Monday’s episode of
The Voice (Mondays at 8 pET on CTV2) was night one of the Battle Round and featured the introduction of this season’s team mentors. Blake Shelton was joined by Bebe Rexha, Kelly Clarkson worked with Dua Lipa, John Legend reunited with his “Everything” duet partner Ella Mai, and Nick Jonas didn’t get past the Favourites contact list in his phone, calling up brothers Joe and Kevin. The Jo Bros are a package deal after all.Monday’s episode also introduced this season's new rule for the Battle Round. Each coach gets one steal and one save, but the artist they save will go on to a final Knockout round. All four saved artists from each team will compete and only one will continue in the competition. The new rules are a bit confusing, which viewers saw in the first performance on Monday night.
Joanna Serenko vs. Roderick Chambers – Team Nick
All four coaches liked it like that. Kelly called Joanna and Roderick’s performance effortless and beautiful and passionate and worthy of an award show. Blake and John said they expected Joanna to be flawless, which she was, but they were shocked by one-chair turn Roderick and his ability to go toe-to-toe with four-chair turn Joanna. But the most shocking moment came when Nick picked Roderick over Joanna. Listen, we all liked Roderick and thought he did great, but Nick Jonas just handed Season 18 to John Legend, who stole Joanna before Nick realized he said the wrong name. Again, love Roderick! But damn, Nick!
Joei Fulco vs. Todd Michael Hall – Team Blake
Team Blake’s Joei Fulco and Todd Michael Hall took us on a time trip back to the 1980s for Tina Turner’s “The Best.” Even the name Todd Michael Hall sounds like '80s staple Anthony Michael Hall. Joei won the round by a frizzy hair, giving Kelly the chance to right her Blind Audition wrong when she didn’t turn for Todd. Unfortunately for both Kelly and Todd, Kelly thought she had to wait to steal the rock singer until he was off the stage. Nope. He needed to be on the stage. Once he stepped off, Blake was able to save him. Why does this stink for Todd? Because instead of being stolen and sitting pretty on Team Kelly, he’s now heading to the Saved Knockout Round. In her defence, as Clarkson pointed out “It was the first time. I have a lot of jobs.” Fair.
Mike Jerel vs. Zach Day – Team Legend
As Blake said, part of being a coach in the Battle Round means hoping one of your singers screws up a little bit. Neither Mike nor Zach screwed up a little bit. Kelly, Nick and Blake couldn’t pick a favourite in the evenly matched, evenly sexy and evenly confident performance of Miguel’s “Adorn.” John decided to go with Mike, who has a tone that John prefers slightly over Zach’s tone. Considering Mike was a four-chair turn, his pass through to the next round didn’t come as a big surprise. But still, super sexy work, guys. Well done.
Allegra Miles vs. Michael Williams – Team Nick
Did we just watch two teens fall in love? Maybe, or maybe we all just fell in love with Allegra Miles and Michael Williams. The were tasked with singing Whitney Houston (ack!), but that’s okay because it was an arrangement by Sam Smith (still ack!). The young singers rose to the task, delivering beautiful harmonies while still getting the chance to shine during their solos. Kelly called Allegra’s tone a finale tone. Blake said he’s been making record for 20 years and rarely has he heard anyone with a tone like Allegra’s tone. John said her tone was special and magical and is easy for listeners to connect to through music. Tony! Toni! Toné! Allegra was the winner, but Michael earned Nick’s only save and we’re sure it had nothing to do with how much he sounded like Nick. Nothing at all.
Watch
The Voice every Monday at 8 pET on CTV2.'[video_embed id='1926963']BEFORE YOU GO: Dolly Parton, more country singers pay tribute to Kenny Rogers[/video_embed]
