Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Sorelle, the sister trio of Madi Heichel, Ana Heichel and Bella Heichel, listen to feedback after their battle on The Voice Season 23. (NBC Photo)

A sister trio and eight other artists advanced to the knockouts Monday night as the battle round began on The Voice.

Manasseh Samone became the first artist honored with one of the show’s new playoff passes, courtesy of her coach, Chance the Rapper.

That will allow her to skip the knockout round and advance straight to the live playoffs.

But the stars of Monday’s shows were Gina Miles and the sister trio Sorelle — Madi Heichel, Ana Heichel and Bella Heichel. Talk about brilliant performances.

Like many of The Voice contestants, Gina and Sorelle already have music out. Following the links below will take you to profiles of the artists where you can learn more about that music.

Gina Miles listens to Blake Shelton’s feedback during the battles on The Voice Season 23. (NBC Photo)

STAR OF THE NIGHT

Team Naill

The pairing: Gina Miles (2) vs. Kala Banham (3)
Song: “Skinny Love” by Birdy
Feedback: Blake loved Gina’s unique voice and sound and would love to hear her on a record. Both artists got well deserved praise for their performance.
The outcome: Naill proclaimed Gina the winner. Kala was stolen by Kelly.
My take: Damn, I love Gina Miles’ voice. She sounded absolutely ethereal. Find the confidence, young lady, because those vocals are something really special. Kala, meanwhile, got a well deserved steal from Kelly Clarkson. Kelly had tried to land Kala in the blinds, but was blocked.

BEST OF THE NIGHT

Team Chance

The pairing: Sorelle (2) vs. Manasseh Samone (1)
Song: “Someone Like You” by Adele
Feedback: Kelly gave a slight edge to Manasseh. Blake said Sorelle’s harmonies were the tightest he’s ever heard on The Voice and gave them the edge. Naill agreed.
The outcome: Chance declared Sorelle, then awarded the playoff pass to Manasseh, dropping confetti on her head.
My take: It’s always been tough for groups to stand out in the battles. Sorelle stood out big time. They did it by focusing on their harmonies instead of splitting up their into tiny solos. Great strategy that worked wonderfully. Oh, and for someone who failed to turn a chair in Season 22, Manasseh was remarkable.

THE COACHES GOT IT WRONG

Team Blake

The pairing: Tasha Jessen (3) vs. EJ Michels (2)
Song: “Track of My Tears” by Smoky Robinson
Feedback: Chance the Rapper called it an “award-show level performance.” He gave EJ the edge based on his stage presence. Kelly called it evenly matched. Naill also gave a slight edge to EJ.
The outcome: Blake awarded the win to Tasha, calling her a special one-of-a-kind artist you’re lucky to get on your team. Chance and Naill each tried to steal EJ. EJ opted to join Team Naill.
My take: I would have awarded the win to EJ. He showed incredible range from the first note of the song and Chance was spot on about his stage presence.

Team Chance

The pairing: Jamar Langley (2) vs. Mariah Kalia (2)
Song: “Gravity” by John Mayer
Feedback: Kelly called it her favorite very of the song and gave a slight edge to Jamar. Blake did too, but said Mariah has superstar potential. Naill gave the edge to Mariah.
The outcome: Chance awarded the win to Jamar, saying he’s an artist who’s ready right now. Mariah was eliminated.
My take: Jamar was excellent, but I would have awarded the win to Mariah. Unlike American Idol, The Voice is not loaded with young artists blessed with that much potential. She looked like a superstar, impressed with her vocal acrobatics and showed a heck of a lot of confidence for such a young performer.

THE COACHES GOT IT RIGHT

Team Kelly

Cait Martin (4) vs. Allie Keck (2)
Song: “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette
Feedback: Blake complimented them both for “killing it.” Naill called the performance mind blowing. Chance gave the edge to Cait.
The outcome: Kelly awarded the win to Cait, calling her range limitless. Allie was eliminated.
My take: First off, I loved that arrangement of the song. Second, Allie is the one who came in as the rocker. But when the song swelled, Cait truly soared. I, too, would have given her the win.

Team Blake

Walker Wilson (1) vs. Kason Lester (1)
Song: “Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down
Feedback: Naill gave a slight edge to Walker. Chance complimented both singers and also gave the edge to Walker. Kelly called it evenly matched.
The outcome: Blake awarded the win to Walker, complimenting the character in his voice.
My take: Walker has a grittier and more unique tone and deserved the win. But Kason, who also appeared on American Idol a couple of years back, has music out. Be sure to check it out by following the link.