It’s that time of the year, readers!
On Monday night, The Voice entered their first night of knockout rounds during it’s twelfth season. Based off of those who survived and will be moving forward, it’s safe to say that the stakes are high this season.
As the first crop of vocalists battled against each other, they were allowed to select a song of their choosing. Adam Levine, Alicia Keys, Blake Shelton, and Gwen Stefani had to choose wisely as they selected who would advance to the live shows. There were some interesting selections made indeed, to say the least. Surprisingly, two of the coaches managed to use their only saves for the knockout rounds on night one. In other words, this season’s competition is entering into very critical territory.
Likewise, Celeb Secrets has the low-down of which vocalists have survived this week’s knockout battle and which are history.
Season 12 of The Voice airs Monday and Tuesday at 8PM on NBC.
TEAM ADAM
AUTUMN TURNER VS. HANNA EYRE
WINNER: HANNA EYRE
The battle between Turner and Eyre was complicated, to say the least. Although they’re both good singers in different ways, Turner is a much stronger vocalist overall. However, Turner – who sang Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” – didn’t choose the best song to truly suite and showcase her powerhouse vocal abilities. Eyre, who sang Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love”, managed to choose a song that allowed us to recognize how pretty her voice can be. Plus, Eyre’s ability to control her voice is a great skill she utilized quite a bit in this performance. Levine recognized Eyre’s potential from day one, and she continues to improve with each performance. In our opinion, Eyre will most likely make it to finals, if not win the entire competition this season.
ASHLEY LEVIN VS. LILI PASSERO
WINNER: ASHLEY LEVIN
It’s fair to say that Levin’s performance of “Fancy” by Reba McEntire rightly placed her in the winning spot for this knockout round. All in all, Levin gave a strong and vibrant performance that Passero couldn’t touch. Despite the fact that Passero sang well, her rendition of Amy Winehouse’s “Tears Dry on Their Own” was probably one of the more forgettable performances of night. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t as entertaining as some of the performances her fellow vocalist’s gave. However, Passero  combined her soulful vocals with sultry taste, ultimately aiding in her favor. Although this wasn’t Passero’s best performance by a long shot, we know she is capable of producing stellar results in this competition and Levine recognizes this too. Nonetheless, Levine made the decision to use his only save on Passero.
JOHNNY HAYES VS. JOSH WEST
WINNER: JOSH WEST
Hayes brought his a-game last night with his performance of Allman Brothers’ “Statesboro Blues.” However, West brought this untouchable vulnerability to his rendition of Kansas’ “Carry On Wayward Son” which Levine tended to identify with more. Although many viewers and Celeb Secrets staffers alike were a bit shocked by Levine’s choice (West probably was too considering how intimidated he was by Hayes in rehearsals), we believe Hayes may resurface within the music world in the near future.
TEAM BLAKE
CASI JOY VS. FELICIA TEMPLE
WINNER: CASI JOY
Casi Joy has real talent, no doubt. Her winning performance of Maren Morris’ “My Church” is understandable on a variety of levels: her strong vocals, guitar plucking abilities, and performance value bring it home. However, one of these judges couldn’t find it within their heart to save Felicia Temple? Temple’s beautiful and moving rendition of Céline Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” was earth-shattering. Honestly, it was a much stronger performance than Joy’s. Unfortunately, our hearts will not go on because Shelton sent her home. Joy would be much easier for him to coach because she sings within his style of music, and we honestly think that Shelton wouldn’t necessarily know the best way to guide Temple. But, c’mon judges! Levine, Keys, and Stefani made a huge mistake in not saving Temple. We only hope that she resurfaces within the music world at some point because it’s otherwise just talent gone to waste.
TEAM GWEN
HUNTER PLAKE VS. JOHNNY GATES
WINNER: HUNTER PLAKE
Plake has what it takes to win this competition, enough said. During his performance of the Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is”, he brought a genuine vulnerability to it that is indescribable. No offense, but we would’ve been intimidated to be in Gates’ shoes that evening as he had the unfortunate task of facing off against Plake. Gates gave a good performance of Lady Gaga’s “Million Reasons”, but it doesn’t have the same impact that Plake’s performance did. Gates raspy, rocker vocals are not as strong as his knockout competitor. Stefani definitely made the right decision in sending home Gates, unfortunately.
TEAM ALICIA
CHRIS BLUEÂ VS. QUIZZ SWANIGAN
WINNER: CHRIS BLUE
Keys made the right decision in this round. Blue’s experience and strength behind his vocals rightfully placed him over Swanigan during this knockout round. Now, Blue’s rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitious” wasn’t perfect, but it was oddly imperfect in the best way possible. His falsetto additions and fun dancing created the whole performance package that Keys is looking for. Swanigan gave a decent performance of Nick Jonas’ “Chains”, but his vocals aren’t strong enough to keep him around (despite Stefani saving him). Sure, he’s cute and he’s young, but he won’t be able to truly compete against Casi Joy or Hunter Plake. Honestly, it would’ve been much wiser for Stefani to give her only save to either Temple or Turner.
