Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Nelson Cade performs during his battle round on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

A four-way knockout round match is coming to The Voice Season 18.

And Nelson Cade III will be one of the four singers competing for fans’ votes and a chance to stay alive on The Voice.

The Team John Legend representative will be going up against Samantha Howell of Team Kelly, Todd Michael Hall of Team Blake and Michael Williams of Team Nick.

Nelson advanced to the four-way knockout because he was saved by John following a battle round performance of The Beatles classic “Come Together” with teammate Darious Lyles.

All the coaches raved over their performance. And while John declared Darious the winner, he immediately followed up by saving Nelson, who had turned four chairs with his blind audition.

Here’s what Nelson, 27, of Anaheim, Calif., told Voice Views about his battle round experience.

Voice Views: What do you think was the key to the success of that battle round performance? And how did it feel to get that incredible feedback on the performance?

Nelson: I believe the key to success in our battle was teamwork. We focused on making sure that we did this song in a way that complimented both of our strengths without causing us to sing over each other.

John gave us such great direction with how to do well with the song and we were both eager and able to take his instructions and apply them in our own way. Hearing him say that we addressed every note that we talked about in rehearsal was awesome, coming from a strict classical piano early life, that’s one of the highest praises a teacher can give.

Voice Views: Are you used to singing with others or performing duets? And, if so, do you think that works to your advantage in preparing for the battle?

Nelson: Singing with others is fun, that’s one of the best things about music. From singing with my next door neighbor as kids, to singing in chamber choir in High School I’m quite comfortable with being a part of a bigger act!

Nelson Cade standing alongside host Carson Daly reacts to being saved on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

Voice Views: How did the song choice work for you? Did it pose any special challenges? Is it a song you had performed often?

Nelson: This was my first time singing this song. This version is a powerful one, practicing a power song in a short amount of time can be straining on the vocal cords if you practice carelessly. This song helped me learn a lot of good ways to prepare for songs and performances in general.

Voice Views: Once Darius advanced, how did you feel about your chances of being saved/stolen? And what do you think about being involved in this brand new twist, a four-way knockout? Any strategy heading into that performance?

Nelson: When Darius advanced, I wasn’t even thinking about being saved or stolen, I was proud of our performance and was ready to continue on my path wherever it took me. In all honesty, I definitely wanted a save over a steal but, my focus was showing good sportsmanship.

I’m ecstatic to be a part of the four-way knockout, I think it’s really cool to see the teams each select a representative to battle it out! I always have a strategy, and knowing that I’m up against some really amazing talent, I know I need to step it up. I expect them to give their best, and I will do no less!

Voice Views: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your battle round experience?

Nelson: There were so many great moments about the battle itself and the rehearsals leading up to them. I truly valued my time with Ella Mai and John Legend, as coaches they are truly insightful. When John was literally creating a new ending to our song in rehearsals, it was an awesome moment as a songwriter. It was really special to actually witness creation happening in front of me.

See also …
Meet Nelson Cade III
Nelson talks about his blind audition