Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Maddi Jane and Nadège react to the coaches’ feedback following their battle round match on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Seven contestants took the stage on the second night of battles on The Voice.

Only one went home.

That’s because Chance the Rapper, facing the prospect of seeing one of his best singer stolen, decided to use his playoff pass on Nadège.

And Reba McEntire, seeing the last group in Season 25 on the verge of elimination, used her steal to rescue teen twins Justin and Jeremy Garcia.

Battle round winners Tuesday including Maddi Jane, Frank Garcia and Zeya Rae. That left William Alexander of Team Reba as the only eliminated contestant.

Meanwhile, Nadège became the third recipient of the playoff pass, a prize that allows a singer to skip the knockout round.

She joined Team Legend’s Bryan Olesen and Team Reba’s L. Rodgers in earning that distinction.

That means Dan + Shay is the only team with a playoff pass still in play entering the second week of battles next Monday and Tuesday.

BEST OF THE NIGHT

Team Chance

The match: Maddi Jane vs. Nadège
The background: Maddi, 25, turned 4 chairs in the blinds singing “Escapism” by RAYE and 070 Shake. Nadège, 26, turned 2 performing “Get You” by Daniel Caesar.
The song: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”
The feedback: John declared the performance “beautiful,” and announced he’s waiting to steal someone. Dan said they both displayed “special” tones and should go far in the competition.
The outcome: Chance awarded the victory to Maddi. Both John and Dan + Shay tried to steal Nadège. But Chance then hit the playoff pass for her, halting those efforts.
My take: Really nice performance by two singers who know what they’re doing on stage. They were clearly determined to bring a fresh vibe to the song and succeeded. Maddi sounded fabulous during her solo at the 2-minute mark. And Nadège showed off a lovely range that I didn’t recall from the battles. Having them both advance was the fairest outcome.
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A QUESTIONABLE STEAL

Team Dan + Shay

The match: Frank Garcia vs. twins Justin and Jeremy Garcia
The background: Justin and Jeremy, both 17, turned 3 chairs in the blinds, performing “Sory of My Life” by One Direction. Frank Garcia, 19, turned Dan + Shay’s “Love in the Dark” by Adele.
The song: “Million Reasons” by Lady Gaga
The feedback: John gave the edge to Frank. Reba gave the edge to Justin and Jeremy. Chance called the performance “fire.” He suggested Dan + Shay might want to use their playoff pass.
The outcome: Dan + Shay declared Frank the winner. Shay said it’s because of his powerful voice and joyful attitude. Then Reba stole Justin and Jeremy, noting that she wanted them during the blinds.
My take: Excellent opening by Frank. Great voice and nice emotional connection. The twins harmonize nicely, but the solos weren’t as impressive. Frank is was a one-chair turn? That was a really fine performance form him. He provided most of the vocal highlights during that battle. I was a little surprised by Reba’s save. But I’ve also always believed groups are at a disadvantage in the battles. That said, there are eight 4-chair turns on the show, one or two of whom might be at risk during the battles. Not one is on Team Reba at this point. And that performance didn’t scream steal.
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THE COACH GOT IT RIGHT

Team Reba:

The match: William Alexander vs. Zeya Rae
The background: William, 16, turned 2 chairs int he blinds, singng “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlphine. Zeya’s blind auditioned was montaged. She performed “Bellyache” by Billie Eilish and got Reba to turn.
The song: “Just Give Me a Reason” by Pink
The feedback: Chance said he was so impressed with what William did at age 16 that he’d be tempted to use his steal if he still had it. John and Dan + Shay both gave the edge to Zeya, praising her vocal and her consistency.
The outcome: Reba awarded the win to Zeya. William was eliminated.
My take: Strong opening by both singers. Thrilled to see Zeya’s performance air after she was montaged in the blinds. William started off a bit stronger on the opening solo. But as the song goes on, it’s Zeya’s who’s providing the most impressive vocal moments and turning in the more consistent performance. I’d give her a slight edge. And was pleasantly surprised Reba came to the same conclusion. I thought Reba might lean toward William because of his age.
More about William Alexander
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