The Voice: Battle Rounds, Part 1

Now the fun begins! 48 artists, 12 on each team, will go head-to-head against a teammate. The coach selects their song, and will personally train the artists along with 2 advisors per team. Once they finish performing, one will go on to the live shows, and the other will go home. Only 6 artists per team will remain. The coaches will get to weigh in with their opinions, but only the duo’s coach will make the final decision.

Team Adam has advisors Alanis Morissette and Robin Thicke.

Team Blake has advisors Kelly Clarkson, and Blake’s wife, Miranda Lambert.

Team Cee Lo has advisors Babyface and Ne-Yo.

Team Christina has advisors Jewel and Lionel Richie.

Team Adam starts off with Adam predicting that things will be intense. He selects former Mouseketeer Tony Lucca and Chris Cauley to face off, singing U2′s Beautiful Day. Adam felt that they were both strong, and the winner would prove to be a resilient team member. Alanis worked with Tony, who tends to push too hard. Robin worked with Chris and advised him to watch his body language in order to convey emotion.

During the Battle Round, Chris and Tony’s voices really complimented each other, though Chris sounded smoother. Tony wasn’t as strong in his upper range, but was obviously more comfortable on stage. Blake had expected Tony to dominate, but said that Chris was more consistent pitch-wise. Xtina said that Chris surprised her, but she’s pulling for Tony. Cee Lo said that Tony has the total package.

Decision time: Adam said that he saw a theatrical side of Chris, but that Tony blew him away. Winner: Tony. (I liked Chris better).

Team Blake was next, and Blake matched up Ashley Stump and RaeLynn to sing Tom Petty’s Free Fallin‘. Though both sing country, they have completely different styles, with RaeLynn being more of a stylist, while Adley is a powerhouse. Miranda advised RaeLynn to compete with herself, and to be herself. Kelly told Adley that she’d nail it if she harmonized.

I thought RaeLynn sounded pitchy, and that Adley’s strength came through, even though she pulled back. Her tone and pitch were much better. Xtina thought both brought their own style, and complimented Adley’s confidence. Cee Lo thought RaeLynn was adorable and youthful, but admired Adley’s more experienced sound. Adam thought Adley overpowered RaeLynn, but that RaeLynn sounded unique.

Decision time: Blake went with who he felt told a more believable story with their song. Winner: RaeLynn  (I preferred Adley).

Team Xtina pitted classically -trained Chris Mann against Monique Benabou to sing Celine Dion’s The Power of Love. Turns out Monique can’t read music, and has no formal training, but has plenty of power. Chris worked with Lionel Richie, who told him that he needed to get out of his own head and allow himself imperfections. Jewel advised Monique to use her emotion for the edge.

Monique definitely held her own, and has a very natural talent. Cee Lo said that Chris was one of the best. Adam agreed, saying that Chris was strong from the beginning. Blake liked Monique, saying that he had known that Chris would be strong.

Decision time: Xtina said that Monique stepped up to the plate, but that Chris proved that he could do it. Winner: Chris (I liked Monique).

Team Cee Lo was up next, with Cheesa going up against Angie Johnson to sing Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart. Both have heavyweight voices; both are very competitive. Babyface worked with Cheesa, and told her she had to hit the money notes, even when they were out of her comfort zone. Angie was advised by Ne-Yo, who liked the depths and levels in her voice. He advised her to not hold back on stage.

Cheesa nailed the high note. Adam said that both were shaky in the beginning, and both were great at different times. He seemed unsure about his choice of Cheesa. Blake thought they both had great as well as average moments, but gave the nod to Angie for her clarity and diction. Xtina thought it was a great pair-up, and preferred Angie.

Final decision: Cee Lo was proud of them both, saying it felt like a real battle. Winner: Cheesa (I thought Angie should have won).

Back to Team Blake, with rockers Jordis Unga and Brian Fuente singing Ironic by Alanis Morissette. Kelly advised Brian to commit to the song, or it would sound too shaky. She told him he couldn’t hold back or be timid, even though it was a “woman’s” song. Miranda warned Jordis that she’s in her head too much, and needed to maintain focus.

Jordis had the much stronger voice. Xtina thought they were both pitchy and shaky throughout, but went with Jordis. Cee Lo picked Brian because of how he reached down. Adam thought it was tough, but went with Jordis.

Decision time: Blake really wanted a rock singer for his team, and said he knew what moved him. He felt that neither did the best that they could do, but felt it was cool that Jordis got emotional. Winner: Jordis (I agree).

The final Battle Round was fought by Team Xtina, with Anthony Evans and Jesse Campbell singing If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys. Anthony went in as the underdog, since all 4 judges had wanted Jesse. Lionel advised Jesse not to outdo himself, and to milk the moments rather than running past himself. Jewel suggested that Anthony not throw in frills just for something extra, but to make them meaningful.

WOW! This was a true battle! WOW! The judges gave them a standing ovation, and Cee Lo said that it was a stellar performance from both of them. Adam thought the sheer level of talent was mind-blowing, and gave the nod to Jesse. Blake said that Anthony had the big note, and Jesse had a cool moment. He went with Jesse.

Decision time: Xtina said that it was hard to make a decision. Winner: Jesse (I agree).

Next week:  More Battle Rounds.