NBC’s ‘The Voice’ review: Kimberly Nichole, Meghan Linsey, Joshua Davis, Mia Z rock top 12 show
“The Voice” brought out its top 12 performers Monday night for yet another vocal showcase, and this one was for the most part a ball to watch. There were some good performances in here, but above all else we give the show some credit for bringing us some different songs and arrangements than what we are typically used to hearing. There were a few in here that we had never heard of before watching the show.
Below, take a look at our impressions from everyone who stepped on the stage tonight. There are a few destined to advance from this group, but also a few who feel almost certain to be in a certain amount of danger.
Hannah Kirby, “Edge of Seventeen” – Clearly, someone wants Hannah to really go home. This is the second week in a row she’s got a terrible spot in the competition. We really dig her unusual stage presence and vocal theatrics, but they’re polarizing. Probably not right for this particular show.
Brian Johnson, “If I Ever Lose My Faith” – Much better than it was in his rehearsals with Adam Levine. He’s not going to win the show, but he is that sweet, soft-spoken guy who could make it a little further in the competition than you would first think.
India Carney, “Take Me to Church” – If there is one thing India has to work on, it is loosening up a little during her performances and getting more in touch with the audience. This was a step in the right direct. Definitely her most vocally-intriguing track.
Mia Z, “Miss You” – Mia has serious darkhorse potential. We dug her first audition very much, but since then we have come to enjoy almost everything that she does more and more. This upward trajectory is exciting for her as a contestant, and dangerous as you-know-what for everyone else.
Deanna Johnson, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” – We’re surprised that she is taking on contemporary Christian music still, and we don’t think this has the same secular potential that she had with her breakout last week. A decent vocal, but her nerves may be more present here than the coaches wanted to admit.
Sawyer Fredericks, “Imagine” – Sawyer reminds us a little of a John Lennon or a Bob Dylan-type singer, meaning that he is not going to hit all of the notes, and he may not even have the biggest range; yet, there is something completely mesmerizing about the way that he sings. Probably one of our favorite performances of the live rounds so far.
Rob Taylor, “I Put a Spell on You” – We weren’t spellbound by this one. It felt almost like Rob threw every item and note he could into a witches’ cauldron, hoping that it would come out great in the end. We’re not so sure.
Koryn Hawtorne, “Stronger” – A strong performance. We don’t love this song for singers not named Kelly Clarkson, but she did probably everything that she could to differentiate herself.
Joshua Davis, “America” – Let it be known that we never quite thought we’d be getting a Simon & Garfunkel cover like this on the show. We were worried that Joshua was trying a little too hard to capture the essence of the original, but it was still a lovely performance.
Meghan Linsey, “Girl Crush” – This may be where Meghan becomes more of a favorite than she was already, and she already was dangerous given her established following. Emotional, powerful, and different enough from the original to stand out.
Kimberly Nichole, “House of the Rising Sun” – BOSS all the way through. This is that jam you rock out too while making an ugly face ’cause you’re so into it! Kimberly gives us life, and the show closes with a few killer performances in a row.
Who did you enjoy on “The Voice” tonight? Share right now with a comment, and head over here to see where we ranked the contestants in advance! Also, sign up now if you want to score some further TV updates on all we cover, courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)