The Voice UK Battle Rounds conclude today (March 9) from 3 PM EST/8 PM GMT to 4:20 PM EST/9:20 GMT.
Tom Jones, Olly Murs, Jennifer Hudson and will.i.am return to the coaches panel, along with host Emma Willis. The new twist this season is Trios. For the first time, groups of three will be able to audition alongside solos and duos.
The Battle Rounds continue! Which artists will survive? Each coach gets ONE steal. And on this final night of Battles, NO steals remain…
Equip to Overcome vs Marina Simioni – Team Tom – Team by Lorde – Tom hit his button at the last minute for Marina. Equip to Overcome are a gospel trio. Marina is a little intimidated to face then in a battle. ETO have been singing together for several years and boast gorgeous harmonies. Poor Marina is really up against it. Overall, this is a very odd pairing. Marina goes for the big note and it’s really screechy. On the other hand, ETO aren’t entirely on top of their game either. But, they’ve likely got this. Will thinks Tom brings out the best in singers. “Job well done to all four you ladies,” says Jennifer. “You’re the best trio in this competition,” says Olly. “You’re all so talented,” says Tom. But he has to choose one. Tom chooses Equip to Overcome.
Stefan Mahendra vs Nikki Ambers – Team Olly – We Don’t Talk Anymore by Charlie Puth feat. Selena Gomez – Stefan showed up to his audition with his band. Nikki was signed to a label as a teen. Stefan struggles during rehearsal. He’s forgetting the words. Nikki feels unsure. As for the performance–they both have pitch problems, but overall, Nikki seems more comfortable on stage. I’d choose her. “Your voice cuts through the air,” Tom says to Nikki. Jennifer compliments Stefan’s range. Olly thought they were both brilliant. Olly Chooses Stefan. He’s actually surprised. He should be.
Grace Latchford vs Ayanam Udoma – Team Tom – Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Deep Blue Something – Grace auditioned with an original song. Ayanam struggles with confidence. They are both very shy during rehearsal. During the performance, Ayanam is so nervous, he’s shaking. Both need to work on their confidence and stage presence, though. Both are so tentative. Not sure who I’d choose. Jennifer calls it “precious to watch.” She thought it was an even battle. Will advises Ayanam to connect with his vulnerability. He calls Grace’s voice radio ready. Tom doesn’t want to split them up, but Tom Chooses Ayanam Eh. He won’t survive the Knockouts. Grace says, “I’ll be rooting for you Ayanam!” Both are too sweet for their own good. Heh.
Sarah Tucker vs Craig Forsyth – Team Jennifer – Against All Odds by Mariah feat. Westlife – Sarah, a mom, was a 4 chair turn. Craig loves the song choice, Sarah isn’t so sure. Jennifer thinks Sarah is afraid of expressing herself. Sarah has a huge range! Craig’s head voice is impressive. This is a pretty good duet. The best so far. Although, Sarah probably should have held back from attempting that whistle note. Tom calls their notes “undeniable.” Olly was “in complete awe of the whole performance.” Jennifer calls them her best singers. Jennifer Chooses Sarah Jennifer is literally tearful after making the decision.
Shivon Kane vs Gabriel Dryss – Feels by Calvin Harris – Shivon wants to know why Will put them together. Shivon raps, Gabriel dances as he performs. She doesn’t seem entirely happy with the pairing. Her audition was all over the place. Will warns not to add TOO MUCH flavor. This could be a trainwreck. The performance is…energetic? But not a mess. They are both really young, and it shows. “It was really entertaining,” says Tom. Will Chooses Gabriel. Shivon left in tears.
Harrisen Larner-Main vs Lauren Hope – Team Olly – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by U2 – Olly turned for Lauren at the very last minute. Olly warns them both not to oversing. Lauren’s voice is unique, but really odd. She does some weird stuff with breath and vibrato that I don’t care for. I’d choose Harrisen, who sings with a clear, strong rock vocal. It’s not even close. “My heart’s telling me something, my head is telling me something else,” says Olly. But in the end, Olly Chooses Harrisen
Luke Swatman vs Nicole Dennis – Team Jennifer – Your Song by Elton John – Luke is an opera singer, Nicole is currently performing in Dreamgirls in London. During the Blinds, she sang a duet with Jennifer. Oh. Luke is singing in a pop style tonight. Interesting he can do that. Oh. Now, he’s back to opera. His inconsistent style here is jarring. Now, Nicole is screaming a high note. I am not enjoying this duet. The two singing one of my favorite songs ever–not helping. Send them both home? So this duet is supposed to be the performance of the night? Hm. Nicole reminds Jennifer of herself. “I wasn’t trained, I just woke up singing,” she says. So of course, Jennifer Chooses Nicole
The Battles are done! Next week the Knockouts begin. Read about the superstar mentors joining the coaches HERE. Next week’s show begins at 7:30 GMT. To make it even more confusing–the US switches to DST this weekend, which means a four hour time difference. Join us here at 3:30 PM ET for the live blog.
