Mic drop: Top 24 'Voice' rocker Wilkes improvises epic stage move
The whirlwind Voice Season 14 Live Playoffs continued apace Tuesday, with the 20 out of 24 contestants who didn’t immediately advance from Monday’s Playoffs singing again for America’s (or at least the East Coast of America’s) real-time votes. My favorite contestant of the night was Team Blake’s alt-rock ginger Wilkes, for multiple reasons. But let me give you just one good reason, by citing Adam Levine’s statement: “You deserve to get voted through, just because that was the illest improvisation I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Wilkes had already proven he has guts just by covering “Don’t Speak,” the famous breakup ballad written by his coach Blake Shelton’s current girlfriend. I wish Gwen Stefani had been in the audience to witness this, because I bet she would’ve loved it. Wilkes brought just the right amount of theatricality and angst, making the No Doubt hit sound like a dark, brooding stalker song. This was so emo.
Therefore, when Wilkes executed a flawless rock ‘n’ roll knee-drop, I figured it was all part of the act. Only after rewinding did I realize that he made that move — without missing a beat — because his mic stand had collapsed mid-song. This brought new meaning to the phrase “mic drop.” With this, Wilkes won the night.
Of course, we don’t know who literally won the night. Tuesday’s mere one-hour episode was packed with nine other performances, and only four of these singers — two per team — will make it through. (Four of the top 12 spots have already been filled by Britton Buchanan, Sharane Calister, Kyle Jade, and Brynn Cartelli.) So, let’s get to the recap.
TEAM BLAKE
Spensha Baker, “Smoke Break”
This was another self-assured performance from the consummate country professional, but I didn’t think it was her best vocal; the verse seemed too low for her, and I wish she’d pushed harder during the anthemic chorus. I prefer Spensha when she’s intimate, connected, and vulnerable. Still, this woman definitely belongs in the top 12.
Pryor Baird, “9 to 5”
An anthem about women in the workplace may not have been the most timely, woke, or politically correct song choice for a male contestant. But I could’ve let that slide. What I couldn’t forgive was Pryor’s corny novelty act (this was pure Branson-matinee cheese), the gratingly shouty vocals, or his lyric flub midway through. Blake had hope, saying, “It’s hard to imagine you not getting through [because of your] popularity and momentum,” but that was faint praise.
Austin Giorgio, “Love Yourself”
On Monday, I wrote that I hoped this smooth crooner kid would veer away from the Great American Songbook and try something more modern. Hey, I’m glad Austin took my advice! Tonight he proved his versatility, while still sticking with his brand. He also scored fashion points with me for his floral Harry Styles suit.
Gary Edwards, “America the Beautiful”
This was a pandering song choice, but the patriotic route worked for Kristy Lee Cook on American Idol Season 7, didn’t it? And Gary sure sang better than Kristy. Plus, doing current R&B/pop (Bruno Mars’s “Finesse”) didn’t work for Gary on Monday. This wasn’t a particularly cool performance, but it might be Gary’s wheelhouse. If he makes the top 12, I expect a religious hymn in his future.
TEAM ALICIA
Terrence Cunningham, “Ain’t Nobody”
For his opener, Terrence deconstructed Rufus & Chaka Khan’s funky party-starter and turned it into a sparse, fragile piano lament. It was exquisite. But then the band kicked in, the tempo lurched, and it became a hotel lounge act — a great hotel lounge act, but a hotel lounge act nonetheless. The special-ness was lost. But for those first 30 seconds, this was magic.
Christiana Danielle, “Take Me to Church”
Christiana should have made it through Monday with her stellar, slowed-to-a-crawl remake of Outkast’s “Hey Ya!” (America voted for the safe choice, Britton, instead.) Hopefully now America will make the right decision and vote the regal diva through, because this too was stupendous. “I think that you might be the greatest person on this show. … You are the so one to beat,” raved Kelly Clarkson.
Jackie Foster, “Alone”
Jackie continued to make her bid for rock credibility with this Heart power ballad. But — unlike totally robbed Idol contestant Effie Passero this week — Jackie didn’t do Ann Wilson justice. Her money note was awesome, but something was off in that first verse. Could she not hear herself? Because I could barely hear her. Maybe her mic wasn’t turned up? Whatever happened, it lessened Jackie’s impact, although she finished very strong.
Kelsea Johnson, “Need U Bad”
Kelsea sizzled on this sultry Jazmine Sullivan track. She had attitude, charisma, and a killer-queen-diva vocal. She’s the real deal and the total package. “You are swaggin’ so hard on everybody right now! I’m loving it!” raved Alicia Keys.
Johnny Bliss, “One and Only”
After a weak night Monday, Johnny upped the ante with this advanced Adele ballad. And this time, he nailed it. Mighty female pop ballads are his wheelhouse, for sure. If he makes it to the top 12, I want to hear him wail some Whitney or Celine.
This is a tough decision, but my vote is for Wilkes, Spensha, Christiana, and Terrence. However, it could go any which way. Tune in Wednesday to see Adam and Kelly’s teams compete and learn the final results for all four teams.
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