Finally! There’s some sense to the proceedings this week.
Following the inexplicable eliminations of their top contestants on last night’s performance show, Team Blake and Team Xtina face the music with the voting public. The only surprise here from how I saw it last night – and I didn’t give the viewers enough credit to actual admit Lindsey’s performance was sub-par – was that Chris Mann was saved with the most votes of his team.
That brought Ashley De La Rosa and Lindsey Pavao out to sing for their salvation. Ashley goes the somewhat predictable route, offering up her take on Lady Gaga’s “You and I”, but gives us a pretty strong rendition. It’s not flawless but it proves not only some consistency on her part but also that she’s grown into a more confident performer. Up against a wall, she she steps up to the plate, just as she did two weeks ago, and while I’ve been pretty lost on the argument that she offers a lot of variety, one can’t deny that she fought well for her spot.
Lindsey is another who has been talked up as being versatile and yet she falls right back into familiar territory as well with her choice of Mike Posner’s “Please Don’t Go”. It’s a touching performance, showcasing her fragility, but doesn’t really sell herself as a strong contender. As Blake noted, there is something compelling that draws you in, but she’s so reserved that there comes a point where it makes it uncomfortable to spend a lot of time with her onstage.
Christina found herself welling up at the emotion of Lindsey’s song so it really wasn’t a shocker when it came time to make her choice. While I agreed with that choice coming out of last night, I’d have to say that I probably would’ve gone in the other direction.
Team Xtina – Safe: Chris Mann, Lindsey Pavao
Team Xtina – Eliminated: Ashley De La Rosa
Blake’s team next and there’s not a single person who should be shocked that Jermaine Paul was voted safe by the viewers. After jettisoning Jordis, Jermaine becomes top dog on the team, leaving the two “stylists” to battle it out for the semis. Erin Willett offers up a version of Tina Turner’s take on “Proud Mary” and sets about quickly trying to make it her own. She definitely works on her own timing, which brings up the issues with phrasing talked about earlier and that Adam mentioned last night on the show. Beyond that, though, she has a rollicking time with the song, bringing the most energy of the night and makes a clear case for why she should move on.
That leaves it up to RaeLynn to “sing for her life”. (Wrong show.) Putting her fate behind a version of The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young”, she mauls into the song with her usual afflicted flair. While her unique style helps her to stand out, it also becomes a crutch that keeps her from excelling in her ability. Thankfully, Adam pointed this out, suggesting that he would’ve coached her to pull back on her tricks a bit to really showcase singing ability. It was the first time anyone really called her out about it and even Blake had to acknowledge the truth behind it.
(I’m not going to touch on her choice of outfits that look like country fair by way of Toddlers & Tiaras. She’s young and she’ll find her way as she grows.)
While there was a strong chance that RaeLynn could skate by again, Blake has to be commended for choosing the better talent on the night. Erin outsung her competition and rightfully heard her way into the semifinals in two weeks.
Team Blake – Safe: Jermaine Paul, Erin Willett
Team Blake – Eliminated: RaeLynn
What do you think of the eliminated contestants this week? And what are your predicitions for Team Adam and Team Cee Lo next week? Let us know in the comments below.
