Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Melinda Rodriguez receives a hug from Taylor Swift during knockout round rehearsals on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

There are five battle matches remaining, and I won’t be shocked if a couple of those are montaged, because The Voice seems eager to get to Taylor Swift time.

Taylor’s this year’s knockout adviser for all four teams, and The Voice has already released sneak peeks of two of knockout matches.

That includes a brilliant showdown between Katie Kadan and Max Boyle of Team Legend and a touching meeting between Team Kelly’s Melinda Rodriguez and Taylor.

Ah, but the battles come first, and the final five include a Team Legend duet between two singers who turned four chairs in the blinds — 14-year-old Preston Howell and 28-year-old Mendeleyev.

Ricky Braddy, who turned three chairs in the blinds, will also return to the stage, matched with Cory Jackson in a do-or-die Team Blake battle round match.

It’s do or die because Blake has already used his save and all the other coaches — Gwen, John and Kelly — have used their steals.

In fact, entering Monday’s match, Blake is the only coach left with a save or steal. My hunch: It goes to the at-risk contestant following the Preston-Mendeleyev battle or the battle between Team Gwen rockers Jake HaldenVang and Caroline Reilly.

Here’s a look at where the teams stand entering Monday’s show. The links take you to profiles or exit interviews for the contestants.

TEAM BLAKE SHELTON

Yet to battle

Jordan Chase vs. Ricky Braddy

Advanced

Cali Wilson
Joana Martinez
Kat Hammock
Marina Chello (saved)
Ricky Duran
Zach Bridges

Eliminated

Cory Jackson
EllieMae
Josie Jones
Matthew McQueen

Talented teens Preston C. Howell and Caroline Reilly are among those yet to battle on The Voice Season 17.

Yet to battle

Brennen Henson vs. Calvin Lockett
Caroline Reilly vs. Jake HaldenVang

Advanced

Destiny Rayne (stolen from Team Legend)
Jessie Lawrence (saved)
Kyndal Inskeep
Myracle Holloway
Rose Short
Royce Lovett

Eliminated
Elise Azkoul

TEAM KELLY CLARKSON

Yet to battle

Hello Sunday vs. Lauren Hall

Advanced

Alex Guthrie
Damali
Gracee Shriver
Jake Hoot
Kiara Brown (stolen from Team Gwen)
Melinda Rodriguez (saved)
Shane Q

Eliminated

Brennan Lassiter
Brooke Stephenson
Injoy Fountain
Steve Knill

TEAM JOHN LEGEND

Yet to battle

Preston C. Howell vs. Mendeleyev

Advanced

James Violet (stolen from Team Gwen)
Katie Kadan
Khalea Lynee
Marybeth Byrd
Max Boyle
Will Breman
Zoe Upkins

Eliminated

Dane and Stephanie
Jared Herzog
Matt New