The Voice 29 Semi-Finals Top 9 Recap (VIDEO)
The Voice 29 Battle of Champions presents an all new format for the new season. Veteran coaches Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend are back to win it all.
Believe it or not, it’s already time for the finale! The Top 9 will compete tonight (April 13) for a Top 4 competing for the win airing Tuesday April 14. Remember, the entire season has been taped ahead. No voting on this special truncated season. The studio audience will choose the four singers who will move on to Tuesday’s Grand Finale. The audience includes Super Fans and a slew of The Voice alums.
Kelly will advance TWO singers into the finale after winning the All-Star Competition with her two team members Girl Named Tom and Jake Hoot.
Sports guy Jimmy Butler is on hand to…I’m not actually sure. Oh, I guess he’s introducing the three judges.
KJ Willis – Team Legend – Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder
“You were built to sing Stevie,” says John. He suggests a big ad lib at the end of the song. We got dancers now. KJ is a dark horse in the competition. He came alive in the Knockouts, and he’s also delivering a dynamic and soulful performance here.
Adam notes his growth throughout the season. “That’s one hell of a start,” says Kelly. “Well done.” John says, “We can just feel the spirit in you. America is seeing you blossom.”
Mikenley Brown – Team Kelly – I’m Not the Only One by Sam Smith
Kelly obviously has a soft spot for the quirky Mikenley (her Knockout performance had pitchy moments). The singer is only 20 years old. Kelly suggests that she cut back on the runs. The young singer delivers a raspy vocal, seamlessly transitioning between her chest and head voice. The performance is full of feeling.
John calls it “easily your best performance.” He adds, “I think you might have snuck up on people. Adam agrees pretty much with John. He loves her head voice. Kelly says, “I buy it from you. I love that you held back on some of the runs.”
Jeremy Keith – Team Adam – Whip Appeal by Babyface
Jeremy met Babyface at an event. He inspired him to move to Los Angeles. The singer used to be a background singer and had to learn to stand out. Jeremy delivers a smooth and sexy vocal, but then brings it up several notches to finish. He looks sharp in a white suit.
“You make it look so easy,” Kelly gushes. “You have so many gears. You’re so humble about it. Effortless.” John calls it his favorite performance from John, “You were smooth and perfect, growled and passionate at the end.” Adam felt he got out of his head, finally. “I just love that we finally got to this place. I’m so proud of you dude.”
Syd Millevoi – Team Legend – Into You by Ariana Grande
John and Syd work on her ability to connect to the song she sings. She’s got big pipes, but doesn’t always allow for vulnerability. The arrangement will be stripped down for Syd. The singer performs with an effortlessly big voice; Her wide-ish vibrato and lovely tone shine through here. A big ballad allows Syd to inject the song with feeling. She lets loose with the big notes at the end.
Adam says, “You’ve got range girl.” He feels she stayed in the moment. Kelly is still mad her team was full when Syd auditioned. “You have such a gift.” John loved how she embraced the energy of the song.
Jared Shoemaker – Team Adam – Soulshine by The Allman Brothers
Jared calls Southern rock his “bread and butter.” Adam gives Jared suggestions on how to phrase the song and find confidence in the lower notes. Jared did choose the perfect song for his smooth soulful rock voice. He delivers the big notes like a male diva.
Kelly says “We got to see you in a different light tonight. Great job.” John calls the performance compelling. Adam calls Jared a “star.” He calls him “iconic.” He adds, “I’m very proud of you.”
Liv Ciara – Team Kelly – Flashdance..What a Feeling by Irene Cara
The 16 year old is in the semi-final after not getting a chair turn in season 28. Mom introduced Liv to the song. She found the piano driven arrangement online. Kelly tears up after Liv’s rehearsal performance. Liv starts the song acapella. Always a great competition show move when it works, which it does here. Her rendition is lovely, ending with a few showstopping notes. Kelly calls the original song “cheesy” which it is! A classic though.
John says, “That was like a superstar performance. Beautiful job.” Adam is sad she is not on his team. He thinks she could win. Kelly admits she had nothing to do with the performance. She calls Liv a “great producer.”
Alexia Jayy – Team Adam – I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) by Aretha Franklin
Alexia is a little nervous to tackle Aretha. But Adam calls her “spectacular.” He has no notes for her during rehearsal, she’s that perfect. Adam could win this show with Alexia. She is indeed spectacular as she belts out this classic. Incredible ad libs and growls punctuate her compelling delivery.
Kelly says she loves the original so much, she doesn’t care for covers, but Alexia is the exception, “You can sing it every damn day.” John says, “You exude so much creative and powerful energy. You are an artist’s artist.” Adam feels like a superfan. “I feel really lucky to be your coach.”
JW Griffin – Team Kelly – Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground by Willie Nelson
Kelly believes JW chose the perfect song. She sings along with him. She suggests he emphasize his vibrato. JW is really more of an Americana singer than mainstream country. His song choices have been really great, including tonight. He’s also got great instincts when it comes to phrasing and vocal choices. He performs the mournful song with a palpable ache. He ends in his lovely falsetto.
John says, “It was really lovely…the intimacy. It was so enjoyable to listen to.” Adam can’t wait until he makes a record. Kelly says, “There is something so true and raw.” Kelly wants to work with him after the show.
Lucas West – Team Legend – Maybe I’m Amazed by Paul McCartney
John feels Lucas has a good shot to be in the finale. The artist accompanies himself playing piano. He’s a skilled keyboardist. The show ends with a real showstopper. It’s one of McCartney’s great solo songs. Lucas adds all the soul and passion of the original and maybe even a little more! The instruments drop out at one point allowing Lucas to interact with the audience, and it’s effective.
Adam notes how demanding the song is. “There is just something about your voice that is captivating.” He also notes his musicianship. Kelly thinks he could fill a stadium. “You are a great artist.” John calls Lucas the whole package. He notes his keyboard chops. “You really deliver.”
RESULTS
Now, the audience votes on their tablets: One for John and Adam, two for Kelly. First Team Adam takes the stage. Of course, Adam asks the artists a bunch of the usual dumb questions. And the audience chose…Alexia Jayy.
Next, it’s Team Legend. More dumb questions! Once again, no surprise. Team Legend’s finalist is Lucas West.
And the TWO artists advancing to the final are Liv Ciara and Mikenley Brown. WHAT? JW was ROBBED. I’m sorry. Also, NO country artists in the finale.
TOP 4
Alexia Jayy – Team Adam
Lucas West – Team Legend
Liv Ciara – Team Kelly
Mikenley Brown – Team Kelly
The Voice season 29 finale airs on NBC Tuesday, April 14 at 9 pm. It streams beginning next day on Peacock.
