The Voice Courtesy of Trae Patton/NBC
America voted to instantly save one artist.
After last night’s impressive top 12 performances, the votes were in. In The Voice’s results show tonight, the bottom two artists had to sing for the instant save in order to stay in the competition.
The first two artists to advance in the competition were Jordan Smith from Adam Levine’s team and Jeffery Austin from Gwen Stefani’s team. It was no surprise that Smith made it through, as he has been one of the most consistent artists all season. He took a risk by singing a hymn last night, but in the end, it paid off. Austin’s advancement was a little more unexpected, as his performance of a James Bay song last night just wasn’t all that original. Sometimes it seems like Austin is still figuring out who he is as an artist. He’ll have to figure it out next week when he sings in another round of the Live Playoffs.
Next, Carson Daly announced that Blake Shelton’s country darling Emily Ann Roberts and Team Pharrell’s Madi Davis were also through to the next round. Davis gave her personal best performance last night, earning her place in the top 11. Roberts didn’t necessarily have a standout top 12 performance, but it seems America wants to keep her around.
Team Blake’s Barrett Baber, Zach Seabaugh, and Roberts joined their coach for a group performance of “Lean On Me.” It was a fun performance, but then it was time to get on with the results. America voted to save Team Gwen’s Braiden Sunshine, the youngest artist remaining in the competition. America also saved Baber and Team Adam’s Amy Vachal, whose original and exciting rendition of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” secured her that spot in the top 11.
Pharrell and his artists — Davis, Mark Hood, and Evan McKeel — performed before the last round of results came in. Daly announced that McKeel, who sang “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins last night, was through the next round. America also voted to save Team Adam’s Shelby Brown, who secured a four-chair turn back in the Blind Auditions. All three artists from Team Adam advanced. Team Blake also remained intact, as Seabaugh was the last to automatically advance.
Team Pharrell’s Hood and Team Gwen’s Korin Bukowski were left to sing for the instant save. Singing songs that they each chose themselves, they had to put themselves out there and give it their all. Hood went first, singing “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” and he didn’t let the high pressure of the situation get to him. He gave an electrifying performance, and his stage presence was as impressive as his vocals. “That was magic,” Stefani said. “You deserve to be here,” Shelton added.
Bukowski chose to sing “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones, which was a very fitting song for her style and voice. Bukowski has had a really impressive journey this season, overcoming nerves and really starting to figure herself out as an artist. It was Levine’s favorite performance she has ever done. Her confidence came through, and the singing seemed effortless.
After their performances, there were just five minutes for viewers to vote for their favorite on Twitter. Both artists certainly deserved the save, but there could only be one. When the tweets and retweets had been tallied, Bukowski emerged as the champion, and Hood went home — an unfortunate hit to Team Pharrell.
The Live Playoffs continue next week, with the top 11 singing to remain in season nine. What did you think of tonight’s results?
The Voice Adam Levine
