America is about to get its first chance to vote on Season 20 of The Voice, as the Knockout Rounds are under way with Mega Mentor Snoop Dogg doling out the sage advice. The four artists who were saved by their coaches after losing their Battles will face off in the Four-Way Knockout, and only one will be saved by America’s vote to move on to the live portion of the competition in hopes of finding long-term success in the music industry. So far this season, the coaches have been in sole control of their teams' makeups —for better or worse — and it's time to hand over the reins of this competition.
The “Save” aspect of the Battle Round is a tricky one, because it’s one of two options given to the coaches for the competition’s second round. If a contestant loses their Battle, they can either be stolen by another coach or saved to continue on their same team. The stolen artists go on in the regular competition with their new mentor, but the four saved artists are all pit against each other for one spot — and it’s the spot we get to choose. (Only adding Blocks for this round would make it more confusing.) I know your voting fingers are getting itchy, so let’s take a look at the four saved singers and their performances so far that have led them to this point.
Savanna Woods (Team Kelly/Kelsea)
Kelsea Ballerini — sitting in for Kelly Clarkson — had a tough choice to make on this one. Savanna Woods lost her Battle to teammate Corey Ward for their duet of “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac. All of the celebrity coaches were impressed by Woods’ ethereal style and range. Blake Shelton said the power that accompanied her “floaty” sound made her the biggest surprise. Nick Jonas — who had also turned his chair for Woods in the Blind Auditions when she sang “Zombie” by the Cranberries — said if Savanna made an album, he’d immediately go buy it. I don’t know if the final Battle decision came down to Kelly or Kelsea, but I think Woods is one to watch.
What (Substitute) Coach Kelsea Ballerini said: It made a song that I’ve known since I was a kid sound like your song. That’s artistry.
Emma Caroline (Team Blake)
Blake Shelton showed some tough love to Emma Caroline after her Battle of “10,000 Hours” by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber. He used his Save on her at the last second, saying he hoped to scare some stage presence into her. It’ll be interesting to see if the long-time coach’s tactic works, because there’s no disagreeing among the coaches that Emma Caroline deserves to be there, with Nick Jonas admiring her tone and John Legend enjoying her grace and clarity. And while Kelly Clarkson may not have been around to comment on Emma Caroline’s Battle, she turned her chair in the Blinds for Emma Caroline’s version of Kacey Musgraves’ “Slow Burn,” so she definitely heard something there too.
What Coach Blake Shelton said: You’re so much more than someone’s backup singer. You deserve to be in the front of the stage.
Devan Blake Jones (Team Nick)
Somebody had to go up against Dana Monique in the Battles, and unfortunately for Devan Blake Jones, it was Devan Blake Jones. The two sang “Stuck With You,” by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber before Nick Jonas used his Save to keep both singers around. All of the coaches agreed Jones sang up to Monique’s level, though John Legend said Jones might have struggled with accuracy a little. I’m hoping Jones will take what he learned from performing with Monique and show the judges that you don't have to be a Four-Chair Turn to get far in the competition.
What Coach Nick Jonas said: Devan, you came and you worked your butt off.
Carolina Rial (Team Legend)
Carolina Rial’s Battle against teammate Rio Doyle also seemed like it could have gone either way, according to the coaches’ feedback. The two sang “Somebody That I Used To Know,” which played to their unique voices. Kelsea Ballerini said Rial had the more experienced sound, and Blake Shelton also leaned toward Rial to win the Battle after taking issue with the effect the singers were putting on their vowels. Nick Jonas said Rial had a “refreshing” Christina Aguilera-like vibe. Rial impressed John Legend and Nick Jonas in the Blind Auditions when she sang Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” and it was enough to make Legend say that exact thing to Rial after the Battle.
What Coach John Legend said: Carolina, your range is just stupid.
It’s always an exciting part of The Voice’s season when we get past all of the team-building and team-slicing, and America can finally cast a vote! The best part about the extended Blind Auditions and Battles is that we really get to know the artists and how they work with their coaches by the time the power comes into our hands. Can these singers fight back in the competition and overtake a Four-Chair Turn? Catch The Voice at 8 p.m. ET Mondays on NBC, and be sure to check out our 2021 TV schedule to keep track of all your favorite shows.
