The final Knockout performances leave us eagerly anticipating the Lives.
Unfortunately for several of the more unique contestants, the coaches all played it safe this time.
She chooses Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood to show off her chops.
Credit: NBC
(Shelby also first sang this song for her third-grade talent show and lost.
This is her chance to redeem herself from her elementary school defeat.)
Jesus Take the Wheel is a smart pick that allows her to do just that.
James says that being on Team Adam forces him to stretch himself as an artist.
But if thats his angle, James is out of luck: Blake already used his steal.
Adam picks Shelby to move on.
That means the latest version of Team Adam is complete.
Hes taking Keith Semple, Blaine Mitchell, Jordan Smith, Amy Vachal, and Shelby Brown to Lives.
Next comes an unexpected pairing from Team Pharrell: lovable pipsqueakSiahna Imversus the exuberantMark Hood.
They both perform classic R&B, but these two could not look more different.
Mark decides to go old school again for his Knockout and sings Ben E. Kings Stand by Me.
I also wonder if Marks stage antics are beginning to distract from his vocals.
Gwen then pairs off her two soulful rock singers (as she calls them)Jeffery AustinandKota Wade.
He brings his own interpretation to a very well-known record and shows off his knack for clever runs.
Kota, on the other hand, really is a rock singer.
She decides to take on Hearts Barracuda, calling it the ultimate embodiment of female rock and strength.
Rihanna and Gwen both caution Kota that this vocal might be too much for her.
But then Kota lets out her full belt, after which no one considers questioning her abilities again.
That belt gets used for almost the entire performance.
While its powerful, it also doesnt give Kota any room to grow.
But its not going to be Kota Wade this season: Gwen decides to keep Jeffery on her team.
Her voice is still bright and lovely, and the extra flavor of the genre works in her favor.
But when compared side-by-side with this seasons frontrunners, she doesnt have that same captivating quality for me.
Like Kota and Jeffery, Nadjah picks another impressive song: A Womans Worth by Alicia Keys.
If Nadjah is to continue, this has to be the song that sends her to the next level.
She certainly delivers her best vocal performance yet.
But Blake makes a surprising choice and keeps Emily Ann on his team.
Carson then announces the winner of the one montaged Knockout, between Team BlakesZach SeabaughandChris Crump.
Team Pharrells final Knockout is between powerhouseEvan McKeeland the more understatedTim Atlas.
Evan takes on a song as big as his voice, Switchfoots Dare You to Move.
He starts out accompanying himself on the guitar, but Rihanna and Pharrell quickly make him abandon it.
Note to allVoicecoaches: Not everyone who wants to play while they sing is hiding behind their instrument.
Maybe the guitar would have helped Evans performance.
Still, there was nothing wrong vocally with his performance.
He still has an impressive range and a strong intuition for dynamics.
Hes a very safe bet to bring to the Lives.
Tim, on the other hand, is still a bit of an enigma.
Gwen calls it ear candy, and Im keen to hear more.
But Pharrell feels differently, and he chooses to keep Evan instead.
The very final Knockout comes from Team Gwens two Battle steals,Regina LoveandRiley Biederer.
Regina decides to go with a classic, Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight and the Pips.
In the past, shes had trouble refining her sound and showing off more than just raw power.
No one can say Regina is lacking for personality or drive.
She wants this, bad, and shes giving it her all.
Riley gives herself a big challenge by choosing to sing Beyonces XO.
Her sultry voice has an Ellie Goulding quality Id like her to explore more.
That leaves Pharrell to chime in with his final steal, securing Riley back on her original team.
