But, because of the comeback twist, fully half of each team was eliminated this episode.
But thats enough math for one recap.
(Spoiler alert: Keith Semple does not stick around.)
Credit: Tyler Golden/NBC
Team Gwen starts the night off with a group performance of O-o-h Child, originally by the Five Stairsteps.
They stand out like sore thumbs, and the whole performance suffers as a result.
Then, its time to reveal who from Team Gwen America saved: itsJeffery AustinandBraiden Sunshine.
Jeffery is a no brainer, but I had Viktor Kiraly pegged for runner-up.
Braiden is a welcome surprise, though.
Hes one of the most likable singers on this show.
Gwen is now forced to decide among Viktor, Ellie, Regina, and Korin Bukowski.
Again, Carson remarks on how impressive it is that Sawyer already has music out.
Is it that impressive, though?
Willie Nelson would have released, like, three albums and a box set by now.
Take It All is quite pleasant, in a Mumford & Sons-ish way.
Its optimized to show off the texture in his voice, if not to get anyones heart racing.
If you liked Sawyer last time you saw him on this show, youll probably still like him now.
NEXT: Blake pulls a fast one
Second to face the gauntlet is Team Blake.
They sing Rascal Flatts Stand, and this song lends itself much more readily to a group performance.
Carson tells us Stand was suggested by audience members, usingThe Voiceapp.
Allowing millions of viewers to virtually propose song choices sounds like a trolling disaster just waiting to happen.
Did the producers learn nothing from what happened with Sanjaya onAmerican Idol?!
We had to live through that, remember?
Once again, its time for hard choices to be made.
We find out that America savedBarrett BaberandZach Seabaugh.
No surprises there: Those guys were two of the standouts from last night.
Then, its Team Pharrells turn on the chopping block.
First though, they sing R.E.M.s Everybody Hurts.
It is far and away the best group performance of the night.
But all too soon, fun time is over and its down to business.
America savesMadi DavisandEvan McKeel.
Evans save is the first genuine disappointment of the night for me.
Can anyone name three different personality traits this guy possesses?
With so many more interesting singers in the mix, keeping him is a missed opportunity.
Pharrell is left with Darius, Celeste, Riley Biederer, and Mark Hood.
The choice seems so clear.
(If its not quite as clear as I think, the choice Im referring to is Darius.)
But Pharrell is unpredictable, and he choosesMark Hoodto move on instead.
I am not happy.
Finally, Team Adam takes the stage.
They perform Diamonds by Johnnyswim.
Theyre a married pop-folk duo, one half of which is Donna Summers daughter.
Anyway, Diamonds is way too country to suit most of Adams team, Shelby Brown excepted.
