The Voice coach Gwen Stefani had a tough decision to make Tuesday during the first night of the Playoffs.
After she watched all five of her remaining team members sing, she had to choose just two to take to the final round. Her picks: Jan Dan, who dang “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas and has been a favorite of hers all season long, and 15-year-old Sydney Sterlace, who sang “betty” by Taylor Swift.
While they did impress, the choice meant that incredibly talented contestants, including Jose Luis, Gabrielle Zabosky, and Jake Tankersley had to leave.
At this stage of the game, everyone is good. Luis, in particular, was…wow. His take on Mary J. Blige’s “No More Drama” elicited a big response from the other coaches. Too bad they don’t have any more Steals or, in Stefani’s case, Saves.
Even host Carson Daly, who doesn’t often comment on performances, called it “playoff sangin’.”
Coach Snoop Dogg agreed.
“That was some playoff sangin’ at the highest level. The way you control your vocal…you made a Mary J. Blige song your song? You a star, man.”
A few seats over, Michael Bublé said he was “just blown away,” while fellow coach Reba McEntire said Luis’ vocals were “absolutely incredible.”
Casey Durkin/NBC
Did Stefani just hand another season 26 coach a win? She said her picks were based on who really moved her and who she thought she could coach.
New dad Dan certainly did that. She cried as she offered her evaluation.
“This is a man that chooses notes that are so artistic and beautiful,” she said. “He’s a painter with his voice. I think you’re just so cool.”
McEntire is in the hot seat next, and she’ll be the one trimming her team down to the two contestants that she’ll bring to the Live Shows.
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The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesday on NBC at 8/7C.
