The artists of "The Voice" are now down to 11 and this week, the Top 11 are given the opportunity to have their families watch and support them in rehearsals.
Most of the Top 11 artists pretty did well tonight with outstanding performances from Amy Vachal, Madi Davis, Jordan Smith, Jeffery Austin and Emily Ann Roberts. The latest episode of "The Voice" Season 9 also showcased improved production value while fans get a treat as the Top 11 artists did covers of hits from Lady Gaga, Mandy Moore, Robyn, Jessie J and others.
Starting the night was Team Adam's Shelby Brown who took on Lady Gaga's "You and I." While Pharrell loved Shelby's growls, Gwen Stefani reminded her to use it sparingly. Adam promised Shelby a giraffe if she delivers and eventually got a stuffed toy.
Came next was Evan McKeel of Team Pharrell who toned the energy down this week by singing Nat King Cole's "Smile." Before performing, Evan said that the world needs to listen to his song and the message it carries. TVLine, in its report, said that while it appreciates the clear vocals of Evan, the ballerina in the background was just too distracting.
Third to perform was Team Blake's Barrett Baber with Tanya Tucker's "Delta Dawn." Barrett, who performed with a choir, had Blake saying Barrett "took us to church."
He was followed by Team Gwen's Korin Bukowski who gave a rendition of "Only Hope" by Mandy Moore. Korin is using her Instant Save last week as a motivation to deliver this week and as a result, gave a beautiful performance.
Amy Vachal of Team Adam took on a folksy version of Taylor Swift's "Blank Space." Vachal made it so original that no traces of Swift can be heard in her performance. "Great singin', Sis!" Blake told Vachal.
Next was Team Blake's Zach Seabaugh with Thompson Square's "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not" who may just made a lot of teenage girls giggle with his performance. "I feel like that was cheating for you to do that song," Gwen Stefani commented.
Team Pharrell's Madi Davis then came next with U2's "Love is Blind," which according to Refinery29, was "phenomenal." At the end of her performance, Madi left her family teary-eyed and Gwen crying that Carson Daily had to skip her for comments.
Team Gwen's Braiden Sunshine took on Spandau Ballet's "True." Pharrell said that the performance was impressive and Gwen commented that despite having a tough song to do, Braiden delivered. Gwen further said she hopes the voters would forget Braiden's age, a proven stigma in competitions like "The Voice."
Jordan Smith of Team Adam, this week, chose Jessie J's inspirational hit "Who You Are," which left him in tears after performing. Pharrell noted that aside from having a powerful voice, Jordan Smith performs every song "with such a palpable intention."
Team Blake's Emily Ann Roberts gave a rendition of The Judds' "Why Not Me," which according to Blake they have turned into a bluegrass number. NY Daily News, in its report, said that Emily certainly has a niche on "The Voice" which potentially can make her win the whole thing.
Finally, Jeffery Austin of Team Gwen who rendered a stripped down performance of Robyn's "Dancing on my Own." Gwen became emotional while Blake and Adam thought Jeffery could really go the distance.
As of 8 PM Pacific Time (via Blasting News), Amy Vachal dominated early in the iTunes charts with her "Blank Space" cover at No. 4 followed by Jordan Smith with "Who You Are" at No. 10, Emily Ann Roberts with "Why Not Me" and Madi Davis with "Love is Blindness" at No. 15.
