Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Gary Edwarrds and Angel Bonilla perform during the battle round on The Voice Season 14. (NBC Photo)

The Voice montaged the battle round match between Gary Edwards and Angel Bonilla, meaning we got to see only the tiniest snippet of their performance.

But during a conference call with the media, Gary described it as “an amazing situation,” thanks in part to an astute song choice by coach Adam Levine.

Adam had them sing “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston. Gary said he related to the song because of some difficulties in his past. Angel, meanwhile, faced the challenge of being the first transgender contestant on The Voice.

“The song choice was really a genius choice,” Gary said. “Me, from my background of not really having the support I wanted at the time due to parents trying to choose the best situation for me. And then Angel, with her courage, to not just be in her truth, but to live it on such a large stage.

“Angel is a one of a kind individual,” he continued. “We’re complete opposites in more ways than one. But what connected us — and I think what gave us a friendship — was the fact that her hard work matched mine.”

While their full performance didn’t air, their cover of the Whitney hit is available on iTunes.

Adam declared Gary as the winner. Angel was eliminated from the show.

Asked about the key to his success, Gary said he was determined to shine when it was his time to be in the spotlight during their performance.

“They call it a battle, but it’s really a duet,” he said. “The goal is not to completely take over; you have to let somebody else shine as well. So the opportunities I was given, I tried to take advantage of. That’s something Adam stressed.”

From the Dallas area and 26 when he auditioned, Gary now advances to the knockout round. Those head-to-head solos begin airing Monday night on The Voice.

See also:
Meet Gary Edwards
Meet Angel Bonilla
Exit interview with Angel