Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Youshihanaa performs during the knockouts on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Three more singers advanced to the playoffs and Yoshihanaa received a mic drop as The Voice concluded its knockout round Monday night.

Advancing along with Youshihanaa of Team Snoop were Kirbi of Team Niall and Peyton Kyle of Team Reba.

Eliminated during Monday’s episode were Austin Gilbert, Lauren Anderson and Dustin Dale Gaspard.

The Season 28 playoffs open next week as the coaches begin hand-picking finalists for Season 28.

Meanwhile, Yoshihanaa joins Team Niall’s DEK of Hearts, Team Michael’s Max Chambers and Team Reba’s Aaron Nichols as mic drop recipients.

Fans will now vote to see which of the four will perform in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1.

Voting is underway now on The Voice app and will continue through 7 a.m. eastern time on Friday.

Here’s a recap of Monday’s show. Following the links takes you to a profile of each singer.

THE COACH GOT IT WRONG

TEAM REBA

The match: Peyton Kyle vs. Austin Gilbert
The songs: Jake Owen’s “Eight Second Ride” for Austin; Gavin DeGraw’s “I Don’t Want to Be” for Peyton.
The background: Austin, 25, of Eugene, Oregon, performed “The Kind of Love We Make” in the blinds, turning two chairs. He was stolen by Reba following a Team Michael battle round match with Rob Cole. Peyton, 26, of Tampa, Fla., performed “Talking to the Moon” in the blinds, turning just Reba’s chair. He won a battle round match over Shan Scott.
The feedback: Michael said they both showed up and nailed their performances. Snoop complimented both singers. Niall said Peyton can sing anything and he’d lean toward him.
The outcome: Reba awarded the win to Peyton, saying he has an “amazing” voice.
My take: Peyton showed off a distinct tone and nice performance skills. But his voice didn’t cut through the way you’d like over a loud backing band. You have to lov the joy and enthusiasm with which Austin performs. His voice got swallowed up by the backing band on occasions, but he delivered a fun performance and a big ending to match his cowboy belt. I would have given Austin a very narrow edge.

THE COACH GOT IT A WEE BIT WRONG

TEAM NIALL

The match: Kirbi vs. Dustin Dale Gaspard
The songs: Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” for Kirbi. The Black Crowes’ “She Talks to Angels” for Dustin.
The background: Kirbi, 24, of Florence, Ala., turned all four chairs in the blinds, singing “God Only Knows.” She then won a battle over Carolina Rodriguez. Dustin, 33, of Cow Island, Mississippi, performed “Bring It On Home to Me” in the blinds and also turned four chairs. He then won a battle over Revel Day.
The feedback: Reba called the performances “fabulous” and said she’d give the edge to Kirbi. Michael said Dustin brings something to the competition no one else does and gave him the edge. Snoop praised both performers. Niall called Dustin “the real deal” and said Kirbi delivered her best performance to date.
The outcome: Niall awarded the win to Kirbi, calling her performance “undeniable.”
My take: Great song choice by Dustin, who delivered a great opening. He even played harmonica for a few seconds in the middle of the performance. That was a rousing performance, certainly playoff worthy. Kirbi has a wonderfully distinctive tone and a real knack for connecting with songs and delivering a heartfelt performance. I’d give the edge to Dustin because I think he’s just a bit more unique.

THE COACH GOT IT RIGHT

TEAM SNOOP DOGG

The match: Lauren Anderson vs. Yoshihanaa
The songs: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s “You’re All I Need to Get By” for Yoshihanaa. P!nk’s “Try” for Lauren.
The background: Yoshihanaa, 36, of Sanford, Fla., performed “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” in the blinds, turning three chairs. She then won a battle round match with Natalia Albertini. We haven’t seen her on The Voice since Oct. 13. Lauren, 40, of Oak Park, Ill., performed “Midnight Train to Memphis in the blinds, turning just Snoop’s chair. She won a battle round match against Makenzie Phipps.
The feedback: Niall called Yoshi’s range crazy and loved the way Lauren stayed in tone while prowling the stage. Reba called them both “beautifully talented women.” Michael praised both singers. Snoop said Lauren gets better every time she performs. He said Yoshi made him a believer.
The outcome: Snoop awarded the win to Yoshihanaa and then rewarded her with the mic drop. He said he believes she could win the show.
My take: Yoshi’s voice is undeniable, rich and powerful She showed off nice stage presence too. My only criticism with that performance, she started at 10 and stayed there instead of starting at 5 and blowing the roof off The Voice with a big ending. Lauren’s an experienced performer too and that showed. She also has a very appealing growl in her voice. She did a better job of building the song and varying the dynamics. That said, this show is supposed to be about the best voice, so the edge should have gone to Yoshi.

Kirbi performs during the playoffs for Team Niall on The Voice. (NBC Photo)