NBC’s “The Voice” was hot Monday night ... because “The Voice” studio’s air conditioning wasn’t working. “They need to turn that back on, for real,” Usher said. “It’s so hot in here that sound doesn’t carry,” Blake Shelton complained. Fortunately for us, the mikes still carried sound to our televisions. Here’s the best and worst of what went down:
Best moves: Team Usher
Usher has a true protégé in Vedo , who wore an Usher-esque leather jacket and danced an Usher-esque stationary moonwalk (you know, the one where he slides in a circle). Vedo also waved his hands a lot and walked with the beat, which people seemed to like. Without the AC on during his performance of Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You,” he certainly did “feel that heat,” as the song goes. But he still had enough energy to hit the high note.
Biggest note: Team Blake
Before Holly Tucker performed Martina McBride’s “Broken Wing,” Coach Blake said, “This song doesn’t work unless you sing it hard.” Holly responded with a powerful performance that ended in a giant note. We’re guessing that’s what Blake had in mind. “Gosh dang, girl,” Shakira said adorably. “Anybody who ever doubted your talent is a frickin’ idiot,” Usher said.
Worst song choice: Team Shakira
Yes, English isn’t Shakira’s first language, but she still needs to broaden her song-choice horizons and throw Garrett Gardner a bone! After tasked with singing a John Lennon song last week, the rocker was given the near-impossible task of performing Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way.” He did his best to infuse as many growls into the song as possible, but Adam Levine wasn’t a fan. “I was a little thrown” by the performance, he said.
Hottest moment: Team Usher
The air conditioning did eventually turn back on, but not before Carson took off his jacket, and, more importantly, Usher took off his button-down. The audience cheered for a “very distracting” (Carson’s words) Usher in his thin beater. Later, Usher put his shirt back on.
Best song choice: Team Adam
Adam seriously needs to help Shakira out with her song choices. His choice of Brandi Carlile’s “The Story” for Sarah Simmons suited her passionate, gritty voice. Naturally, Shakira was unfamiliar with the song, but she thought it fit her voice. Blake said the performance was “incredible.”
Best tribute: Team Blake
The Swon Brothers saluted late country great George Jones with his “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes.” With a piano, guitar, lovely harmonies and mood lighting (lots of candles), they nailed the performance. That was a “beautiful, beautiful rendition of that song,” Adam said.
Best coach plea: Team Shakira
After Sasha Allen stole the show with a fierce performance of “Heart’s Alone,” Shakira begged viewers to vote for her star. Though we don’t think Sasha will need any help making it through to next week, Shakira said, “I promise you I’m gonna write a song called “My Sasha” if people vote for her. A fair-enough trade.
Best camera stare: Team Usher
We’re really trying to focus on Josiah Hawley ‘s music. But when he seduces the camera, it’s hard to realize that his acoustic version of The Script’s “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” is smooth with some nice falsetto. The coaches agreed that it was his best performance so far, and Usher even thought it made him sound like a “young Adam.” Adam had no response to that.
Weirdest comparison: Team Shakira
It’s easy to compare Vedo to Usher, and even OK to compare Josiah to Adam. But Shakira compared Team Blake’s confident teen Danielle Bradbery to a “16-year-old Margaret Thatcher,” because “you can never detect an ounce of nerves.” However, unlike the Iron Lady, Danielle is not polarizing. Her version of Carrie Underwood’s “Wasted” was widely well-received and made Adam call her “the one to beat.”
Boldest move: Team Adam
“Playing by yourself is a gift and a talent that can’t be taught,” Adam said. Fortunately for Judith Hill , she has the skill mastered. The soulful singer went bandless during her performance of You’ve Got a Friend . Just Judith and her piano easily filled the entire Voice auditorium with raspy goodness. Blake called the song beautiful and powerful.
Cutest moves: Team Usher
Petite Michelle Chamuel ‘s dance steps include lunges to the beat and a move where she opens and closes her blazer. On Michelle, these moves are adorable and make her sweet version of Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend” even more lovable. Adam, a big fan, called her “unique,” “passionate” and “engaging.” “I love you a lot,” he said. Usher said, “I adore you.”
Biggest stretch: Team Shakira
Kris Thomas can sing Whitney Houston high notes, but he struggled with 12-year-old Michael Jackson’s high notes in “I’ll Be There.” Can you blame a guy for trying? Blake said the song pushed Kris “to the extreme,” and Adam said that song was high even for a young Michael.
Most touching: Team Adam
Amber Carrington ‘s mom died of cancer, so the country singer easily related to the second Martina McBride song of the night, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.” Amber was feeling the song as she beautifully belted and curled her notes. She more than earned her spot as the show’s closer. “You kind of defy the laws of gravity,” said a stunned Usher. We think we know what he was getting at.
Who will go home? America’s votes alone determine which two, regardless of team, are sent packing Tuesday.
© 2013 USA TODAY. All rights reserved.
