'The Voice' Recap: The Top 10 Perform
On Monday night's edition of The Voice, the top 10 returned to the stage for another round of performances. Coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green were all on hand to support their artists, and critique what they saw and heard. The night began with the remaining contestants collaborating on a live version of The Mowgli's song "Say It, Just Say It."
Here's what else happened on Monday night's show:
Team Blake's Austin Jenckes was the first artist to sing for the viewers' votes. He covered the 1980s hit "Your Love" by the British group The Outfield. Blake said he enjoyed how Austin ramped up his performance as it went along. Christina said she wasn't expecting that, but she enjoyed it. Adam praised Austin for his vocal range but told him he wanted to feel more of the high notes.
Accompanied by a pianist, 16-year-old Jacquie Lee belted out Zedd's "Clarity." Her coach, Christina, said it was beautiful to see Jacquie in what she described as a vulnerable setting. Blake and Cee Lo both thought there were a few moments early on when that vulnerability seemed a little off.
'The Voice' Recap: The Top 12 Perform
Adam assigned "Love Me Again," by British artist John Newman, to Will Champlin. Adam said the song was right in John's wheelhouse. Christina, Will's old coach, added that he came into his own with this performance. Blake complimented Will on his accurate vocals.
The first Cee Lo artist to take the stage, Caroline Pennell, turned back the clock with "Leaving on a Jet Plane," a John Denver-penned tune that was a hit for Peter, Paul and Mary. Cee Lo flashed her a big smile and told her he feels connected to her, but he wondered whether the song overpowered her at one point. Adam respected the fact that Caroline stayed true to the kind of musician she wants to be. Cole Vosbury of Team Blake played Mr. Big's "To Be with You" on his acoustic guitar. Blake declared Cole "sang the daylights" out of the song. Cee Lo noted that Cole has grown as an artist and has been more comfortable on stage.
Team Adam artist Tessanne Chin showed off her pipes with Gladys Knight & the Pips' "If I Were Your Woman." Adam said her latest effort solidified her status as a major contender in the competition. Christina detected Tessanne's Jamaican accent in a performance for the first time, and she liked it. Ray Boudreaux tackled Ray LaMontagne's "You Are the Best Thing." His coach, Blake, gushed that Ray perfectly bent the "notes over the chords." Christina and Adam both believe Ray has shown the most improvement over the course of the season, though Adam wanted him to "bust out more."
Team Adam ended their night with James Wolpert's rendition of Harry Nilsson's "Without You." Calling it one of his favorite songs, Adam marveled at how James made it his own. Christina said the execution was good, considering how difficult it is to perform "Without You."
Kat Robichaud of Team Cee Lo was given Pat Benatar's "We Belong." Cee Lo said it was exhilarating to see Kat live up to her potential as the "new next thing." Adam considered the performance to be a breakthrough; he felt she'd struggled during the middle parts of her previous outings.
Team Christina's Matthew Schuler closed the show with "Beneath Your Beautiful," by Labrinth and Emeli Sandé. He said it was for his future wife; Adam joked that Matthew will have no problem finding a spouse. Christina said he draws a buzz from the crowd, and that he showed a different side of himself with the love-themed performance.
Two artists will be sent home on Tuesday night's results show, airing at 9 p.m. Eastern time on NBC.