Save for a vocal masterclass from Judith Hill and a haunting, yet notably imperfect showing from Sarah Simmons, Monday’s “The Voice” left much to be desired and undoubtedly raised questions about the show’s supposed superiority to “American Idol.” Perhaps the remaining sixteen contestants were not as gifted as they appeared in the early rounds.
The first few performers on Tuesday’s show, who came from either Team Shakira or Team Blake, did nothing to erase that doubt. Though none was awful, the more noteworthy reality is that none was impressive. The early contestants delivered innocuous, safe, predictable performances–the kind you expect to see peppered throughout a reality competition season but certainly not the kind about which you rave.
Then, midway through the show, the dynamic changed. Blake Shelton and Shakira combined for a vocally-modest, but emotionally-compelling version of “Need You Now,” and the remaining four contestants followed with fireworks on stage. Danielle Bradbery and Sasha Allen, the final two performers, exhibited a level of poise, confidence and star quality one has no business expecting from a reality television show.
Thoughts on Tuesday’s “The Voice” live playoffs.
Garrett Gardner
Song: “Imagine”
While tackling one of John Lennon’s most beloved songs–one of the best songs of all time, for that matter–will always raise some eyebrows, it is the epitome of a high-risk, high-reward song. It can easily expose a mediocre singer, but as evidenced by David Archuleta’s successful interpretation on “American Idol,” it can also solidify someone as the real deal.
Despite that inherently polarizing construct, Gardner found himself caught in the middle of the two extremes. His vocals were perfectly serviceable, and he deserves credit for delivering some lines with a grungy inflection, but he simultaneously failed to make the vocals pop. John Lennon’s masterpiece is about feeling first and foremost, and that emotion was lacking from Gardner’s interpretation.
Holly Tucker
Song: “How Do I Live”
While Gardner went the risky route, Tucker opted to play it safe. No, “How Do I Live” is not necessarily an easy song to sing, but it also does nothing to force a country vocalist outside of her comfort zone. Tucker did a reliable job singing the song the way it was meant to be sung, but for her first performance on the live shows, it felt majorly uneventful.
Interestingly, the post-performance discussion seemed to focus on her concern about not looking the part of a pop star. While Tucker might not look like an unattainable pinup, she’s a pretty girl who looks right at home on a music competition series, which made the entire discussion very odd. A discussion about looking unconventional might make sense in reference to the unique Michelle Chamuel, but when talking about a young female country vocalist who looks like a typical young female country vocalist, it felt like a forced way to build her personality.
Kris Thomas
Song: “When I Was Your Man”
Bruno Mars is a phenomenally-gifted vocalist, but what helps him sell stripped-down songs like this in an era of overproduction is his conviction. In addition to being so charismatic, Mars also comes across like an authentic artist, and it makes his music so easy to embrace.
The takeaway is that Bruno Mars songs require more than vocal talent, and while Kris Thomas is certainly likable and charming, his performance Tuesday lacked the emotion and authenticity needed to help make the song transcend. Like Tucker, Thomas delivered solid enough vocals, but he did even less to own the song, and as a result, he did even less to make his mark.
The Swon Brothers
Song: “Fishin’ in the Dark”
While duo Midas Whale seemed infinitely more unusual, The Swon Brothers survived due to the twosome’s infectious energy and unpretentious swagger. They’re a fun act, the kind that is absolutely valuable to a show like “The Voice.”
Musically, there was nothing special about their performance, but they have undeniable chemistry and undeniable self-awareness, and the two qualities blend nicely for a quality viewing experience. They will never be able to create musical magic the way the competition’s most powerful performers do, but they certainly bring more to the table than those who are merely good singers
Karina Iglesias
Song: “Let’s Stay Together”
A few weeks ago, Iglesias stunned everyone by fiercely competing with frontrunner Judith Hill in a vocal battle that truly could have gone either way. Last week, however, she set herself back with a very lackluster performance in the Knockout Rounds.
She made her comeback this week. Her unique, vocally-dazzling take on “Let’s Stay Together” made the classic feel relevant without sacrificing its soulful roots. A throwback and contemporary performance at once, this solidified Karina not necessarily as the person to beat on “The Voice” but certainly as someone to take very seriously.
Justin Rivers
Song: “Meet in the Middle”
Essentially the solo answer to The Swon Brothers, Rivers’ performance was fun, charismatic and breezy and represented the perfect intermission between the night’s most vocally-powerful performances.
But simply comparing Rivers to the Swons does not do his performance justice, as he actually demonstrated far more charisma, confidence and professionalism in his high-energy showing. Performed wisely from a platform in the middle, Rivers’ showing felt like a thrilling concert performance, which more than makes up for the fact that the vocals were not mind blowing.
Danielle Bradbery
Song: “Maybe It Was Memphis”
A few weeks ago, Headline Planet labeled Bradbery a contestant with the promise of legitimate superstardom. She further justified that praise this week, delivering an absurdly confident, musically-impressive, knockout of a performance. With each week, it becomes more obviously a crime that Bradbery is not already being pushed as a superstar hybrid of Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.
Like many precocious, young talent contestants, Bradbery’s jarring poise and maturity risks rendering her cold and distant to some observers. That criticism comes with the territory, but to Bradbery’s credit, her performances help combat that criticism by resonating as endearingly effortless. She perfectly fits the mold of a country pop star, and she’s very calculated with her song selections, but she’s also loose and artistic enough to feel “real” in her performances.
Sasha Allen
Song: “Oh Darling”
If Bradbery comes across like a surefire pop-country superstar, Allen offers the total package as an aspiring R&B/soul balladeer. Incredibly beautiful and well-styled, Allen is also a tremendously gifted singer, whose deceptively-unique tone helps her escape the cliche of being a “Diva” on a talent competition.
Surviving through a talent competition as a powerhouse vocalist is a daunting task–just ask women like Jennifer Hudson and Pia Toscano–and it is hardly as if Allen is the only amazing singer in the competition. But if there is potential for a “Diva” to succeed, Allen is making a credible case that she should fill that vacancy. With a great look, a great voice and great stage presence, she is the real deal.
