Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The members of Team Chance, Maddi Jane, Kyle Schuesler, Nadège, Rletto and Serenity Arce — await their fate on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

The Voice playoffs concluded Monday night with performances by Team Chance and Team Reba.

And after everyone performed, Chance the Rapper had to choose three singers from his team to advance.

He decided to advance Maddi Jane, Serenity Arce and Nadège.

That meant the elimination of Kyle Schuesler and Rletto.

Maddi Jane was a no-brainer. She’s Team Chance’s best. Serenity was superb in the playoffs.

I hated to see Kyle leave because I think he’s one of the top male vocalists on the show. But I can see why Chance would feel more allegiance to Nadège, who’s been solid every time she’s performed.

Here are the song by song grades for Team Chance.

Nadège, 26, Wellington, Fla., “Clocks” by Coldplay: Nadège says she connects with this song and is eager to sing something other than R&B. She won Chance’s playoff pass so it’s been a long time since we’ve heard her sing. Her voice sounds ethereal on the opening. Not sure that song offered the emotion or dynamics called for considering the talent on Team Chance. Reba complimented her on her rich voice. Shay called her vocals silky smooth. John called them angelic but was concerned about some melodic changes she made to the song. Chance called it one of the best performances he’s seen on the show. Grade: B–.

Kyle Schuesler, 19, of Huntington Beach, Calif., “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan: Kyle was stolen from Team Dan + Shay by Chance. He’s going to play guitar and harmonica on this song. In fact, he opens the song playing harmonica. Meghan Trainor reminded him to open his eyes for the performance. Kyle finally did about four lines in. Hey, I think this guy has one of the best voice on The Voice and this turned out to be another solid performance. I almost wished he’d ditched the harmonica though and focused more on the emotion of the song. Shay called his performance amazing. Dan said it’s the most comfortable he’s seemed on the show. Chance said he was proud of the performance. Grade: B

Serenity Arce, 16, of Jupiter, Fla., “Lose You to Love Me” by Selena Gomez: Remember Serenity is one of the singers on Season 25 who went from no chair turns the first time she auditioned to all four on her second try. But she struggled a bit vocally during the knockout round. Tonight: No struggles. Serenity delivered an impressive vocal performance and showed off nice stage presence for her age. I would have liked a wee bit more emotion, but that might have been her best performance, certainly her best since the blinds. Shay loves her story-telling ability. Dan loved her conviction. Reba says she needs to be in the lives. Grade: B+

Rletto, 27, of Orlando, Fla., “Holy” by Justin Bieber and Chance the Rapper: Rletto calls himself the pop oddball on Team Chance. Nice opening by Rletto. And he delivered an impressive glory note near the end. But all in all, that performance didn’t make as big of an impression as you have to at this stage of the competition. John called it a lovely performance. Reba said he did a great job. Chance compliments him on amazing stage presence. Grade: C+

Maddi Jane, 25, Chicago, Ill., “Stay” by Rihanna: Maddi Jane says she grew up singing West Side Story and Rihanna over and over. Wise choice by Maddi Jane. And she’s making it work. Her voice is absolutely soaring on this. And she ends with a wonderfully delicate touch. That was unquestionably the best performance of the night from Team Chance. It’s also the type of song choice that will register with Voice voters as opposed to the current pop songs Maddi’s been doing on the show. Shay said he’s quitting the show if she doesn’t make the lives. John called it a master class in singing. Chance applauds her cool confidence. Grade: A