The Voice season 15’s Top 10 performed live Monday night on NBC, ahead of a double-elimination evening. Coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson all hoped their artists would make it through to next week’s performances.
Team Jennifer’s Kennedy Holmes got things started with her take on “Me Too” by Meghan Trainor. Her coach picked the song for her, hoping it would bring out some performance skills. It was the right choice, allowing Holmes to let loose on stage, showing off some dance skills in addition to her singing. “You never disappoint,” Hudson said.
Team Adam’s Reagan Strange was up next, singing “Cry” by Faith Hill. Levine worked with her on some of the low notes, and the work paid off for her final performance, which was more vocally complex than her previous efforts.
After Shelton performed his single “She’s Turnin’ Me,” Team Kelly’s Sarah Grace went with a classic song choice on singing competition shows: “Amazing Grace.” She shook it up by adding in some of the melody of “House of the Rising Sun.” Grace was able to make the classic original, and those risks helped her stand out.
Team Kelly’s Kymberli Joye followed with her performance of “Oceans (Where My Feet May Fail)” and delivered a compelling, emotional lyrical interpretation. The song choice worked well for her, suiting her voice as well as allowing her to tell a moving story.
Chris Kroeze from Team Blake was up next. He sang “Callin’ Baton Rouge” by Garth Brooks, a song he noted he plays at bar shows in his hometown. His raspy voice sounded strong of the cover, and he conveyed confidence throughout. Shelton was pleased with the straightforward country performance.
Team Blake’s Dave Fenley then sang “When You Say Nothing at All” by Keith Whitley, getting back to his country roots after shaking things up last week with his beatboxing. Shelton worked with him on his breath control, and Fenley delivered on the vocal and emotional fronts.
Team Adam’s DeAndre Nico, who made it through thanks to the Instant Save last week, sang “That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars. He gave it a throwback sound in his cover, and he proved to be one of the most impressive straight-up vocalists of the evening.
Chevel Shepherd sang “You’re Looking at Country” by Loretta Lynn, dousing Team Kelly in some old-school country to give Team Blake a run for its money. Her tone sounded beautiful on the song, and she added some grit to it, too. Shelton said Shepherd made the song even more country than the original recording.
Team Blake’s Kirk Jay answered with a performance of “Tomorrow” by Chris Young, a song choice well within his wheelhouse. The arrangement was slowed down, allowing him to really zero in on the vocals. Shelton called it Jay’s most pivotal performance of the season.
Team Jennifer’s MaKenzie Thomas closed out the night with a performance of Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me.” She fired on all cylinders, once again choosing a huge power ballad. Her ad libs were solid, and Hudson compared Thomas to huge stars like Dion and Mariah Carey.
Two artists will go home after an Instant Save on Tuesday night.
