The Voice Recap: Top 20 Cut to 13 After America’s Vote
Did your favorite make it through?
It was a heartbreaking night on NBC’s The Voice as the first round of live eliminations took place, taking the Top 20 down to 13. At the top of the show, host Carson Daly explained that the Top 2 from each coach’s team would automatically advance and then coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani would get to save one of their remaining artists and then, of the contestants remaining, the highest scorers would have the opportunity to compete for a Wild Card spot that would continue in the competition.
The evening began with Team Blake taking the stage.
The two singers automatically advancing in the competition were: Ricky Duran and Kat Hammock
Blake’s choice to continue: Cali Wilson
Competing for the Wild Card slot: Gracee Shriver
Eliminated: Ricky Braddy
Next up was Team Gwen.
The two singers automatically advancing in the competition were: Rose Short and Joana Martinez.
Gwen’s choice to continue: Myracle Holloway
Competing for the Wild Card slot: Jake HaldenVang
Eliminated: Kyndal Inskeep
Third to discover their fate was Team Kelly.
The two singers automatically advancing in the competition were: Max Boyle and Jake Hoot
Kelly’s choice to continue: Shane Q
Competing for the Wild Card slot: Hello Sunday
Eliminated: Damali
Before John’s team was brought to the stage, Blake announced that John had been named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” In a brief speech of gratitude, John credited Blake who had won the honor in 2017.
Finally, it was Team Legend’s turn.
The two signers automatically advancing in the competition were: Katie Kaden and Marybeth Bird.
John’s choice to continue: Will Breman
Competing for the Wild Card slot: Alex Guthrie
Eliminated: Khalea Lynee
Wild Card Round
Gracee Shriver – “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
Coach Blake: “One of my heroes in my life is a guy named Bruce Arians and he’s got a quote: ‘No risk it, no biscuit.’ And Gracee, there’s a reason that you’re in this position right now, and I played a little bit of strategy a minute ago. I knew that if you ended up in this final four, that you would have a serious chance of winning this spot because I know the country fans that watch this show are engaged. You’re an incredible country singer and I believe in you. That’s why this happened. So please America. This girl is the real deal.”
Jake HaldenVang – “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” by Shawn Mendes
Coach Gwen: “So, America, Jake is so incredible. Will.I.Am wanted, out of all my team, wanted to actually make a record with this guy. He’s so gifted. His vocals are incredible. He’s so unique. He actually feels like he was plucked out of the 80s and then brought here and he’s all new again. He’s been in a band with his dad since he was 11-years-old. He deserves to be here, I really want America to vote for Jake. He’s an incredible, talented guy.”
Hello Sunday – “All By Myself” by Eric Carmen
Coach Kelly: “WHAT?!?! Y’all, OK, let’s be real in the room right now. Not even people on the radio can hit that note, Miss Thang. OK? Y’all are so crazy good. What?!?! We should have sang that song last night. That was so great, you guys. You are so talented. I don’t even care if America…I want them to vote you through, but even if they don’t, you have such an amazing, you are 14-years-old. You are incredible. That was insane. People in this competition can’t do what you just did. That was insanely talented.”
Alex Guthrie – “Stay” by Rihanna
Coach Legend: “First of all, I love that song so much and I loved your performance of it. You have such a way of being a storyteller on the stage. You have so much soul in your voice, so much character in your voice and I really felt your connection to the song so much. It was just a beautiful tour de force performance. I’ve only gotten to coach you for one song, but I am just honored that I have had the chance to work with you. You’re such an immense talent and you deserve to keep going, you deserve to stay, you deserve to stay on The Voice, and I surely hope America sees the gift that you have because this show needs you. America needs to hear more from you. Alex, thank you for letting me coach you for a little bit.”
With that, the decision of who would take the final spot in the next round of live competition was in the hands of the audience.
And rounding out the Top 13: Hello Sunday
Tune in next week when season 17 of The Voice continues with more live performances of special dedications.
