‘The Voice’ Top 9 Bring Their A-Game in the Live Semifinals
Trae Patton/NBC Reading Time: 4 minutes
The Voice Season 20 continued with the Live Semifinals on Monday night, as the Top 9 performed one solo performance each, as well as trio tributes to the 1970s.
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This is the artists’ last chance to earn the audience vote before the Finals next week, and they pulled out all the stops. Tonight’s episode featured emotional performances, retro outfits, killer rap interludes, and even a Disney cover. It will be hard to narrow the competition down for the finale.
Voting was open at the start of Monday’s episode, and closes on Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. ET. Viewers can vote on the show’s website or via The Voice app. The Top 5 artists will be decided in Tuesday night’s results show — with every team represented in the finale.
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‘The Voice’ Star Pia Renee Raps in the Semifinals
Team Legend artist Pia Renee delivered a show-stopping performance of “Turn Your Lights Down Low” by Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill during Monday night’s show. She shared that it reminded her of the time she’s spent at reggae clubs.
Not only did Pia show off her incredible singing voice, but she also displayed her rap skills, along with an energetic stage presence. She had her coach John Legend dancing along, and the virtual crowd went wild for her.
Kelly Clarkson told Pia that she already looks like a star. Nick Jonas told her it was “like watching an award show performance,” adding that she “should be winning every award right now.” Legend, meanwhile, couldn’t stop smiling. He called the performance, “sexy, fiery, everything you needed to be for the song.”
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Team Nick’s Rachel Mac Delivers Emotional Performance
Team Nick artist Rachel Mac delivered a deeply personal performance on Monday night. The 16-year-old performed “Human” by Christina Perri, sharing that she has suffered from depression in the past, and wants people to know that “you will get through it, because I got through it.”
For the youngest contestant in the competition to send such a positive message and show so much vulnerability on stage was amazing to watch. Legend called it a “revelatory performance” that covered the “full range of emotion.”
Clarkson agreed, calling it a “really powerful performance” that “showed a different side of you vocally.” Jonas told Rachel that he was “so proud of you for digging deep and being vulnerable with us.”
‘The Voice’ Artists Perform ’70s Songs in Retro Outfits
In addition to their solo performances, the artists also joined together in trios to perform songs from the 1970s. Songs included “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” by Elvin Bishop and “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac.
All of the performances were enjoyable, but the most memorable by far came from Victor Solomon (Team Legend), Dana Monique (Team Nick), and Pia Renee (Team Legend). They teamed up to sing “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind & Fire.
The three artists wore outfits reminiscent of the decade they were honoring, with Victor donning an afro wig and Dana wearing a gorgeous gold headpiece. They showed off synchronized dance moves and seemed to be having a great time together. Not to mention, they sounded fantastic.
Gihanna Zoë Nails a Beloved Disney Song
We don’t get to hear a lot of Disney songs on The Voice — ABC’s American Idol has that lane covered. But during Monday night’s episode, Gihanna chose to sing “Reflection” by Christina Aguilera, from the movie Mulan.
The 17-year-old said she could relate to the song’s message about identity as she considers attending college to study psychology while also pursuing music. It’s no surprise that she totally nailed the performance.
During rehearsals, her coach Clarkson called her the “musical baby of Beyoncé and Pink.” After the performance, Jonas called Gihanna “an absolute star.” Legend complimented the big notes she hit, while Clarkson pointed out what a difficult song that is to perform. She even praised Gihanna’s pitchiness for showing emotion.
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Cam Anthony Wows with an Understated Performance
Team Blake’s Cam Anthony chose to sing “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” by Boyz II Men for Monday night’s solo performance. He said it reminded him of his grandfather and uncle.
“I’m hoping you win this thing for you and then for me so I can make fun of them,” Shelton told Cam during rehearsal. “My evil plan is coming together.”
Cam’s performance was wonderfully understated, as he started out singing a cappella and was accompanied by minimal instrumentation as he let his incredible voice shine. Legend said that song is a “test for a good vocalist,” and Cam passed. Blake once again called him “a superstar.”
Don’t forget to vote for your favorite artists until 7 a.m. ET on Tuesday morning. Then tune in to the results show on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET on NBC to find out who makes it to the Finals for Season 20.
