Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The Voice’s four saved artists, Nelson Cade III, Todd Michael Hall, Samantha Howell and Michael Williams. (NBC Photo)

For the first time Monday night, four saved artists from The Voice battle round squared off in a knockout round match, with fans voting for their favorite.

The knockout match included Todd Michael Hall of Team Blake, Samantha Howell of Team Kelly, Nelson Cade III of Team Legend and Michael Williams of Team Nick.

Here’s a recap of the performances.

Todd Michael Hall (Team Blake), 50, of Saginaw, Mich.
The song: “Somebody to Love” by One Republic
The background: Todd turned just Blake’s chair in the blinds, then was saved following a battle round match with Joei Fulco.
My take: He started out in an almost speaking voice, putting his own stamp on the song. Then he showed off that range that has served him so well during his previous Voice performances. Solid effort. But when I saw the song choice, I was hoping it was the Queen classic. Grade: B

Samantha Howell (Team Kelly), 19, of Virginia Beach, Va.
The song: “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson
The background: She turned three chairs with her blind audition cover of REO Speedwagon’s “Take It on the Run,” then was saved following a battle round match with Megan Danielle.
My take: I wasn’t liking what I heard from Samantha during the rehearsal clip, but she picked a great song and delivered once she hit the big stage. She also impresses me as the member of this quartet with the most post-show star potential. Grade: B+

Nelson Cade III (Team Legend), 27, of Anaheim, Calif.
The song: “Best Part” by Daniel Ceasar
The background: Nelson turned four chairs with his blind audition performance of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Pride and Joy;” then was saved following an acclaimed battle round performance of “Come Together” with Darious Lyles.
My take: Solid vocal from the only saved artist who turned four chairs during the blinds, but I’d agree with John that it was a rather mellow song choice for the situation. Strong vocal, but not the show-stopper the occasion called for. And sitting behind the keys might have hurt him too. Grade: B–

Michael Williams (Team Nick), 18, of Mason, Ohio
The song: “You Are the Reason” by Calum Scott
The background: Michael turned just Nick’s chair in the blinds, singing “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. He was saved following a battle round match with Allegra Miles.
My take: Hey, this guy turned just one chair in the blinds, but he just delivered another really nice, passionate vocal. I wasn’t giving him a chance to win this, but he just changed my mind. Nice vocal, nice range. Grade A–