The finalists are announced – a single representative from each of the four judges/coaches – and because they are cutting from eight, there are no more last chance performances. To some, fed on the scores of competition shows that have come before, the somewhat unceremonious axings of favored and talented singers as part of the format is a travesty. That we haven’t seen the semifinalists stack up against one another long enough to make a fair judgement.
While perhaps an argument can be made that the Battle rounds unfairly dump early some promising singers who haven’t found a stride to hit yet, the format actually lends an immediacy to the proceedings. It also prevents a staleness that often creeps up in the slow slog of performers on other shows who have to belt out tunes every single week.
Adam Levine’s closing words for his team prior to the reveal of voting perhaps sums up the format of The Voice best: it’s a showcase that allows these singers a chance at exposure. In a sense, the $250,000 final prize is a bit of an afterthought. (Though, the singers can appreciate the guaranteed recording contract.) All four of last season’s finalists, who performed on this episode, have albums or EPs out or coming out shortly, meaning that the show gave them an opportunity to find and reach an audience they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.
While some of the dismissed semifinalists were still let go too early, they’ve made strong cases to have produced music in some format that we can partake in for years to come.
As there were no last chance performances, this results show had to pad out its full hour. Mentioned above, they brought back the four finalists from the first season of the show to perform. Season 1 champion Javier Colon still showcases his lovely ability, but the standout performance was from Vicci Martinez dueting with her former coach Cee Lo Green. The two sound wonderful together with a superb blend and strong power. The song got a bit repetitive but it proved a nice anthem. Beverly McClellan‘s duet with inimitable Cyndi Lauper was probably the most fun of the evening, offering a spirited rendition of “Money Changes Everything”. Dia Frampton offers strong vocals in her song but it’s rather forgettable.
Results
With no last chance performance to plead for reprieve, the finalists are determined through a combined scored of 200 points, 100 points split between the two contestants for each team by their judges/coaches and 100 points split from the voting public. The judges – Levine, Green, Blake Shelton, and Christina Aguilera – had to right down their votes at the end of last evening’s performance show and it gave them an opportunity to either shirk the duty off on the viewers or provide some feedback to their artists.
Adam and Cee Lo should both be commended for actively participating in their team’s votes, though with differing results. While Cee Lo’s proved to be an assertion of the power of the two performances, it gave legitimacy to the viewers’ votes. Adam’s, on the other hand, actually served to be the deciding factor in the competition between his singers, and for that, the fault lies squarely on him.
Team Xtina: Chris Mann vs. Lindsey Pavao
Judge’s Vote: Chris – 50, Lindsey – 50
America’s Vote: Chris – 54, Lindsey – 46
Total: Chris 104, Lindsey 96
In perhaps the most shocking of the votes, opera-trained Chris manages to supplant early-favored Lindsey to stand up for Team Xtina in the finals. Though Lindsey had an arguably better performance the night before, it was clear the audience was losing favor with her over her last couple of times out. Lindsey was probably a better representative of Christina’s team, but Chris made himself more publicly accessible.
Winner: Chris Mann
Team Adam: Tony Lucca vs. Katrina Parker
Judge’s Vote: Tony – 60, Katrina – 40
America’s Vote: Tony – 48, Katrina – 52
Total: Tony – 108, Katrina – 92
The thing most frustrating about this vote was that America actually got it right. Katrina proved to be the best singer – in addition to be “most improved,” as Adam continued to effuse – on his team and really came into her own over her last few performances. Despite the fun vibe Tony’s assumed, Katrina proved to be a far better singer and one of the best of the season of any team. Adam’s vote determined this outcome, and while it’s part of the game, it’s a bit disappointing that America didn’t get its way in this one.
Winner: Tony Lucca
Team Blake: Jermaine Paul vs. Erin Willett
Judge’s Vote: Jermaine – 50, Erin – 50
America’s Vote: Jermaine – 73, Erin – 27
Total: Jermaine – 123, Erin – 77
The biggest landslide of the four proves a bit bittersweet. There are aspects to really like about Jermaine and his ability but he seems to lack a genuineness on stage that Erin has in spades. Jermaine will represent Blake well but this outcome feels disappointing. Best bit of the night, though, was Erin turning to Blake and shouting “Let’s get drunk!”
Winner: Jermaine Paul
Team Cee Lo: Jamar Rogers vs. Juliet Simms
Judge’s Vote: Jamar – 40, Juliet – 60
America’s Vote: Jamar – 39, Juliet – 61
Total: Jamar – 79, Juliet – 121
In the toughest battle of the four, Cee Lo makes his own stand, relaying to Jamar that though he appreciated the way he took command of his destiny with the song he felt that it didn’t quite together for him tonally. Surprisingly, the viewers’ votes are far from close, overwhelming throwing support behind Juliet, who now remains the only female competitor in the competition. It’s the right call and she now enters the finals as the odds-on favorite to win it all.
Winner: Juliet Simms
Were you surprised by any of the outcomes? Who were your picks to make it to next week’s finals? Give us a shout out in the comments below.
