On Making the Finals: “If I could narrow it down to one word, to explain how I feel about the live shows, it’s excitement,” says T.J. Wilkins of Los Angeles. “There’s a little bit of added sense of pressure because you have to be on the money, every time. In order to do that it’s…
His audition: Biff Gore, 45, of Denver, Colo., sang “A Change is Gonna Come.” The big voice prompted Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Shakira to turn around in rapid succession. His soulful performance seemed to get stronger and stronger, prompting Usher to turn around as well. Biff finished the audition with a leg kick, then…
On making the finals: “This is stuff you dream about. I remember when I was 14, 15 years old, watching singing shows. I’ve always wanted to have those moments. I’m finally getting those moments, which is crazy for me,” says Christina Grimmie of Marelon, N.J., adding. “It’s scary the amount of talent on this show…
On making the finals: “I have been doing this since I was 11, but it’s crazy to be in this position right now,” says Bria Kelly of Smithfield, Va. “The remaining contestants are absolutely outstanding. Everybody is different. Now it’s a matter of preference, because everyone is equally good at this point. Definitely nerves are…
On making the finals: “Top 12 means a whole lot to me,” says Jake Worthington, of LaPorte, Texas. “Honestly, just to get on the stage means the whole world to me. It’s icing on the cake from here. The live shows, you have to show you’re the whole, complete talent. There’s no messing up. It’s…
Her audition: Madilyn Paige, 16, of Provo Utah, auditioned with a plaintive, slowed down version of “Titanium.” Usher turned his chair the first time she sang the chorus. He was later joined by Shakira. Usher said he appreciated her “gentle” approach to the song and the way it displayed different “dynamics” in her voice. Madilyn…
Her audition: Deja Hall, 16, of San Antonio, Texas, auditioned with “True Colors,” turning in a very composed performance for someone so young. Blake Shelton and Shakira turned around during the first run-through of the chorus; Usher later joined them. Shakira called her “angelic.” Her background: She grew up in a military family, which meant…
Her audition: Cary Laine, 28, of Citronelle, Ala., turned in a spirited version of The Band Perry’s “Better Dig Two.” Adam Levine turned around early in the performance. Blake Shelton and Shakira soon joined him. Usher spun his chair late in the audition, giving Cary one of those coveted four-chair turnarounds. Intense lobbying followed, during…
His audition: Noah Lis, 22, of Palmer, Mass., performed a smooth version of “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Midway through the song, he started adding some of his own unique touches. But it wasn’t until the very last second that Blake Shelton and Adam Levine turned their chairs. Blake said he loved the song choice. After…
On making the finals: “I am just so excited to even be able to be on national television singing on a live stage,” says Delvin Choice of Greenville, S.C. “The closest I’ve gotten to that is singing in church. I’m a fan of all 11 of the contestants that are here with me. We have…
