The Voice 28 Recap: Playoffs 1 Live Blog with Videos
The Playoffs begin tonight, Monday Dec 1. For the first time in several seasons, viewers will have SOME say in which artists move on to the finale. Yes, it’s a ridiculously truncated season. According to NBC.com, here’s how the voting will work:
On the December 1 episode of the Playoffs, Team Reba McEntire and Team Michael Bublé will both perform, and those Coaches will each select a finalist, leaving six remaining Artists. That night, viewers can go to NBC.com/VoiceVote or use the Voice App to cast their vote for one of those six not-selected Artists to make it through to the Live Finale.
On the December 8 episode of the Playoffs, the same thing will happen with Team Snoop and Team Niall., giving us a total of six Artists in the Live Finale on December 15, Of course, as always, voters will decide who ultimately wins The Voice, which will be revealed the next evening, December 16.
Yeah, each coach can only choose ONE act to move to the finale. Two more from both nights will advanced based on viewer votes. Of course, talented singers WILL be left on the cutting room floor. Did I mention the season 28 format stinks? Well, it does.
Aaron Nichols – Team Reba – Beer Never Broke My Heart by Luke Combs
Aaron is Reba’s Mic Drop and the only singer left on her team with a family. His song choice is the first “party song” he’s performed on The Voice.
He’s a mumbly singer. I can’t understand a single word. At this point in the competition, with so much at stake, it’s probably better to stick to ballads. But he’s delivering a reasonable rendition of the country rocker. The song should have included a little guitar solo. The guy can play.
Snoop calls Aaron “cold as an icicle” and that he performed like a “superstar.” Reba felt he surpassed even his rehearsal performance.
Jazz McKenzie – Team Bublé – Don’t Stop Believing by Journey
Michael calls Jazz the best technical singer on the show.
Jazz performs a churchy rendition of the song–kicking off with organ accompaniment only. Then, a reggae beat comes in. It’s a surprising musical turn. Her raspy voice is compelling and effortless.
Niall remarks that there is “zero” that she can’t do, calling her a “ridiculous” singer and “on a different planet.” He threatens to end his friendship with Michael if he does not advance her to the finals.
Ryan Mitchell – Team Reba – Undressed by Somber.
Indie rocker Ryan is the recipient of host Carson Daly’s “Carson Callback” card which allowed him to save a no-turn contestant. Ryan apparently chose his own song, which is a good thing.
I like Ryan A LOT, but his is probably the end of the road for him. There is something so appealing about Ryan–his sweet tone and earnest phrasing coupled with a likeable personality has me wishing the season was longer.
Niall felt like he was at Ryan’s show.
Trinity – Team Bublé – Barracuda by Heart
Trinity was a 4-chair turn. Reba tried to steal her in the Battles, but she decided to stay with Michael. This time, Trinity has the opportunity to show off her rock side by singing a Heart classic.
Another singer taking a big risk at a pivotal point of the competition. Good thing she’s as capable a singer performing rock music as she is singing R&B. She belts out Nancy Wilson’s high notes like it’s the easiest thing in the world. Sensational.
Snoop marvels at her ability to sing many genres. Michael reveals that Trinity chose the song.
Aubrey Nicole – Team Reba – Black Velvet by Alannah Myles
Aubrey, a one chair turn, sang a song about helping a loved one with cancer that touched Reba’s heart and prompted her to acknowledge the untimely death of her step son Brandon Blackstock.
This song used to be a staple of singing show contestants back in the aughts and teens. Not so much anymore. As a song choice, it’s on the boring side, but she brings her best vocals to the performance.
Niall praises her last two performances “She’s special,” he says. Reba calls her “the perfect package.”
Rob Cole – Team Bublé – I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack
Rob was a previous no-chair turn. He dreamed he sang his song choice before Michael assigned it to him. He feels it was meant to be.
Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, Rob delivers a pretty and emotional version of the song.
The performance touched Reba’s heart. “I’m over here sweet on you, Rob,” says Snoop, who wants to make a record with him.
Peyton Kyle – Team Reba – Hold Back the River by James Bay
Peyton calls his The Voice experience the best summer camp experience, ever. Remember , the show was shot months ago!
OK, THIS is the type of song to sing at a critical time of the competition. The number is an emotional ballad that features anthemic qualities. It allows Peyton to deliver a big, big performance. He’s an interesting singer. I wonder what he could bring to the final?
Snoop loved the way Peyton shaped the arrangement. “You’ve got what it takes,” Reba says.
Max Chambers – Team Bublé – A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
Max is only 14 and has starred as young Michael in the Michael Jackson musical.
The young singer performs a real showstopper. He’s good–for his age. In a few years he’ll be phenomenal. I’d love for one of the older singers to get Michael’s nod. He’s also Michael’s Mic Drop pick.
Snoop needs to gather himself. “That’s the winner of The Voice,” he says.
RESULTS
Team Bublé picks Jazz McKenzie to compete in the final! OK then. Better choice than young Max. He has plenty of time ahead of him to develop his gifts. Team Reba picks Aubrey Nicole. Argh. She should have chosen Peyton.
Aaron Nichols, Ryan Mitchell, Peyton Kyle, Trinity, Rob Cole and Max Chambers are up for ONE spot. Viewers can vote until Friday morning, November 5, at NBC.com or on The Voice official app.
Trinity and Peyton are the two singers worthy to move on to the final.
