The Voice Season 13 Recap: Knockouts 2 Live Blog (VIDEO)

The Voice Season 13 Song Spoilers: Knockouts 2 – What Will the Contestants Sing?

Brooke Simpson vs Stephan Marcellus – Team Miley Cyrus

Brooke Simpson – Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin – Brooke is a member of a Native tribe in North Carolina. She’s married and wants to make her husband proud. She’s a little intimidated to sing Aretha in front of Kelly. Brooke is lovable and has what it takes, Kelly observes. Kelly and Miley give Brooke tips on pacing the song. Brooke is such a natural! Everything about her is boss–her tone, her phrasing, her ability to convey emotion. She’s definitely one of my favorites. Her tone is versatile–it can be both smooth/sweet or raspy/fierce. Massive talent happening here. – Download at iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvfE_ldPQYI

Stephan Marcellus – Impossible by Chantelle – Stephan’s The Voice journey has been a little rocky. He’s the singer that messed up during his Blind Audition. JHud was the only turn. He lost his battle, but then Miley saved him. Yay. Listening to Brooke rehearse, he’s feeling a little intimidated. After Miley demonstrates a line in the song, Kelly remarks on her unique alto, shouting “YOU’RE SO LOW!” Ha. Kelly is impressed by Stephan’s “sexy presence.” He’s a solid soul singer, but nothing special. JHud is literally yelling at him “C’MON.” She knows he’s not owning it. Stephan just died in the field of battle. Poor cannon fodder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyxpsotmCks

Adam says, “Brooke I’ll see you in the finale.” Blake calls it a tricky one for Miley. Oh really? I don’t think so. Jennifer calls it for Brooke, hands down. “This show is called The Voice,” she says. Stephan sings well enough to cover his mistakes, says Miley. OOF. Of course, Team Miley picks Brooke Simpson

Mitchell Lee vs Anna Catherine DeHart – Team Blake Shelton

Mitchell Lee – I’ll Be by Edwin McCain – Mitchell is a graphic artist on the side, but he wants to do music full time. He considers himself a pop country artist, which is why he chose “I’ll Be.” Kelly is impressed with his range. She thinks he should go for the highest notes possible. When he sings it again, Kelly calls his attack “brilliant.” Kelly believes the two singers are equally talented. Remember when every dang contestant sang “I’ll Be” on American Idol? Good times. I suppose at this point, the song is considered a classic. Mitchell is OK. He seems a little…hesitant? Blake compliments him on his confidence, but I’m not feeling it here. – Download at iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ3vXBy5W68

Anna Catherine DeHart – Breathe by Faith Hill – The song choice represents the kind of artist she wants to be, says Anna. Kelly compliments her “pretty” tone. Having already mentioned the song would be a challenge, Blake notes breathing issues were affecting her pitch. Nice tone, good range and dynamics–but Anna is generic. She’s not bringing much new to this cover. Definitely background singer material.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oS2lMK4Hrc

JHud calls Anna’s sound “pleasant.” Is that supposed to be a compliment? Impressed by Mitchell’s “swagger” she’d pick him. Miley feels like she just attended one of Mitchell’s concerts. But because She appreciates Anna keeping the country craft alive, she’d choose her. Adam felt the vocals for both were imperfect, but Mitchell’s stage presence made up for it. He’d pick Mitchell. Blake says Mitchell makes him feel “melty.” OK then. Team Blake Picks Mitchell. Because he’ll handle the competition better. Whatever that means.

Jeremiah Miller vs Noah Mac – Team Jennifer Hudson

Jeremiah Miller –  Sorry by Justin Bieber – He considers himself a pure pop singer. Oooh. He’s going to seem so slight next to Noah. They’re both teens, but Jeremiah acts his age. He needs to work on enunciation, says Kelly. She and Jennifer both work on his phrasing.  He’s a decent pop singer. He’s got a pleasant rasp, especially when he pushes his voice. His phrasing and dynamics are pretty good. However, I’m expecting Noah to blow him away, basically.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1Yi_wjguSA

Noah Mac – Team Jennifer Hudson – Hold Back the River by James Bay – Noah is only 17, but he seems older, as he describes how his dad taught him to play instruments. He was originally with Team Blake.  Jennifer swiped him. “Soul music has a depth to it,” he says about his musical leanings. Kelly literally cries during his performance. She wants to hear him sing everything. “Take it from people who have been in a competition!” says Kelly. “Don’t show everything at once.” She thinks Blake was crazy for losing him.  He begins the performance playing the keys. Oh. He’s a little pitchy. I was expecting this to be better. He’s got to hit some pretty low notes. The real low notes are impressive. Once he gets up from the piano to work the stage, the performance improves. Still pitch and breath problems. He’s very passionate. And that tone is unforgettable. Still, I would not call that personal best. – Download at iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz-sF0Cgo_E

Miley liked the grittier parts of Jeremiah’s voice, but she’d give it to Noah. She loves his “Elvis Swag.” Blake is feeling stupid he let Noah go. Jennifer thought choosing a Bieber song was tricky. Calling Noah “original” and “special” Team Jennifer Picks Noah. Jeremiah’s vocal was better on the night. But I get why she chose Noah. He’s one of a kind.

Keisha Renae vs Kathrina Feigh – Team Blake Shelton

Kathrina Feigh – Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys – She grew up in the Philippines to poor parents. Kelly is so impressed by Kathrina’s huge voice, she’s throwing stuff at her. Blake stole her from Team JHud. Kelly suggests different ways to phrase the song in order to make it her own. Kathrina’s voice is strong and solid. Big big big…but she’s not taking Kelly’s advice to change it up. While her pipes are impressive, the result is a little karaoke.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hnYsiOe5fs

Keisha Renae –  – I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack – Keisha has been through some stuff. She lost a lot of weight, had a kid. (She was also an American Idol contestant). She chose the song, dedicating it to her 2 year old daughter. As an R&B singer looking a career in country, she feels the song offers a perfect melding of country and soul. “WHAT” screams Kelly after Keisha finishes. Blake suggests she slow the tempo down a bit. Now. Here’s the difference. Keisha not only has a gorgeous and effortless voice, but she wholly makes this song her own. I love her tone and her warbly vibrato. Her runs are coming out of left field. WHOA. Go, girl. – Download at iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDpv_dqS4nI

Jennifer compliments her control and effortless singing. “You guys are both ridiculous,” says Blake, complimenting both. Bu

t Team Blake chooses Keisha.

Jon Mero vs Dylan Gerard – Team Adam Levine – Montaged kinda. We’re getting a decent clip of Jon. Holy oversinging. Dudes got an impressive instrument, but he needs to dial it back. So cornball. What did Dylan even sing? He barely got a second of screen time. And neither got an official video. Ouch. Team Adam chooses Jon Mero.

Moriah Formica vs Whitney Fenimore – Team Miley Cyrus

Moriah Formica – Behind These Hazel Eyes by Kelly Clarkson – Moriah freaks out a little when she sees Kelly. No kidding. She’s covering one of Queen Kelly’s songs and is intimidated. Not to worry. The queen is pleased with the 16 year old classic rock singer. “I don’t hit that note anymore,” Kelly confesses. “You do a very different take on it. You stand out,” she adds. It’s a good song choice that allows the retro loving Moriah to show a more contemporary side. She’s got Kelly’s raspy howl down pat. Man can she hit those notes.   – Download at iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbWI3Wsjkio

Whitney Fenimore – Calling All Angels by Train – Having dealt with panic and anxiety attacks in the past, Whitney calls the song “a cry for help.” The singer was a double steal from Adam, Miley having prevailed over Jennifer. “Whitney sang the crap out of that Train song,” says Kelly. The singer has referred to herself on a couple of occasions as an “Americana” singer. So why would she pick a treacly pop tune to sing? This song does NOT do her voice or her vibe any justice. I love her tone. She shoulda picked a better song. But maybe it wouldn’t have mattered up against the powerhouse Moriah.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGcdc9Uu35A

Adam felt they both “destroyed.” He calls Moriah “This tiny little thing with a beastly voice.” Blake calls Moriah’s performance “hard to deny” and Jennifer calls her “a star.” Team Miley Picks Moriah

Host Carson Daly teases the next battle in that typically subtle way of his (not): WE GOT A STEAL!

Emily Luther vs Adam Pearce – Team Adam Levine

Adam Pearce – Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple – He auditioned for season 12 but got no turns. He’s currently singing in a Led Zeppelin tribute band. Kelly says he stands out, because there’s no one else like him. Adam L. suggests he lose the guitar so he can work the stage. Ehhh. The coaches have been so enthusiastic about Adam. But I find his talent basic. Led Zepp tribute band sums up his talent pretty nicely. He’s your quintessential “bar band” singer. Zzz. – Download at iTunes

https://youtu.be/o-hFuqT21co

Emily Luther – Glitter in the Air by Pink – She trained classically, initially and attended Berklee College of Music. Kelly loves her texture and tone. “Karen Carpenter meets Florence + The Machine” is how she describes her as a vocalist. This time, Emily puts aside her cool jazz stylings to demonstrate she can hit big notes while loosing herself in an emotional song. Smart move at this point in the competition. – Download at iTunes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zz8EtXUYnI

Blake calls Emily’s performance “incredible…where the heck did this girl come from?” Jennifer admires Emily’s poise and presence but was impressed with Adam’s range. Ultimately, she’d role with him. Miley noted Adam’s nerves, seeming to dismiss him. Emily performance has made her love the Pink song even more. Team Adam Picks Emily Smart choice. And then, inexplicably, Miley steals Adam. She says she wants to get him on the bigger stage–perhaps intimating that Adam didn’t handle him well?

Moving on to the Playoffs

Brooke Simpson
Mitchell Lee
Noah Mac
Keisha Renae
Jon Mero
Moriah Formica
Emily Luther
Adam Pearce – Stolen by Team Miley

Eliminated

Stephan Marcellus
Anna Catherine DeHart
Jeremiah Miller
Kathrina Feigh
Dylan Gerard
Whitney Fenimore