Tonight on NBC, The Voice season 13 the Battle Rounds continue. The coaches pit team members against each other in epic duets. One singer survives, the other goes home. That is, unless a fellow coach steals the losing contestant. Each coach gets TWO steals.
Also, each coach has invited another superstar to help get their teams ready for battle. Adam Levine has brought on the newly engaged Joe Jonas to help out. Blake Shelton enlisted his buddies, the country group, Rascal Flatts. Jennifer Hudson asked Kelly Rowland to assist efforts to get her team in shape and Miley Cyrus turned to her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus to lend a hand.
The Voice Season 13 Song Spoilers: Battle Rounds 3 – What Will the Contestants Sing?
As always, host Carson Daly will “referee” it all. Join us here as we LIVE BLOG every performance.
Brandon Brown vs Jon Mero – Team Adam Levine – I Wish it Would Rain by Temptations. Jon is from a small Iowa town and performs in a corporate band. He was a four chair turn. Brandon is a violinist as well as a singer. Jon is a huge Joe Jonas fan! Adam gave them an old classic. Joe suggests NOT obsessing over the original version. Ah, but Joe, your average Voice viewer is an old person who won’t like too much deviation. Brandon is having trouble digging into the lyrics. It’s not a happy song, ya’ll. In the final rehearsal, Adam and Joe are pleased. Brandon is probably most improved, which makes Jon nervous.
Vocally, Jon is good. He’s got a punchy tone and stage presence. He’s a bit hokey though? Brandon has a sweet, soft voice. He’s easily overpowered here. The outcome of this battle is inevitable. Almost, as if it were set up that way. Jon does a couple of screechy runs that were totally unnecessary. Blake felt Brandon stepped up to the plate. But Jon is a “once in a lifetime vocalist.” Ha. Brandon is getting major kiss off treatment from the panel. Adam felt Brandon captured the spirit of the song. Nevertheless Adam picks Jon – Download at iTunes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6DJSt2xSKg
Sundance Head: “More, More, More”
Sundance Head covers the disco classic “More More More” for Target. Alrighty, then.
https://youtu.be/dQdjK3JaWKo
Red Marlow vs Ryan Scripps – Team Blake Shelton – Fishin’ in the Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Red starts out with the corny country metaphors right off the bat. “I’M AS COUNTRY AS CORNBREAD” he declares. Oy. Ryan played at the Opry last year. He considers himself a pop country artist. While Red, on the other hand, is traditional. Blake wants to concentrate on one or the other. Then he chooses the old school style “Fishin’ in the Dark” for the battle Another matchup that appears to have an inevitable outcome. The band tries to push Ryan out of his comfort zone. Red has a tendency to close his eyes when he sings. Ryan’s having some trouble staying in pocket. Red calls him a “worthy” opponent who knows how to work a stage.
The song requires personality, and Red has got plenty of it. But in those harmonies? Ryan’s vocals really pop. He’s got the better voice. Red has got no range, while Ryan’s intonation is solid. Jennifer calls Ryan “laid back” which is a nice way to say “boring.” Blake unsurprisingly picks Red. “He’s an entertainer, you can’t not like the guy,” says Blake. – Download at iTunes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcXTALA7k0I
Addison Agen vs Karli Webster – Team Miley Cyrus – Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper – Karli is studying music at USC. Adam REALLY wanted her on his team. Sixteen year old Addison’s dad owns a record store. They both love old music. Billy says he would have never thought of slowing down this song. Jeez. Miley works hard with both of them. Billy does his usual thing–sitting by his daughter like a useless lump. Miley is torn, she doesn’t want to lose either singer
It’s no wonder NBC used this duet as a preview. It’s terrific. Addison is a standout, in particular. Her tone and style are so unique. The duo sound gorgeous together. Karli has a pretty and pure tone, if not as unique as Addison. Blake would choose Addison. Adam felt they sang together too much. Miley Picks Karli Well. That’s an interesting choice. Miley is attracted to her mini-me hippie girl style, probably. But then Jennifer and Adam Steal Addison. JHud wants to keep the girl power going. Adam reminds her that HE turned for her in the blinds. Jennifer throws out the “I was on a singing show once” card. Nevertheless, Addison chooses Adam. – Download at iTunes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXQHgzY1Gi0
MONTAGES!
Anna Catherine DeHart vs Kristi Hoopes – Team Blake Shelton – Independence Day by Martina McBride – Blake Picks Anna Catherine Download at iTunes
Alexandra Joyce vs Jeremiah Miller – Team Jennifer Hudson – One Call Away by Charlie Puth – Jennifer Picks Jeremiah – Download at iTunes
Emily Luther vs Gary Carpentier – Team Adam Levine – Send My Love (To Your New Lover) by Adele – Adam Picks Emily – Download at iTunes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG2gjujWmuU
Shi’Ann Jones vs Stephan Marcellus – Team Jennifer Hudson – Oh Darlin’ by the Beatles – Shi’Ann comes from a large family and tough economic circumstances. Stephan forgot the words to his song during the blinds, recovered and got a turn from Jennifer. Stephan is totally starstruck by Kelly. Shi’ann is really really nervous. She’s only 15. Jennifer wants Shi’Ann to explore her range rather than throwing out random mid-range runs. Stephan, on the other hand, has NO trouble exploring his range. Still, he feels like the underdog in this battle.
Shi’Ann’s voice is so DEEP. There’s a unique sound there and the potential for greatness. But she’s just this side of underbaked. Stephan is a tenor, and his upper register is strong and assured. You get the sense he knows himself. Other than a few pitch problems, he’s the better singer here. Shi’Ann just needs a few more years. Though she does pull off a couple of spectacular lines. Adam calls it close to a tie. If he had to pick–Stephan. Miley could feel Stephan’s lyrics. She’d like to see him on the show a little longer. Blake thinks Shi’Ann could win the show. No, she can’t, Blake. Jennifer would love to keep them both, Ohh, Results after the break. Jennifer Picks Shi’Ann. Jennifer thinks of her as a mini-me with potential. And then at the VERY last minute, Miley Steals Stephan. BYEEE ALL GIRL TEAM- Download at iTunes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl7A3Ta8VDU
Anthony Alexander vs Michael Kight – Team Adam Levine – I Feel it Coming by The Weeknd – Anthony’s dad was a camera operator on The Voice. He’s visited the set many times. Michael impressed Adam with a cover of his song “Sugar” during his blind audition. Anthony is only 17. Micheal, an arranger and producer in Nashville, has the experience. However, Adam believes they can help each other.
Just like the prior battle, Anthony’s got a ton of potential. A gorgeous upper register! But Michael’s maturity and confidence cuts through. He’s got a radio ready voice. I’d pick him. Blake felt it was a good song choice. Anthony had pitch problems (yep) He’d go with Michael. Jennifer loves Anthony’s voice. Miley would choose Anthony. She didn’t see a difference between the two maturity wise. No. Blake is right! Michael’s got it going on. Anthony needs more time. That was obvious. Adam Picks Anthony. WTH. Wrong choice. I guess Adam would be bored working with a polished clone. – Download at iTunes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ppvl67BXP9o
Janice Freeman vs Katrina Ross – Team Miley Cyrus – W.O.M.A.N by Etta James – Miley and Billy sing a bit of”Sweet Home Alabama” before they get started. Miley says Dad gives the best advice. To her maybe? Both Janice and Katrina are in their 30s. Janice is a cervical cancer survivor. A single mother of one, she can’t have more children. Katrina is a kickboxing instructor. But years ago she was cast in Hairspray on Broadway. Oh. She’s a bit of a plant. Billy compares both singers to Janis Joplin. Janice gets teary speaking about what a caring coach Miley is. Actually, her vocal coaching is very specific. Oh. Katrina is teary too. Billy, ever the cheerleader, comforts Katrina telling her she’s beautiful and powerful. Miley suggests that Katrina dial it back in spots, while Janice needs more moments.
Both of these woman are powerhouse singers. Katrina soars in her upper register, while Janice is amazing no matter where her range takes her. Janice is the more effortless of the two. Katrina is trying a wee bit too hard in spots. Oh. Katrina lost a bangle. Blake calls Janice “world class.” Blake wonders if Katrina has ever pulled a muscle while she sings. He was impressed with how wrapped up she was in her performance. Miley says that was Katrina reeled in. Yikes. Miley Picked Janice. I would have chosen her too. At the VERY last minute Jennifer Steals Katrina. Two queens of over singing. Ha.- Download at iTunes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDw9uJ52sXg
I disagreed with most picks tonight. Particularly in Shi’Ann vs Stephan and Anthony vs Michael, I would have chosen the the more seasoned talent (Stephan and Michael) over the green teens (Shi’Ann and Anthony). You know those kiddos are likely going to flame out if they make the live shows. I thought Michael, in particular, was ROBBED.
Tomorrow, it’s the last of the Battles. Blake Shelton has the remaining steal.
Advancing to the Knockouts
Jon Mero
Red Marlow
Karli Webster
Addison Agen – Stolen by Adam
Anna Catherine DeHart
Jeremiah Miller
Emily Luther
Shi’Ann Jones
Stephan Marcellus – Stolen by Miley! Bye girl team…
Anthony Alexander
Janice Freeman
Katrina Ross – Stolen by Jennifer
Eliminated
Brandon Brown
Ryan Scripps
Kristi Hoopes
Alexandra Joyce
Gary Carpentier
Michael Kight
