It the last of the Battle Rounds Part 1! Usher is the only coach left with a steal. Who will he take? We’re live blogging the show right here.
Cary Laine vs Sam Behymer – Team Adam (Aloe Blacc – Mentor) – “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran – Cary Laine is a stay at home mom with big country dreams. Sam is a singing Nanny! Cary says Sam’s unique sound will be hard to beat. Aloe and Adam warn Cary about pitch problems. They worry she won’t come out of her shell. Aloe tells Sam to cut back the yodel. The quiet song doesn’t need it. Aloe wants Cary to sing the emotion, rather than just the words.
Cary has a stronger voice. Sam’s a bit languid, but that’s her style. It really comes down to the type of voice you prefer. I’m a little partial to Cary. But I have a feeling Adam will go for the quirky Sam. Blake thought they both did well. Blake heard pitchy things from both. Usher says it’s a matter of taste (Didn’t I say that! Heh) Shakira also liked them both. Adam finds their tones similar, even if their genres are different. He feels the song was out of both their comfort zones. He chooses Sam.
Sam Behymer Wins the Battle
Kaleigh Glanton vs Noah Lis – Team Blake (The Band Perry – Mentor)- “Everything” by Michael Buble – Noah is a jazz musician, and on first blush, the song choice seemed to be to his advantage. But he didn’t count on Kaleigh, a classical guitarist, to be such a unique song stylist. She was having trouble getting the timing down. Blake warns Noah to dial back the ad libs. He’s trying to compete with Kaleigh, I think. They flirt hard with each other during the song. The Band Perry helps them with the harmony parts.
They aren’t afraid to look at each other and play their part in a love duet. This is real cute. They aren’t standout vocalists, though. Whoever wins this battle will get their ass kicked in the next Battle Rounds. Very pleasant, nevertheless. Usher found Noah too loungey. He lacked Buble’s sexiness and finesse. He liked his upper range. Usher didn’t hear Kaleigh’s unique tone until the end. He gives it to Noel. Adam felt the chips were stacked against Kaleigh. Nevertheless, he chooses her. Blake loves Kaleigh’s adlibs. He chooses Kaleigh.
Kaleigh Glanton Wins the Battle
Montages!
Callie Tucker Vs Ryan White Maloney – Ryan Wins – Team Blake
Christina Grimmie vs Joshua Howard – Christina wins – Team Adam
Kristen Merlin vs Lindsay Bruce – Kristen wins – Team Shakira
Cierra Mickens Vs Emily B. – Team Shakira (Miranda Lambert – Mentor) – “Brave” by Sara Bareilles – Cierra came all the way from Alaska to audition. Emily has recovered from a rare brain disease. Miranda and Shakira advise Cierra to make the song her own. That’s where true artistry lies. She’s very karaoke. Her embellishments need to be more precise. Miranda says Emily B needs to sing rather than scream. She believes they have to put their friendship aside and go for it.
This is the performance they’re ending with Battle Rounds with? I’m pretty underwhelmed. Neither performance feels “in the pocket.” Either one could move on, it wouldn’t make a difference. Adam felt there were problems with both singers up until the end. Cierra had a big moment. He picks her. Blake would give the battle to Emily, because She had a great moment. Usher felt they were equally good. Shakira loved Emily’s determination. She chooses Emily B. Then, Usher steals Cierra. He thinks she has star quality (Sorry, I don’t see it).
Emily B. Wins the Battle Usher Steals Cierra. – Whatevs. They’re both cannon fodder.
