The Voice coaches Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera each watched their team perform in the Live Playoffs during Monday night's broadcast on NBC.
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The Voice kicked off the Live Playoffs last night with 12 performances -- six from "Team Christina" and six from "Team Blake." Each artist sang a stripped-down solo for home viewer votes.
In addition, each coach was afforded the opportunity to welcome a "comeback artist" back to the show. It could be any artist throughout the competition from any team, even going back to someone eliminated from the "Blind Auditions."
The night's standout performers were on Christina's team.
Ryan Quinn, who was a stolen artist from Adam Levine's team, sang "I'm Not the Only One" by Sam Smith. He received a standing ovation from all four coaches. Pharrell Williams said it was so tender and controlled. Adam said Christina elevated him to his full potential and he'll definitely thrive on her team. Christina said it was so beautiful, complimenting him on how he can do anything vocally and gave the song a whole new life.
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Bryan Bautista, who sang "Pillowtalk" by Zayn, also earned a standing ovation from all four coaches. Pharrell didn't know Bryan had that in him, and Adam agreed that he was blown away and it was the "craziest thing" he's ever seen. Adam called Bryan a "superstar" and said he murdered the song. Blake added that it was smooth and he has a perfect voice. Christina knew from the start her team member was something special, and she was so proud of him.
Alisan Porter performed "Cry Baby" by Janis Joplin. Adam wasn't surprised at all because he said from the beginning Alisan is capable of winning this season. He dubbed the performance "miraculous." Christina said the vocal was "insane" and she has such impressive range, delivery and accuracy.
Christina's team this season is incredibly strong, as Tamar Davis also wowed with her performance of "Rise Up" by Andra Day and Kata Hay impressed the panel with her "spirited, fiery and exciting" rendition of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin.
Christina's "comeback artist" is Nick Hagelin, who took the stage with "Stay" by Rihanna. Pharrell, his former coach, said Nick absolutely deserves to be on the show and have many more moments. Christina insisted she and Nick were meant to work together.
For "Team Blake," Paxton Ingram sang "How Deep Is Your Love" by Calvin Harris and Disciples. Blake said he commands the stage like no other The Voice contestant ever. Katie Basden performed "Georgia Rain" by Trisha Yearwood, and Blake said if her voice is any indication of what the future of country music looks like, it will be really good.
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Joe "Maye" took the stage with "Long Train Runnin'" by the Doobie Brothers. Blake felt like they'd have a real shot to win the competition with a performance like that. Adam Wakeville sang "Seven Spanish Angels" by Willie Nelson and Ray Charles, and it turned out to be a beautiful soulful blend Blake dubbed "so precious."
Mary Sarah performed "Rose Garden" by Lynn Anderson, and Blake noted how she's so talented but also has a heart 100% invested in country music. Blake admired how there's a "hillbilly" deep down inside of her.
Blake's "comeback artist" is Justin Whisnant, who sang "Here's a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)" by Travis Tritt. Blake complimented his great pitch and admitted he loves how he's rough around the edges and takes liberties in different songs.
After Adam and Pharrell's teams perform on Tuesday night's The Voice broadcast, only 12 will advance to next week, ultimately cutting the teams in half. The Top 12 will be determined Wednesday night, April 13, on NBC.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski