A lot can happen during the live episodes of
The Voice (Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on CTV2) and four people who know that better than anyone are coaches Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Gwen Stefani. Each coach still has at least one contestant in the semi-finals, which is going to make Tuesday’s elimination from eight to four finalists even more nail biting. But before the finals, it’s the semifinals and on Monday night that meant solo performances for all eight singers and 80’s inspired duets. For Team Gwen’s solo member Rose Short, she pulled out a double dose of retro magic to nab the position of best performance of the night and make Foreigner cool again.
BEST PERFORMANCE – ROSE SHORT
The 80’s theme on Monday’s episode of
The Voice was only supposed to include duets, but Rose Short received extra credit by performing the 1984 Foreigner hit “I Want To Know What Love Is” for her solo and making the song cool again. She may have even made it cooler than it was 35 years ago. The best of Rose was on display, including her soaring notes and her impeccable timing on when to use those notes and when to instead get quiet in her powerful lows. Her confidence mixed with vulnerability was truly captivating to watch and left
coach Gwen Stefani in tears, with Stefani unable to speak during the live show. But really, what could Gwen say about Rose that the singer didn’t just finish conveying through her performance on stage? At this point, it’s not about if Rose makes it to the finals, but whether she comes in first or second.
BEST DUET – RICKY AND WILL
Ricky and Will were a perfect match both vocally and with their song selection of “Your Love” on Monday night. The Outfield’s dark pop track gave Ricky a chance to show off his rocker vocals while Will reminded us that he sounds a lot like Sting. Like, so much. Why is this not being discussed by the coaches every week?
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE – KATIE KADAN
John Legend assigning "Lady Marmalade" to his team member Katie Kadan felt like a bit of a waste of her talent, as did her duet with Rose Short for Madonna’s “Express Yourself” (there wasn’t any other song for these two superstars? Really?). But Katie did was Katie does on Monday and managed to make "Lady Marmalade" rock, performing Pink, Christina Aguilera, Mya and Lil Kim’s parts. As host Carson Daly said following Katie’s theatrical performance, “I think you won a Grammy and a Tony during that.” That’s halfway to an EGOT.
BEST FEELS – JAKE HOOT
Jake Hoot has been a consistent performer since the Blind Auditions, but almost too consistent. His performances don’t always feature many levels and instead stay squarely in the country singers’ comfort zone. That changed on Monday night when Jake performed The Eagles “Desperado” and showed his vocal and emotional range thanks to the tender and heartbreaking performance. Hooooot!
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY – HELLO SUNDAY
Myla and Chelsea’s parents are continuing to get a huge return on their investment into choir camp, with the 14-year-olds not only singing their way to the semifinals, but now dancing their way as well. They are just so darn cute. They’re also hugely talented and serious competitors who are continuing to improve in leaps and bounds each week. Stevie Wonder? These girls are not here to play. But also, they’re really cute.
The Voice airs Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on CTV2.[video_embed id='-1']THROWBACK: Gwen Stefani never expected 'Hollaback Girl' to turn into a hit[/video_embed]
