The Voice returned to NBC tonight with the show’s second Playoff of Season 23. This season, the Playoffs are different than the last. Instead of fully live rounds, the first two weeks of the Playoffs are pre-recorded. This episode and next week’s episode will feature coach picks, in the coming weeks fans will be able to vote.
Right off the bat, Team Kelly began with Playoff Pass recipient, D.Smooth. For his performance, he prepared “Location” by Khalid. Super fans witnessed D.Smooth’s Playoff performance early, since The Voice released it early.
Team Niall’s first artist was one of my favorites of the competition. Since his Blind Audition, Ross Clayton knew his genre and stayed within it. Although this is a risk, he’s truly so refined at the slow rock, almost country, vibe. His performance of U2’s “With Or Without You” was up to par for his other performances.
https://youtu.be/HEE6gxpUfME
Gina Miles
Later, Team Niall’s storyteller, Gina Miles, performed “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak. Gina chose this song because she has practiced it a ton before. If I had to describe this performance in one word, it would be “incredible.” This song was truly the perfect choice for her.
Once again, Team Kelly member ALI gave an extremely powerful performance. For those who may not remember, after the singer’s Blind Audition, she shared that she’s actually hard of hearing. Since then, coaches have adored her capabilities.
https://youtu.be/qKIS7jSdQQA
Holly Brand
Holly truly had one of the best performances of the night. Ahead of this point, we hadn’t truly seen her emotional side. This round’s song choice opened up a whole new dimension to the singer. She was absolutely outstanding.
After this week’s outstanding performances, Clarkson and Horan had some pretty tough choices to make. Finally, it’s been announced that the final Team Kelly and Team Niall members are… D.Smooth and Holly Brand; Gina Miles and Ryley Tate-Wilson. Most of these singers were clear standouts since the beginning, so this line up wasn’t much of a surprise.
Next Monday, the Top 8 will compete for their place in the finale. Fans should look forward to The Voice‘s first live show of the season. Near the end of the episode, fans will be able to vote for their favorite acts. Although the round will be live, and there will be live voting, the finale artists will be announced at the end of the night. The Voice will not return to it’s Tuesday night time slot until the finale.
What do you think about tonight’s episode and the Playoff format overall? Let us know in the comments down below.
Words by:
Corey Cesare Corey Cesare is Talent Recap's Managing Editor and featured YouTube Host. She has a love of all things pop culture and an unhealthy obsession with celebrities. Corey earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Cinema/Screen Studies from the State University of New York at Oswego in 2021. She spends her spare time shooting astro, nature, and portrait photography, and coming up with movie ideas that she hopes to make into a film someday.
