazz, Michael states, “God’s light radiates through you.” Unsurprisingly, Michael picks Jazz, Teo is eliminated. He believes that Jazz is a front runner.
The last hour of Knockouts airs next Monday on NBC, and streams on Peacock. The Playoffs begin December 1.
