Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Hannah Mrozak reacts to a steal on Tuesday’s episode of The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Those playoffs begin Monday, with each coach selecting three members of his or her team to advance to the Season 13 finals.

Yes, I know, that’s the stage of the competition where fans have typically had a chance to vote for their favorites in the past.

But this year, The Voice decided pre-taped playoffs with coaches making all the decisions was a better approach.

Of course, I’d call it a step backwards.

Anyway, here’s how the playoff teams stack up, if you’ve lost track:

Team Adam Levine: Anthony Alexander, Emily Luther, Jon Mero, Adam Cunningham (stolen from Team Blake), Addison Agen (stolen from Team Miley).

Team Blake Shelton: Red Marlow, Mitchell Lee, Keisha Renee, Esera Tuaolo, Chloe Kohanski (stolen from Team Miley).

Team Jennifer Hudson: Chris Weaver, Davon Fleming, Shi’Ann Jones, Noah Mac (stolen from Team Blake), Hannah Mrozak (stolen from Team Adam).

Team Miley Cyrus: Ashland Craft, Brooke Simpson, Janice Freeman, Moriah Formica, Adam Pearce (stolen from Team Adam).

I’ll post more on what I expect to happen in the playoffs this weekend.

In the meantime, here’s the recap of Tuesday’s show.

WHAT? NO STEAL?

Team Jennifer Hudson

The match: Chris Weaver versus Katrina Rose
The songs: Chris performed “I Put a Spell on You” by Jay Hawkins; Katrina performed “Zombie” by The Cranberries
Background: Chris turned four chairs in the blinds, then prevailed over Kathrina Feigh in the battle round when they performed “Dangerous Woman.” Katrina’s blind audition was montaged. But she made a big impression in the battles, when she performed “Woman” alongside Janice Freeman and prompted Jennifer to steal her.
The outcome: Chris won the match and advances to the playoffs; Katrina was eliminated from the show.
My take: First off, I could attach a whole list of superlatives to Chris’ performance and he’d deserve every one. No way a four-chair turn performs like that and doesn’t advance. But the coaches must have been out of saves when Katrina performed for her not to merit a steal. I mean, she was powerful too. For the second straight time, I might add. Looking at the Top 200, she should be included. Perhaps the coaches will redeem themselves with a comeback invite. How impressed was I with these two: I’d rate their dual performances as the best of the knockout round.

THE COACH GOT IT WRONG

Team Adam Levine

The match: Anthony Alexander versus Hannah Mrozak
The songs: Hannah performed “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna; Alexander performed “Mercy” by Shawn Mendes
Background: Hannah turned three chairs in the blinds, then won a battle round match with Brandon Showell. They sang “Cold Water.” Anthony Alexander also turned three chairs in the blinds; then won a battle round match with Michael Kight that didn’t air.
The outcome: Adam advanced Alexander to the playoffs; Hannah was stolen by Jennifer.
My take: Honestly, I’m not sure what Adam was listening to. Alexander flashed potential, but I had trouble making out the lyrics during his first and second verse he seemed so tentative early in the performance. Hannah seemed much more comfortable on stage and delivered a vocal that should have secured a spot in the playoffs without needing a save from Jennifer.

THE COACH GOT IT RIGHT

Team Blake Shelton

The match: Red Marlow versus Megan Rose
The songs: Red performed “Outskirts of Heaven” by Craig Campbell; Megan sang “Smoke Break” by Carrie Underwood.
Background: Megan Rose snagged the final spot on Team Miley in the blind auditions. She then captured the final steal of the battle round; Blake used it after her performance of “Good Hearted Woman” with Ashland Craft. Red turned two chairs in the blinds; then defeated Ryan Scripps in the battle round when they sang “Fishin’ in the Dark.”
The outcome: Red won the match and advanced to the playoffs; Megan was eliminated.
My take: How can you not root for Red, the guy who’s hoping The Voice allows him to spend more time with a guitar and less with a hammer (he’s been working construction to make ends meet). He delivered another in a string of solid performances.