‘The Voice’ Recap: The Top 10 Step Out of Their Comfort Zones
Trae Patton/NBC Reading Time: 4 minutes
The Voice Season 21 returned on Monday night, as the live shows continued in Challenge Week. The Top 10 artists stepped out of their comfort zones to try out different genres and styles.
It was an appropriate theme, because tonight’s episode made it clear just how much these artists have on their plates as they compete on the show. Wendy Moten returned after her scary fall during last week’s results show, and Hailey Mia is juggling her freshman year of high school in addition to being the youngest competitor.
Voting is open to viewers until 7 a.m. ET on Tuesday morning. Only 8 of the remaining artists will move on after Tuesday night’s results show, with two artists being eliminated. Be sure to get those votes in for your favorites.
‘The Voice’ Star Wendy Moten Performs After Scary Fall
During last Tuesday’s results show, Wendy Moten fell on stage after performing with Team Blake. She seemed in good spirits when talking to host Carson Daly afterward, but she ended up having to go to the hospital with a broken elbow and fractured wrist.
This week, Wendy returned to the stage with casts on both her arms to take on a cover of “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, and she nailed it. Although Wendy has experience singing backup for country artists, she doesn’t consider herself one. But she was totally up to the challenge. She kept the performance subtle and heartbreaking, and the coaches praised her restraint.
John Legend called it a “religious” experience, saying he was “under your spell.” Kelly Clarkson called it “beautifully sad,” while Blake Shelton complimented Wendy’s “strength and perseverance.”
The other members of Team Blake also delivered some amazing performances this week, as Lana Scott turned Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away” into a country song, earning a comparison to her idol Faith Hill from Clarkson. Meanwhile, Paris Winningham’s cover of “Amazed” by Lonestar had former coach John Legend saying he was wrong to let him go, joking that his family was mad at him about it on Thanksgiving.
Jim and Sasha Allen Bounce Back from Instant Save with Beautiful Performance
Last week, father-son duo Jim and Sasha Allen were in the bottom two. However, thanks to the Instant Save vote, they made it into the Top 10. Their coach Ariana Grande was emotional over their near-elimination, and she teared up again this week during rehearsal.
For tonight’s show, Jim and Sasha took on “Stay” by Rihanna. The crowd went wild for them as they sang, and the coaches had nothing but praise. Legend said he was happy that America saved them last week, adding that he loves the “heartache in your voice.”
Grande, meanwhile, called it their “best performance to date.” Could this be the comeback they needed to get them into the Top 8? We’ll find out during Tuesday night’s results show if America decided to vote them through.
SEE ALSO: ‘THE VOICE’S JIM ALLEN SAYS PERFORMING WITH SASHA IS A ‘DOUBLE DREAM COME TRUE’
Hailey Mia Aces Math Test Before Tackling a Country Song
At 14 years old, Hailey Mia is the youngest artist in the competition. She also happens to be starting her freshman year of high school while competing on the show. In fact, she talked about taking a math test in the morning before coming to set, and she totally aced it with a score of 100.
This week, coach Kelly Clarkson assigned Hailey to perform “Peter Pan” by Kelsea Ballerini. The country genre might have been out of her usual wheelhouse, but Hailey rose to the challenge, with Clarkson saying she’s “unafraid to conquer anything.” After her performance, Daly asked which was harder — that or the math test. Hailey responded that the math test was harder.
Team Kelly also closed the night with a stellar performance, as Girl Named Tom took on “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay. Their haunting opening vocals gave way to an energetic showing that had singer Bekah belting out the lyrics. Legend said it made him imagine what their concerts might be like. Clarkson said they had “the biggest challenge” of the night.
Let us know in the comments who had your favorite The Voice performance of the night, and remember to vote for your favorites to move on to the Top 8.
