NBC’s ‘The Voice’ review: Deanna Johnson, Rob Taylor, India Carney perform in live playoffs
Tonight, “The Voice” looked to continue to bring us some impressive vocals, and this time looked to Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera’s teams in order to deliver. We cannot say that we loved every song, but at least the majority of the contestants seem, at least at the time of this writing, to either have a good choice or a good performance.
Now, we just wish that there were some feedback changes to go along with all of this. Specifically here, we are talking about getting an opportunity to see some actual criticism for a change, or to get to see Carson Daly actually be told to have a little bit of fun on stage for a change.
Team Adam
Tonya Boyd-Cannon, “Take Me to the Pilot” – We had never heard this Elton John song, but we love the relationship between Tonya and Adam Levine. It’s so sweet! This performance had a lot of super-cool stuff in it, from some big, soulful notes to an excellent stage presence. There was a lot to like here!
Joshua Davis, “Budapest” – We actually could hear the lyrics here better than we could with the George Ezra original when he was on “Saturday Night Live.” Super-smart by Adam to give him a song that hasn’t blown up in America yet. It’s a similar move to “Take Me to Church” back when it was performed on the show.
Brian Johnson, “At This Moment” – It was a big, emotional song for Brian … but wasn’t this just a little bit too predictable? Brian has the same problem as Sonic in that he had a good vocal in our opinion to a somewhat dull song choice.
Nathan Hermida, “Chains” – Clearly, Adam Levine loves Nick Jonas music! Unfortunately, there’s not a whole lot else that we can say about this performance. It was a little too hokey, and we just don’t think that Nathan has the swagger yet for this … even if he does have the voice.
Deanna Johnson, “Down to the River to Pray” – We didn’t expect this song at all, but it worked really well. It felt very folksy and different from the rest of the night, and with this final spot, plus the religious nature of the song likely getting Christian support, she is going to be rocking it on iTunes.
Team Christina
Sonic, “I’m Goin’ Down” – We’re not going to pretend that we still get thoroughly excited about hearing this song performed on singing shows. It’s been done far too much. However, in this instance it was done remarkably well. Great vocals here from Sonic from start to finish. We didn’t think it was as bad as some online seemed to think.
Kimberly Nichole, “What’s Up” – THAT is what’s up. She was even stronger than Sonic, and she also knows how to move! Also, good on Christina for getting this song, and allowing her a chance to give a great interpretation of it.
Lexi Davila, “All By Myself” – Regardless of how well Levi performed this, it doesn’t change that this is still a drippy song to perform. There’s nothing particularly appealing about hearing it for a millionth time on TV.
India Carney, “Hurt” – Intonation. We know that Harry Connick Jr. sometimes patronizes “American Idol” contestants by explaining this to them, but this was a huge problem with India’s performance. The tuning was just all over the place.
Rob Taylor – Some of the low notes in here were a little wonky, but that falsetto was something else! Rob’s been an interesting guy all season in that we’ve always enjoyed him, but he has not quite broken through. This may have been that chance.
Who was your favorite tonight? Share below, and head over here to read our review of the first episode Monday! Also, sign up now to get some other news worth singing over via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)