Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Four more artists advanced to the live playoffs Tuesday night on The Voice.

Ricky Duran, Khalea Lynee and Kyndal Inskeep won knockout round matchups that were filmed over the summer, but aired Tuesday.

And Joana Martinez, just 15, was rescued from elimination when Gwen Stefani used her only knockout round steal to claim her for her team.

Unlike Monday night, I can’t quibble with any of Tuesday’s outcomes.

But with 10 knockout round matchups left to air, only two steals remain. They’re in the hands of Blake Shelton and John Legend.

DESERVED THE SAVE (OR THE WIN)

TEAM BLAKE SHELTON

The match: Joana Martinez vs. Ricky Duran
The song: “California Dreamin'” by The Mamas and The Papas for Joana; “She Talks to Angels” by the Black Crowes.
The background: Joana, 15, of Miami, Fla., turned three chairs with her blind audition. She then won a battle round match with Matthew McQueen. Ricky, 29, of Worcester, Mass., was a four-chair turn in the blinds. He was matched with Marina Chello in the battles and prevailed.
The feedback: Both singers received high praise. Gwen gave the edge to Joana, saying she’s eager to hear more from the talented teen. John and Kelly gave the edge to Ricky, both saying they appreciate his tone and his polish.
The outcome: Blake, praising his willingness to be coached, named Ricky the winner. But Gwen sweeped in and stole Joana.
My take: Joana served up a reminder of how talented she is at just 15, didn’t she? I was actually more impressed with the soft opening than the glory note after glory note she belted out as the song built. Ricky was impressive vocally as well, and I probably would have given him the edge, though I thought that performance was a little overbaked. These head-to head matchups often lead to that.

THE COACHES GOT IT RIGHT

TEAM JOHN LEGEND

The match: Khalea Lynee and James Violet
The songs: “Stay” by Post Malone for James; “Because You Love Me” by Celine Dion.
The background: Khalea, 36, of Clearwater, Fla., turned four chairs in the blind audition; then won a battle round match against Zoe Upkins. James, 20, of Syracuse, Utah, turned three chairs in the blinds, then was stolen by John in the battles.
The feedback: Kelly Clarkson complimented Khalea for making a Celine song sound easy to sing. Blake gave Khalea the edge, saying Khalea is as powerful as anyone on earth when she’s in her zone. John said Khalea reminds him of Whitney Houston.
The outcome: John declared Khalea the winner of the knockout; James was eliminated.
My take: Did Khalea flub some lyrics early in her performance? It sounded like it to me. No matter, it’s called The Voice, and she certainly demonstrated that on a song that offered her a chance to deliver plenty of glory notes. I wasn’t a big fan of James’ song choice considering the vocal firepower he was going up against. In my mind, Khalea was the clear winner.

TEAM GWEN STEFANI

The match: Jessie Lawrence and Kyndal Inskeep
The songs: “Dancing with a Stranger” by Sam Smith and Normani for Jessie; “Elastic Heart” by Sia for Kyndal
The background: Jessie landed a spot on Team Gwen singing “All or Nothing.” He was then saved by Gwen following a battle round match with Rose Short. Kyndal turned three chairs in the blinds, with Gwen blocked Blake, Kyndal then won her battle round match with James Violet.
The feedback: Blake gave the edge to Kyndal based on her unique tone. John did too, complimented Kyndal on the perfect song choice and the heart she poured into the performance.
The outcome: Gwen declared Kyndal the winner. Jessie was eliminated when he wasn’t saved or stolen.
My take: Dang, Kyndal Inskeep. I’m with Gwen. I want a record. Like right now! Great song choice. Great performance. One of my favorites so far in Season 17. Jessie turned in a fine performance and showed off nice presence, he just had the misfortune of being matched up against one of the most unique voices of Season 17.