'The Voice' Recap: The Knockout Rounds Conclude
"The Voice" wrapped up its two-episode knockout rounds Tuesday night, with more artists from each of the four teams taking the stage in an elimination-style duel.
As was the case the previous night, two teammates would sing back-to-back, before their coach determined which would advance in the competition.
Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera both entered the night with a "save" to play with. Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green each used his save on Monday night.
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Here's a rundown of Tuesday night's episode:
The night began with performances by Team Adam's Lina Gaudenzi and Preston Pohl. Lina sang Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind," and Preston followed with Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry." Blake said Preston was more in control than Lina. Christina questioned whether Preston could expand on what he'd shown to the coaches to that point. Adam noted Lina's improvement throughout the competition. Basing his decision on potential, Adam chose Preston and bade farewell to Lina.
Team Blake's E.G. Daily and Ray Boudreaux competed head-to-head. Daily, a.k.a. Dottie in "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" and the voice of Tommy Pickles in Rugrats, covered Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me." Ray opted for Otis Redding's "Hard to Handle." Cee Lo said Ray brought out the "soul man" inside of him. Blake named Ray the winner, citing the "breaks" that Daily worked into the latter part of her performance. Daily was not saved by either Adam or Christina.
Anthony Paul faced off against 16-year-old Jacquie Lee for Team Christina. Anthony selected the Jason Derulo single "The Other Side." Jacquie also sang a recent hit, "Stompa" by Canadian artist Serena Ryder. Cee Lo detected some nerves in Anthony. Christina added that Anthony didn't make the best song choice. Christina moved forward with Jacquie because she felt there was more she "could do" with her. Anthony was sent on his way.
Cee Lo artists Stephanie Anne Johnson and Tamara Chauniece opposed one another. Stephanie Anne played the acoustic guitar on Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why." Tamara countered with Alicia Keys' "No One." Christina loved both artists. Cee Lo compared Tamara to a young Anita Baker, and picked her. Stephanie Anne was stolen by Christina.
The next battle round featured Team Adam's James Wolpert and Juhi. James tackled Boston's "More Than a Feeling," and Juhi delivered a rock-pop version of the Marvin Gaye classic "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." Cee Lo said Juhi's song choice was unexpected but "cool." Adam maintained that James was better in rehearsals. Nevertheless, Adam went with his gut and chose James. Juhi was eliminated.
It was the battle of guitar-playing artists for Blake. Austin Jenckes played a straightforward rendition of Edwin McCain's "I'll Be," and Brandon Chase tackled Eli Young Band's "Even If It Breaks Your Heart." Adam felt Brandon seemed a little insecure. Blake thought Brandon came off flat, while Austin was more sharp. Austin was named the winner, and Brandon was forced to go home.
Caroline Pennell and George Horga Jr. fought for their spot on Team Cee Lo. Caroline performed Ingrid Michaelson's "The Way I Am," and George offered his take on Ne-Yo's "Because of You." Blake boldly stated that Caroline is the best singer-songwriter of the season. Christina also had high praise for Caroline. Cee Lo said he noticed a twinkle in Caroline's eye that told him she knows she is a star. Caroline remains in the competition, while George got the boot.
The final knockout round of the night pit Matthew Schuler against Team Christina teammate Will Champlin. Matthew made an interesting choice with Florence + the Machine's "Cosmic Love." Will sang Bruno Mars' "When I Was Your Man." Cee Lo stood up and applauded for both of them. Blake wasn't sure which artist was the winner because they both did so well. Christina said Will came out like a champ and Matthew "slayed" his song. She chose Matthew, after which Adam quickly pressed his button and stole Will.
Next Monday night, The Voice will kick off its live playoffs, in which the artists will sing for viewers' votes.
Here's a closer look at the remaining artists:
Team Adam: James Wolpert, Tessanne Chin, Preston Pohl, Grey, Will Champlin.
Team Cee Lo: Amber Nicole, Kat Robichaud, Caroline Pennell, Jonny Gray, Tamara Chauniece.
Team Blake: Cole Vosbury, Nic Hawk, Shelbie Z, Austin Jenckes, Ray Boudreaux.
Team Christina: Josh Logan, Matthew Schuler, Jacquie Lee, Olivia Henken, Stephanie Anne Johnson.