The Voice Recap: As the Blinds Close, a New Frontrunner Emerges
After the excitement that erupted over Team Gwen Stefani’s Beya in the comments that followed Monday’s recap of The Voice (you can read it here), I was thinking that maybe Season 26’s winner had all but been chosen. But then came Tuesday’s episode, in which Reba McEntire, “Uncle Snoop” Dogg and Michael Bublé filled up their teams, and the introduction of a contestant that at least I thought was even more impressive. Read on, and after we review all of the advancing artists, we’ll discuss.
Katie O (Team Reba), “One Way Ticket (Because I Can)” — Grade: B | This teenage fishing enthusiast earned a four-chair turn with a perfectly delightful take on LeAnn Rimes’ hit. If she was nervous — ha, if! — she didn’t let it show. As Snoop pointed out, even when Reba turned around, Katie’s eyes lit up, but her vocal didn’t falter. Got a hunch she’s gonna go far.
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Mikaela Ayira (Team Snoop), “Human” — Grade: A- | On Christina Perri’s ballad, this 16-year-old absolutely soared, delivering a performance that wasn’t just beautiful and emotional, it was so polished, she should’ve been able to see her reflection in it. “I felt your passion,” said Uncle Snoop, one of two coaches who turned their chair for Mikaela.
Cassidy Lee (Team Michael), “You’re No Good” — Grade: B | Back after failing to get a chair turn in Season 18, this 28-year-old turned out a confident, kinda slinky rendition of Linda Ronstadt’s classic. The one-chair turn’s coach described her voice perfectly: “It’s really feminine, but at the same time, you’ve got this rockin’ growl; I was like, ‘Oof!’”
Torion Sellers (Team Michael), “There Goes My Baby” — Grade: C | Gwen called Torion’s Blind “a little bit chaotic” but praised his tone. As nice as it was, though, we’ve heard better, stronger, smoother singers this season. His coach was excited to help him find the right numbers for his voice and surprise people. But I’ll be surprised if he survives the Battles.
Cozy Len (Team Gwen), “I’ll Make Love to You” — Grade: B+ | This 43-year-old native of Baton Rouge cut short his career as a barber to give music a real shot. Smart move, considering the quality of his Blind. Was the two-chair turn as good as Cameron Wright Monday? No. But he has range and potential, and, per Reba, the power to change her mood.
Jose Luis (Team Gwen), “traitor” — Grade: C+ | Ordinarily, I’m pretty into overwrought performances. But this four-chair turn’s Olivia Rodrigo cover just didn’t come together for me. When he was good, he was quite good (especially on the big notes). But when he wasn’t, I was wishing this had been one of the Blinds that had been abbreviated.
Aliyah Khaylyn (Team Michael), “Love and War” — Grade: A+ | A star was born when this music therapist hit the stage. Serving Whitney-caliber vocals on Tamar Braxton’s ballad, Aliyah was just jaw-droppingly good. “You’ve got the voice of an angel,” Reba exclaimed. If anyone stands a chance of generating the hoopla Beya did Monday, it’s Aliyah.
Alison Elena (Team Reba), “So Small” — Grade: C | A lotta times, I can overlook pitchiness if I’m really digging a performance. But this Nashville nanny’s Carrie Underwood cover was so meh that I got distracted by how off she often sounded. Still, she inspired chair turns from Reba and Snoop, who made the mistake of admitting he’d only swiveled because she had.
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Suede Lacy (Team Snoop), “Redbone” — Grade: C | “I need a male R&B singer who can sang,” said Snoop, and just like that, onto the stage rolled this Jack of all trades. There was a tanginess to his voice that I liked — kinda Macy Gray-ish. But Suede didn’t show us a whole lotta range or dynamics. Nonetheless, he became the last member of Team Snoop.
Were you as wowed by Aliyah as I was? Sound off in the comments after picking your favorite performer of the night below.
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