The Voice Season 2: Limited Space Leaves The Judges Cautious, Part 4
With limited space left in everyone’s teams, The Voice judges were even more cautious than before when it came to picking up new singers. They left an awful lot of talent on the table this week — and the post-performance comment heard most frequently was “I wonder if we made a mistake.” However, the fortunate few who did make the cut will likely make potent additions to their respective teams — especially, perhaps, returning almost-star Charlotte Sometimes.
Brazilian-born Jonathas‘s version of Usher’s “U Got It Bad” has the ladies in the audience on their feet within a note, and his rendition prompts both Christina and Cee Lo to turn their chairs. Christina and Adam sass each other while Cee Lo and Jonathas compare watches. But their matching jewelry isn’t quite enough to close the deal, and Jonathas instead opts for Team Christina. Another score for the Bionic coach: Monique Bernabou, whose take on Kelly Clarkson’s “Mr. Know It All” compels Christina to pivot her chair. (She was also encouraged by Blake, who whispered, “You could do something with her.”)
Jonathas, “U Got It Bad”
Monique Benabou, “Mr Know It All”
Monique Benabou – Mr. Know It All – The Voice… by IdolxMuzic
Blake is won over by Naia Kele‘s reggae-inflected take on Bruno Mars’ “The Lazy Song”, but the country superstar faces competition from Cee Lo, who turns on the charm to woo Naia immediately. Christina says she thinks Nala sounds like one of Blake’s artists, and Naia admits that while her instincts initially pointed her toward Cee Lo, she ultimately felt drawn to Team Blake.
Naia Kele, “The Lazy Song”
Naia – The Lazy Song – The Voice 2012 (Auditions) by IdolxMuzic
After an early struggle, Charlotte Sometimes endured a life-changing jaw surgery that enabled her to pursue a singing career. Her loungy rendition of OneRepublic’s “Apologize” evokes a grouchy Lana Del Rey, and it’s enough to nudge Blake and Adam to hit their buttons at the exact same moment. With a little egging on, Cee Lo and Christina both turn around, setting the stage for the first and only four-way tug-of-war of the night. (Note: she may also be the only performer tonight who previously had a major label record contract. Her 2008 album Waves & The Both Of Us earned positive reviews.) After the customary Adam vs. Christina snark, Charlotte opts for Blake.
Charlotte Sometimes, “Apologize”
Charlotte Sometimes – Apolpgize – The Voice 2012… by IdolxMuzic
Broadway star Tony Vincent decided to put the Great White Way on hold to return to his pop-rock roots, and his ambitious run at Queen’s “We Are The Champions” stirs Cee Lo to swivel (and to taunt his fellow judges for sitting still). Though facing the pressure of growing up as the son of a famous preacher, Anthony Evans tries to avoid being typcast as a gospel and Christian act (his father is a radio broadcaster and chaplain to the NFL and NBA) . The sensitive tremble in his voice for Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” earns a last minute chair-turn from Christina. Jamie Lono lost half a lung in his youth, sending his family into bankruptcy, and his raw rendition of Johnny Cash’s iconic “Folsom Prison Blues” feels rooted in his own backstory. Adam is the first convert, followed by Cee Lo, whom Jamie eventually picks as his mentor.
Tony Vincent, “We Are The Champions”
Tony Vincent – We Are The Champions – The Voice… by IdolxMuzic
Anthony Evans, “What’s Going On”
Anthony Evans – What's Going On – The Voice… by IdolxMuzic
Jamie Lono, “Folsom Prison Blues”
Jamie Lono – Folsom Prison Blues – The Voice… by IdolxMuzic
Finally, it’s time for the lightning round. Justin Hopkins, a one-time guitarist in Carson Daly’s house band, knocks out a butter-smooth version of David Gray’s “Babylon”. Of all the judges, Hopkins praises Cee Lo as an innovator — and lo and behold, it is Cee Lo who turns to snap him up. Nicolle Galyon wants to be the first piano girl in country music, and showcases her twist on Nashville with “Save Me”. Adam Levine scoops her up. Ashley De Le Rosa sings VV Brown’s “Shark In The Water” and goes with Christina, Karla Davis woos Adam with “If I Die Young,” while both Jordan Rager (“Chicken Fried”) and Alyx (“Just Like A Pill”) win over Blake.
Faced with the choice of music or med school, Mathai opts for the former and plays the Adele card with “Rumor Has It”. Adam reaches for his button before the chorus even hits, and is soon followed by Cee Lo and Blake. It’s clear there will be competition for her services, and though Blake and Adam both emphasize that she doesn’t sound like anyone they’ve ever heard, Mathai picks Adam, giving him ten team members total.
Mathai, “Rumor Has It”
Mathai – Rumour Has It – The Voice 2012… by IdolxMuzic
Next week the judges will duke it out to fill their final spots — but will they be looking back on this week with regret? Were any future stars left on the cutting room floor? Let us know in the comments, or on Twitter and Facebook.
