There were last-second saves, amazing performances and missed opportunities as NBC’s “The Voice” kicked off the Battle Rounds on Monday night. This round always proves problematic, as Coaches must pair up their own contestants and then send one packing.
While sometimes it works for filtering out the weaker performers, it can be a disaster if two performers prove to be brilliant. Even worse is when the singers in another pairing both bomb. Then a great singer is gone, while a subpar one carries on.
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The Battle Rounds kicked off with examples of both, though the overall talent was strong throughout the show. We singled out the top three duets of the night, though not all of these singers made it onto the next round, even with the Steals in play.
Team Pharrell: Elyjuh Rene / Maiya Sykes
“If I Ain’t Got You,” Alicia Keys
From the first note, it was clear that this was a special pairing. Elyjuh, the younger singer, managed a beautiful harmony with the poised Maiya, and the two soared together. They were almost equal in every way, matching one another’s vocal prowess strength for strength … at least until Elyjuh strained for a high note, and missed. it. Maybe Pharrell Williams chose him because Maiya didn’t reach for hers and lacked the passion she’d shown in earlier rounds. And maybe that’s why she wasn’t stolen away by another Coach. (Winner: Elyjuh)
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Team Gwen: Taylor John Williams / Amanda Lee Peers
“Jolene,” Dolly Parton
While there were stronger individual performances on the night, Taylor and Amanda probably put together the best duet. From the beginning, their harmonies were tight and beautiful together, I found myself wishing “The Voice” coaches had the leeway to simply create a duo on the spot and allow them to continue in the competition together. In the end, it was a dead even match, which made it even more shocking that no one stepped up to use their Steal after Gwen Stefani made her choice. (Winner: Taylor)
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Team Blake: Craig Wayne Boyd / James David
“Wave on Wave,” Pat Green
The most inexplicable pairing on the night, Blake Shelton put two of his strongest country crooners together, and they were equally impressive. James came out of the gate stronger, but once he got going, Craig proved every bit the powerhouse. These are classic country music vocalists who each stand a real chance of making an impact both on the show and on the country charts later. So it was brutal to see them facing off, and even more brutal after Blake made his choice. Luckily, Gwen stepped in with the most last-minute save seen yet — she waited until she and the other Coaches had all hugged Craig goodbye before hitting her button. (Winner: James)
“The Voice” Battle Rounds continue Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
