The Voice Finale Recap: Did Team Blake Set Up the GOAT for One Last Win?
After 23 seasons in a red swivel chair, The Voice’s Blake Shelton took a load off Monday night to watch his last bunch of finale performances as a coach. He was sitting pretty, too, considering that the members his team, whittled down to just showman NOIVAS and country singer Grace West, were the likeliest to win the title. Did anyone from Team Kelly Clarkson, Chance the Rapper or Niall Horan deliver such a knockout that they might pull off an upset? Did NOIVAS and/or Grace stumble? Read on, and we’ll discuss.
Grace West (Team Blake), “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” — Grade: C+ | Miss Vicki Lawrence might have something to say about the fact that Blake and Grace kept calling this classic a Reba McEntire number. Sure, she did it, too, but c’mon, give credit where it’s due. That quibble notwithstanding, it just wasn’t a great selection for the 19-year-old. The talk-singy verse didn’t adequately show her off her vocal abilities, and the chorus here just felt… leaden, like no one had ever plugged in the lights for them to have gone out.
D.Smooth (Team Kelly), “My, My, My” — Grade: B+ | Satisfying his coach’s craving for ’90s R&B, the only Playoff Pass recipient in the finale D-livered a rendition of Johnny Gill’s hit that was even smoother than the moves that his backup dancers were pulling off. I do wish he’d opened his eyes more often during his performance, but big whoop. He didn’t have to see anything to hear from the crowd’s reaction that they were lapping up what he was dishing out (and lining up for seconds).
Sorelle (Team Chance), “Million Reasons” — Grade: B- | As usual, the siblings’ harmonies were hella dreamy. But their individual vocals, led by baby sis Bella, weren’t quite as flawless. Plus, toward the end of the trio’s Lady Gaga cover, they got a little shouty. By that time, I may have been a little distracted, though, wondering why the light show made it look like the young women were being engulfed in flames. That’s not the way to convince us that a performance was fire, gang.
NOIVAS (Team Blake), “Cold” — Grade: A | Welcome to Goosebump City! From the start of his Chris Stapleton number, Season 23’s frontrunner absolutely owned the stage — without ever moving, even. His presence was cranked up to 11, and when he was able to fully unleash his massive voice, the combination of charisma and talent was nothing short of thrilling. Dude sang with such raw intensity, he coulda cracked a rib.
Gina Miles (Team Niall), “Style” — Grade: B- | I didn’t have high hopes for Gina’s rendition of Taylor Swift’s smash; “Style” just didn’t seem as dark or moody as the kinda number on which the 19-year-old typically shines. But she proved me wrong… mostly. Her unique voice made me feel like I was listening to Florence + the Machine cover Tay Tay, which isn’t a bad thing, just… an odd one. Wish Gina and Niall had rejiggered the production a little bit to better suit her style.
Grace West (Team Blake), “She’s Got You” — Grade: A- | Ahhh! Now this was the sorta Grace performance that could actually win her the title. She was as comfortable with the Patsy Cline classic as a cowgirl would be riding a horse. Her vocals were brimming over with emotion and just dazzlingly beautiful. If there’s anything to nitpick here, it’s just that it would’ve been nice to have seen some of the feeling that we heard in her voice… on her face.
NOIVAS (Team Blake), “Fly Away” — Grade: D | Uh-oh. The energy was certainly there on NOIVAS’ rendition of Lenny Kravitz’s raucous rocker, but the vocal? Not so much. “Fly Away” is a song that gets roared as much as sung, granted. But even still, it would’ve been cool if it hadn’t been painfully pitchy. This was, in an unfortunate word, a disaster — especially what with it being NOIVAS’ last performance before viewers started voting.
D.Smooth (Team Kelly), “What You Won’t Do for Love” — Grade: C+ | There was nothing really wrong with D’s rendition of Bobby Caldwell’s golden oldie. And it had a cool arrangement (his idea, his coach told us). But the number never really took off. Instead, it kinda hovered at pretty much the same altitude throughout. Exceptional singer but not an exceptionally memorable performance.
Sorelle (Team Chance), “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” — Grade: B | Tackling Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s hit, the sister act again sounded mostly divine when singing together but were less impressive on their solo vocals. (The living embodiment of “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”?) And I really appreciate that the sibs move on stage, but I’m not 100-percent-sure that their high-school-talent-show choreography doesn’t hurt them more than help.
Gina Miles (Team Niall), “Nothing Compares 2 U” — Grade: A | Perfect, perfect song choice. Sinead O’Connor’s Prince-penned No. 1 allowed Gina to give us a stunning reminder of how special her voice is. And she packed so much ache into her vocal… it might’ve even made my cold, dead heart beat a little. Dunno if even a performance that magnificent could steal the win from Blake, but if one possibly could… this was it.
It all comes down to this. Who do you think will win Season 23… and who do you think should win? Vote in the polls below, then rank the Top 5 in the comments.
Gina’s and Grace’s ballads were the best of the night! Would love either to win, but I think i’d give Gina the edge just cause I felt more move by her growth arc
Gina and D Smooth were the best the past two or three weeks. I hope one of them wins. They both have the potential for radio.
Grace really doesn’t have a lot of range. When going to high notes, she just gets louder instead of higher because she can’t hit the note.
Sorelle is not radio material period.
Love Noivas, and his first song was great, but Fly Away was way off pitch.
All season, I’ve expected NOIVAS to be best almost every night–and the one who should win this. But last week, he stumbled just enough to crack door (with Gina & D surging). This week he stumbled a bit on both. He was good but not great. Now, he may fall behind Gina, Grace, even Sorelle. Although, Team Blake-Is-Leaving may assure him 2nd if not 1st.
Last 3 weeks, no one has been as consistent as D Smooth. I know he won’t win (indeed likely first out tomorrow night) bc his music has smaller fanbase. But he gets my vote.
Last 2 weeks, Gina was as good as D Smooth and better than the rest (incl. NOIVAS).
= Tonight, I only got her to A- on both songs.
= bc the band drowned her low notes on NOTHING COMPARES, which shoulda been her star moment; was that intentional?
= Which tied her with Sorelle on my tab.
= She was bested slightly by both D Smooth & Grace, I thought.
= Still, per overall season, she, NOIVAS, & D Smooth were best.
= So one could make a strong case for her.
= Only she may have a chance to win or break into top 2 against Team Blake-Is-Leaving
Blake has had alot of success… Many people were snarkiy about it over the seasons.. So your snark does not go undetected this season. I just want to make the case that his 2 artists left are as good as any of the top 5 and deserve to be there….
You are right about Noivas and Grace both being very good. Either could win. This season all 5 finalists seem worthy.
Huh. Grace killed it on The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia. (And I only know Reba’s version and video) Noivas was brilliant on Cold. Not sure if the Kravitz song was the best pick. Gina was wonderful on her last song. I liked DSmooth but never remember his performances. I thought everyone did a good job overall especially with a short season. Thanks Charlie for the recaps.
Yeah. Did not like the Kravitz song for Noivas. Like you, I thought Cold was extremely well done. Grace sounded and looked amazing on The Night the Lights went out in Georgia. Her Patsy Cline song was the best of the night. She has my vote. Although, Gina is amazing too! DSmooth is so easy to listen to. Don’t really like the trio. And it does make it hard when they come with their own harmonies.. Hard to compare.
Should have done Whitesnake “Cryin in the Rain” – instant win!
– You didn’t like D. Smooth’s second performance? I thought that was one of the best tonight. Maybe not the most exciting song choices but very good performance. I would grade an A- probably
– Sorelle’s second performance was a mess for me. B is too generous, could be a C or lower for my grade.
– Unfortunately yes, NOIVAS was not good on his Fly Away performance.
– Agree on Gina being performance of the night
Is it really fair for individual voices to compete against trios or duos? Are full bands next?
We are only allowed one vote per email address so my vote went to Gina. I have been amazed by her since her audition.
I really hope Gina wins. Or D. Smooth. Won’t be mad about Grace. But I think Gina really deserves it.
Nothing compare to U…Gina. She is by far the best singer of this season, maybe all seasons. This young lady more than deserves to win. She is phenomenal. It will be a shame if either of Blake’s singers win over her just because it’s his last season. If Gina doesn’t win I would like to see Kelly take her under her wing and make her the star she deserves to be.
Ditto
It’s really funny to hear you say that. Even when Blake was NOT on his final season, people had issues with his artists winning. So, here we are again.
I had the same thought when no one mentioned that The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia was originally Vicki Lawrence’s song. It may be that Reba has the most well known version of the song, but I think they should always give credit to the original singers of the songs.
I found it a bit odd that they changed up the singing rotation the second time through (really only changed Noivas’s spot in the rotation) and had the Team Blake singers both be done for the night with like 45 to 50 minutes left in the show. I was really expecting the producers to give one of his artists the closing spot of the night.
While Style was not one of my favorite Gina performances, I am hoping she wins because she has been a favorite of mine since her Blinds audition.
Nobody can call “rigged” on the pimp spot anyway.
This time, I find all 5 finalists good, worthy, & entertaining. No embarrassment if any of them win.
= While I think D Smooth best, he’s unlikely to win. Deserves top 3; but likely 1st out, due smaller fanbase.
= I’d be happy if Gina or NOIVAS win; they’ve had strong seasons and should make top 3.
= Grace’s fab turns last night may give her a surprise win (if Blake winning with a country singer can be a surprise). Despite being an also-ran most of season, likely will join Gina & NOIVAS top 3.
= Sorelle may be weakest per talent, but is fun, dynamic, & poppy. The sisters might sneak into 3rd; but will probably be 4th.
Here’s my wish for the final rankings:
Sorelle – 5th
Grace West – 4th
Noivas – 3rd
D Smooth – 2nd
Gina Miles – 1st
With you on Gina. “Nothing Compares 2 U” was flawless.
That may well be my wish list as well. My expectation though is D in 5th, Sorelle 4th, and a Top 3 of Grace, Noivas, & Gina. The single-vote system may favor Gina, actually, if it splits the Blake vote.
I wish D Smooth would get more love from the viewers. Out of all the contestants left, he is the only one who hasn’t been pitchy during any of his live performances. He has made all the songs his own and I would love to see him win. I loved both of his songs tonight. Gina also did a great job with Nothing Compares 2 U but I wasn’t a fan of her rendition of Style. And, I’m sorry, but I don’t get the love for Noivas’ performance of “Cold.” It took me awhile before I realized that is what he was singing. To me, it was the same quality as his performance of Fly Away… and his past three songs. Sorelle and Grace were good, but I don’t think they delivered finale-worthy performances.
I didn’t realize Noivas was singing “Cold” either until he got to the chorus. I was a bit disappointed with his performances tonight, considering it was for the finale vote.
D.Smooth truly is a smooth singer and I agree that he deserves more love. But Gina has always been my favorite.
Wow.. No love on Lights Went out in Georgia? I thought she looked and sounded fabulous.. She is my pick.. Her Patsy Cline song was flawless.. Gina is amazing! Noivas has always been entertaining to me. These 3 are my top spots.
I am pretty impressed with all of the finalists this year; they each have that certain “something”. But, Sorelle just doesn’t have the soul to sing Peaches and Herb; it reminded me of a high school talent show. I am completely against groups performing anyway. Any other show D Smooth would win; he is mesmerizing. I love Noivas and hope he wins; the D grade on Fly Away was uncalled for – he is always exciting. Grace is solid and did not deserve a C on Georgia. It seems to me like the voices are being graded on song choice (still hearing raves about Gina on Wicked Game). If I was guessing
I would say Gina will win based on the fact that young teenage girls are the main voters. And she sang Taylor Swift, teen girls’ favorite.
Grace has been consistent with her song choices throughout this season starting with the blind audition and to the finale. She has shown versatility with her song choices and I feel that she is worthy of winning this season. Love listening to her voice and hoping she wins tonight! Good luck Grace and no disrespect to other contestants since they were all very talented.
All of these singers are talented, but to me, only Gina and D. Smooth have that It Factor to become popular after the show. Grace has a wonderful voice (and hit every note of her Patsy Cline cover, which is *really* hard) but her performance style is robotic. NOIVAS has power and range, but is messy and inconsistent.
But Gina and D. Smooth have beautiful, rich voices *and* are great performers, and Gina has grown incredibly as a singer since the season began. I gave her my vote last night.
So sad Novias, would have killed this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oIOKJlx7lc. OMG!!!
Great finale but my prediction was that the decision would or should have been between Gina Myles and Noivas. His rendition of “Why are you so Cold?” Was fantastic and Gina all around could likely pull off the win. Myself I was most impressed w the performances of Noivas!!